Our department is made up of thirty-five distinguished faculty musicians, and approximately 100 music majors and minors. Our class sizes are small enough to allow for one-on-one attention in most of our learning environments, and our students and faculty have created a dynamic, supportive learning community. Whether you plan to pursue a career in teaching, or focus on jazz studies, classical performance, composition, music history, or general studies, there is a carefully designed program that will give you the background you need to work as a professional, and provide you with the knowledge and skills required to further your studies in graduate school.
Westfield State University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The Department of Music awards the Bachelor of Arts degree in music with several optional areas of concentration:
Music Education
Music Performance
Music Composition
Jazz Studies
Music History
While most of our undergraduates have gone on to have professional careers in music, others have used their music study as an enriching foundation for other professional pursuits.
Performing opportunities for solo and ensemble playing abound for students at Westfield State University. Curricular ensembles include the Festival Chorus, Wind Symphony, University Chorale, Music Theatre Workshop, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensemble, Classical Guitar Quartets, String Quartet, Saxophone Quartets, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Brass Choir, Piano Ensemble, and numerous mixed chamber ensembles.
Non-curricular, student run performing ensembles include the Musical Theater Guild, the Gospel Choir, and the Night Owls a cappella choir.