About

Piano

Western Michigan University's Piano Area is currently comprised of 22 majors, seven of whom are in the graduate program. Students major in a variety of music-related fields, such as piano performance, music education, composition and music therapy. Students in the piano studios are provided with numerous opportunities for growth. Outstanding guest artists often visit the studio, presenting recitals, clinics or master classes. And in addition to weekly lessons, studio classes are a regular part of the instruction. The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music is an All-Steinway School.   

Irving s. gilmore SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music is recognized for its excellence in instruction and performance. With over 600 majors, admission is selective and competitive. Students perform with a variety of outstanding ensembles. They include the University Chorale, University Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band and the Jazz Orchestra, all of which have toured throughout the United States, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. These performing ensembles have favorably extended Western's distinguished reputation of excellence in the arts. Many instrumental students participate in one of three bands, the 325-piece Bronco Marching Band, several jazz ensembles and combos, and various chamber ensembles. 

The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music is housed in the Dalton Center on WMU's main campus in Kalamazoo. Dalton is an outstanding music facility, with excellent performance, practice, library, and computer facilities. It includes two recital halls, a multi-track digital recording studio, an electronic music laboratory, a 10,000 square foot music library, a state-of-the-art multi-media room, a music therapy clinic, a computer laboratory featuring a special MIDI station and Macintosh PowerPC computers (each equipped with a Yamaha synthesizer and a Roland sound module), and one of the world’s largest installations of prefabricated, spacious sound-isolated practice rooms and teaching studios. 

Recent graduates have been admitted to The Curtis Institute, Juilliard, Indiana University, Yale University, Northwestern University, Peabody Institute. Others perform professionally with renowned groups such as Voces8, Chanticleer, Buffalo Philharmonic, Louisiana Philharmonic, Washington National Opera, US Army Field Band, Seraph Brass, Seraphic Fire, and the US Marine Band  ("The President's Own"). Others teach at universities across the country, such as Louisiana State University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, University of Massachusetts, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Youngstown State University, Ball State University, Rutgers University, Westminster Choir College, Indiana University, University of North Texas, and many others. 

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Located in Kalamazoo just 2½ hours from both Chicago and Detroit, Western Michigan University is in the center of the Midwestern musical scene, making it an inspirational and ideal place to study. With nearly 24,000 students, Western is listed among the largest 100 public universities in the country. It is one of only 90 universities in the nation with both a medical school and a law school under its aegis. Students can choose from more than 90 WMU-operated study abroad programs in some 40 countries and have access to countless more through the University’s worldwide linkages with other institutions and organizations.The Carnegie Foundation classifies WMU as one of the nation’s 147 public research universities. U.S. News & World Report has designated WMU one of the country’s best national universities for 24 consecutive years and has placed it in the top tier of those universities annually since creating the tier five years ago.

If you intend to study at an outstanding university with a superb music program, we hope you will consider Western Michigan University.