The Department of Music at Pittsburg State University is an accredited member of NASM, the National Association of Schools of Music.
Our department averages 100 music majors and 40 minors, and 200 non-music majors per semester, and is staffed by 13 full-time and 9 part-time faculty members. Please explore our website for complete information concerning our programs, degrees, faculty, scholarship auditions, upcoming performances, and other areas of interest.
Locate the Music Department in McCray Hall using Google Maps or the PSU Campus Map.
Qualified students may audition for scholarships on all wind, brass, percussion, woodwind, string and keyboard instruments, and voice. Additional assistance in the form of Participation Awards are available for the Marching Band and Pep Bands.
Bachelor of Music - Music Education Emphasis: The curriculum for this degree prepares students to teach and supervise music in the schools from kindergarten to senior high school. The program requires a thorough knowledge of an applied instrument or voice together with conducting and basic techniques of keyboard, woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion instruments, and voice.
Bachelor of Music - Music Performance Emphasis: The curriculum for this degree enables the student to develop her/his potential on a major instrument or voice together with skills in piano, music theory, history of music and conducting.
Bachelor of Music - Elective Studies in an Outside Field Emphasis: This degree follows the broadest aspect of a college education with an emphasis in Music. In contrast to the other Bachelor of Music programs, students who select this degree will complete an outside area of study. Some may choose to declare a double major. The degree can prepare one for graduate study leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as careers based on cultural concerns or in music related fields. This degree can also be oriented toward pre-professional or social and/or business opportunities.
Master of Music. A number of emphases are available within this program.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia originated at the Boston Conservatory of Music when Ossian Everett Mills formed a little club for men in music. Over 100 years later, it has thrived to become the largest national secret fraternal society in music. Sinfonians in nearly every field of study and professional endeavor have transformed music in America. The opportunity of becoming a Sinfonian is offered to as many men as possible who, through a love for music, can assist in the fulfillment of the Fraternity’s Object and ideals either by adopting music as a profession, or by working to advance the cause of music in America. On the campus of the Pittsburg State University, is the Beta Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha and is one of oldest fraternities on campus. The history of the Beta Delta chapter has included several notable names like Walter McCray, the second chair of the music department and William Brandenburg the first president of Pittsburg State.
For more information, visit the local chapter or national website, or email phimualphabd@gmail.com.
Sigma Alpha Iota is an International Music Fraternity for women, which promotes interaction among those who share a commitment to music. Members of SAI are active in all areas of campus music and campus life, working closely with faculty, administration, campus and community groups, music professionals and patrons. In addition to personal encouragement and support, members may receive scholarships, loans and awards in many areas and at all levels of music-related study. Sigma Alpha Iota has long been recognized as a leader in the field of music and provides a lifetime of fraternity contact. Sigma Alpha Iota accepts with pride the responsibilities and privileges of being a leader in the pursuit of music creation, performance, and scholarship.
For more information visit the national website or email psu.sai@gmail.com.
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century
for more information, visit the national website.
Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and over twenty-five other countries.
The National Association of Teachers of Singing has fostered the formation of student chapters in order to advance knowledge about the Association and the professions of teaching and singing. A Student NATS (SNATS) Chapter is an organization of students that can meet, hold events and discussions, participate, practice, and learn more about voice teaching as a profession.
For more information, visit the national website.
The goals of the Department of Music are aimed toward fulfilling the educational and cultural needs of four interdependent groups of people: music students, the university community, area public schools, and residents of our four-state area.
One of the department's primary functions is to prepare students for elementary and secondary music teaching and to serve students pursuing objectives leading to college teaching and professional performance. We endeavor to provide optimum opportunities for the achievement of excellence in both the applied and academic music subjects in all degree programs.
The cultural life of Pittsburg State University and the area which it serves is enriched by the many musical performances presented by Department of Music faculty recitals, student recitals, chamber music concerts, concerts by our large ensembles, opera productions and the Solo and Chamber Music Series. As a student, you are an important part of sustaining these cultural offerings.
The goals of the department and its surrounding public schools are clearly inter-related in seeking to strengthen the musical education of our students. Some of the educational services provided by the department include clinics, master classes, workshops, instrument demonstrations, concerts, guest conducting, teacher consultation, pre-college applied lessons, Music Festivals for students from elementary schools through high school, PSU Jazz Festival, Four State Band Festival, adjudication, and program evaluation. Cooperative services provided by public school teachers involve supervising student teachers, providing opportunities for class observation, participating in student MENC seminars, and working with student tutors.
The department attempts to maintain a balance among its many diverse functions while striving for excellence in each area.
Our Mission is to:
Use this online form to catch us up or just drop us a note at 'Department of Music, Pittsburg State University, 1701 S Broadway St, Pittsburg, KS 66762'. You can also contact Susan Marchant, Chair or email us at music@pittstate.edu.
If you would like to contribute to the Music Department for scholarships, equipment, or general purpose, visit the Support the Music Department website.
The Pride of the Plains Marching Band
Pitt State Violin/Viola Studios
At Special Collections located in Axe Library at Pittsburg State University, we have a large collection of sheet music from many personal collections.
The Department of Music would like to thank all those who have been so generous with their contributions. Your contributions help us to provide quality education, educational opportunities, and financial assistance to those seeking an education through the Music Department.
We also welcome those of you who are first time contributors or are considering supporting the Music Department at Pittsburg State University.
October 30-31, 2022
Midwest Trumpet Festival
March 3, 2023
Jazz Festival
April 22, 2023
Mid-America Music Festival
May 4, 2023
Four State Band Festival
Rondelli Vocal Competition
The Rondelli Competition has
been paused for 2023
• Admission Office / Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid / Scholarships
• Graduate and Continuing Studies
• International Programs & Services
• The College of Arts and Sciences
Schedule a Visit to PSU• Undergraduate Music Student Handbook
• Graduate Music Student Handbook
Chair: Susan Marchant
Contact: Kimberly Harries
Music Department
Pittsburg State University
1701 S Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone 620-235-4466
Fax 620-235-4468