Western Carolina University

The School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which means that Western meets or surpasses the same measured standards as other music schools across the nation.

School of Music faculty and students perform 150-200 concerts and recitals each year on Western’s campus and on tours throughout the region.  Our free Tuesday night Catamount Concert Series features music faculty, guest artists, and students performing a wide variety of music in the Coulter Building’s Recital Hall.

Our student performing ensembles include traditional bands and choirs and many other ensembles, from saxophone quartets to Indonesian gamelan. In the fall, the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band is a particular favorite at home football games, and our Madrigal Dinners are a holiday favorite. 

The School of Music is part of Western’s new College of Fine and Performing Arts, along with the School of Stage and Screen, School of Art and Design, and Fine and Performing Arts Center. This administrative structure enhances opportunities for cooperation with the other arts disciplines on campus, and better enables us to serve the community and the region through concerts, workshops, and professional presentations on campus and throughout the region.

Take a few minutes to read our mission statement, hear from the director, or contact our main office or the faculty member of your choice.