Frequently Asked Questions
For prospective students
Q: Can I get a tour of the music building?
A: Yes!
If you have an upcoming audition… you will see most of the building during the audition day, so a tour is built in!
If you are considering an audition… simply call the office at 269-387-4667 or inquire with the faculty member in your area of interest and a tour can be arranged. We will also make every effort to accommodate walk-ins.
If you are unable to visit during office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday… please note that the Dalton Center has many more open hours in which you are welcome to take a self-guided tour, including weekends.
Q: I have specific questions about the audition, what to play, etc.
A: You are encouraged to contact our faculty directly. Please find their contact info on our directory pages, listed alphabetically and also grouped by area.
Q: For vocal auditions, do I need to bring an accompanist, and/or what do I do with my music?
A: An accompanist will be provided at your audition. While you may use your own, you will need to notify us as this will likely cause you to have a later audition time. Please bring one easily playable copy of the music to the audition day. You may want a second copy as a backup. There is no need to send it ahead of time.
Q: How do I change my audition day?
A: Please call (269) 387-4672.
Q: What time is my audition?
A: Due to the large amount of complex scheduling which is done up until the days before the audition, individual times are not finalized or announced until you arrive and register on audition day. If you have known circumstances that necessitate a particular time-frame, please indicate that on the online audition application or by calling (269) 387-4672.
Q: How do I qualify/apply for scholarships from the School of Music?
A: Music scholarships are merit-based and determined by the faculty’s evaluation of your audition. Therefore, no separate application is necessary. Only music majors are eligible for scholarships through the School of Music. Similarly, a condition of holding a music scholarship is to declare music as your primary major.
Q: I’m on the waiting list—what can I do?
A: Enrollment limitations in the studios have resulted in the need to create a waiting list for admission. If/when space becomes available, you will be notified of your acceptance to the major. It is anticipated that notification will continue throughout the spring and summer months until all available studio spaces are filled.
Here are some common questions and answers about "waiting list" status:
Am I guaranteed eventual acceptance?
Unfortunately, no guarantees are possible. While we hope that space becomes available for most waiting list students, the reality is that we must limit our acceptances so that instruction is guaranteed those who are accepted. Once all available slots have been filled, you will be notified that acceptance is no longer anticipated.
What if no space becomes available by the time the semester begins?
If you have been accepted by WMU’s Office of Admissions, you may still choose to attend WMU. You will be able to take general education classes and ensembles during your first semester.
May I still take music classes during my first semester at WMU?
As indicated above, any WMU student is eligible to audition for ensembles (bands, choirs, orchestras, vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles); those auditions are held on the first day of the semester. Other classes in music, however, such as music theory, aural skills and private lessons will be limited to accepted music majors.
Will I need to re-audition if I’m not taken off of the waiting list by my first semester at WMU?
Yes, once the academic year begins, the audition process starts all over again. Students may re-audition in the fall semester (November) for possible acceptance in the spring semester (January).
Other FAQs
Q: I’m not a music major—what can I do to stay involved in music?
A: Great question! Our ensembles are open to all WMU students. Though many require auditions and are selective, others often have a broader case of non-majors participate. Please stop by our office in 2132 Dalton for information on ensembles, as well as certain courses that are open to non-majors. You may also inquire about minoring in music, which requires a meeting with the advisor. To set up an appointment, please call (269) 387-4672.
Q: I’m not a music major—can I use the Dalton facilities?
A: It depends!
A limited number of practice rooms with pianos are reserved for non-majors. You will need a Bronco ID card to sign them out during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Our performance halls may be rented for a fee, depending on availability and your needs. To inquire, please call the director of concerts at (269) 387-4681.
Our sound studios and recording services are also available for a fee. To inquire, please call the Western Sound Studio at (269) 387-4720.
For other facility requests, please call (269) 387-4681.
Q: Upcoming events: Where are they? Do they cost money? How can I buy tickets? Can I get on your mailing list?
A: Events are listed on the School of Music events page, and a full listing can be found on the WMU news events calendar.
Events will indicate if there is a charge. If not, they are free.
Tickets are usually purchased through Miller Auditorium. Please see their website, call (269) 387-2300 or visit Miller in person. Occasionally, host organizations such as Fontana Chamber Arts will sell tickets independently. If these do not yield any results, please call our concerts office at (269) 387-4681.
Please send your email and/or mailing address via the contact us form and you will be added to a mailing of our feature events.