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.

Undergraduate Programs

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.

Graduate Program

Master of Music. A number of emphases are available within this program.

• Performance in Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Wind and Percussion Instruments
• Vocal Music Education
• Instrumental Music Education
• Choral Conducting
• Instrumental Conducting in Wind or Orchestral

Learn more about our program objectives in the Department of Music.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

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

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

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.

Student National Association of Teachers of Singing

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.

Philosophy and Goals 

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.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to:

• instruct and inspire those whose professional goals include the creation, performance, critical assessment, and teaching of music;

• to offer courses to the general student body that will enhance their understanding as well as appreciation of all music;

• provide leadership within the University and the four-state region in all matters pertaining to the musical art and to music;

• make available to the university community and area residents opportunities to participate in musical activities. These include individual and group study and performance for pre-college and college students, as well as continuing music learning and performance experiences for the music faculty and those in the surrounding region;

• maintain and enhance our outreach and program of service and assistance to area public schools and other educational/professional organizations by acting as adjudicators, clinicians, guest conductors, and consultants; and
• contribute to the enhancement of the cultural life of the university and the region through the performance and sponsorship of frequent and varied concerts and recitals.

ALUMNI - Please Update US about YOU!!
We are very interested in what our alumni are doing!

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.

Music Department   

The Pride of the Plains Marching Band   

Wind Ensemble   

Pitt State Violin/Viola Studios   

Pittsburg Chamber Music Festival   

PSU String Madness   

Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra   

Special Collections

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.

•  Admission Office / Tuition & Fees

•  Financial Aid / Scholarships

•  Schedule of Classes

•  Graduate and Continuing Studies

•  International Programs & Services

•  The College of Arts and Sciences

•  PSU Magazine

•  Undergraduate Music Student Handbook
•  Graduate Music Student Handbook

Applications

• Junior Qualifying Examination Packet
• Recital Hour Performance Request
• Required Recital Information
  
• Sample Recital Program
• Student Accompanist Application

Pitt State Pathway Advisement Guides

• Music Education, Vocal Program Guide | Sequence
• Music Education, Instrumental Program Guide | Sequence | PSP for BME
• Music Performance, Vocal Program Guide | Sequence
• Music Performance, Instrumental Program Guide | Sequence
• Music Performance, Keyboard Program Guide | Sequence
• Music with Outside Studies in an Elective Field | Sequence
• B.A. Program Guide | Sequence
• Pitt State Pathway Major Worksheet
• Pitt State Pathway All Baccalaureate Degrees
• Music Minor

Pre-Fall 2019 Advisement Guides

• B.M.E Vocal Checklist
• B.M.E Instrumental Checklist 
• B.M. Vocal Checklist
• B.M. Instrumental Checklist
• B.M. Keyboard 
• B.A. Checklist 

Health and Safety

• Overuse Injury in Musicians
• Prevention of Overuse Injuries
• Protect Your Hearing
• NASM Basic Hearing Health
• Vocal Health-1
• Vocal Health-2

Miscellaneous

• Music Staff Paper
• Weekly Planning Schedule
• Piano Proficiency Packet (Sample)
• Repertoire Sheet
• Scholarship Donor Thank You Note (example)

Drumline 2023 Materials

• 2023 Audition Materials (updated 4.3.23)

Diagnostics

• MUSIC*131 Diagnostic Exam
• MUSIC*132 Diagnostic Exam

PSU Forms and Links

• Permission for excessive hours for College of Arts and Sciences majors
• Center for Student Accommodations
• Schedule of Classes
• Graduate and Continuing Studies