Areas & Ensembles

The Michigan State University brass area prepares students for success as performers, teachers, researchers and leaders with careers in symphony orchestras, military bands, chamber ensembles, and at universities, colleges and schools.

The composition program at Michigan State University lies at the intersection of the creation, research, and performance of music and sound with other art forms.

The Michigan State University conducting program provides intensive, collaborative training guided by renowned educators in band, orchestral, and choral disciplines.

Our program is committed to jazz tradition and fostering artistic expression, innovation, and the exploration of blues-based improvisation, bebop, swing, and soul music.

Led by distinguished faculty, individualized instruction is central to the program, supplemented by masterclasses and keyboard literature courses.

At MSU, music educators thrive in a dynamic, inspiring, and collegial learning environment.

Explore the rich intersections of history, culture, and sound, where research illuminates music’s global impact.

Our graduate curriculum in music theory offers outstanding training in research, pedagogy, analysis, and musicianship skills.

Percussion students at MSU perform in state-of-the-art, prominent venues, and all studio members can participate in the MSU Percussion Ensemble.

The Strings Area is deeply committed to providing the artistic, technically proficient instruction and performance opportunities students need for success in the professional world of music.

Small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 ensure that all vocal arts students receive the individualized attention needed for success at the highest level.

Students in the Woodwinds Area of the College of Music will find a full-time, performance-oriented faculty member devoted to each woodwind instrument.

Our chamber music experiences are integrated across the college, enriching the educational journey for students pursuing performance diplomas and degrees.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and certification to teach can complete a Master of Music degree in music education or choral conducting at the MSU College of Music in three summers.

MSU Band ensembles perform the full spectrum of wind music including chamber, contemporary, and traditional repertoire.

The choral groups at MSU perform secular and sacred music in all styles and genres representing many eras and cultures.

The jazz ensembles at MSU offer dynamic opportunities for students to explore and perform diverse genres within the jazz tradition.

A “Theatre of Music” style group with flexible instrumentation that focuses on performing new works.

Two fully staged and costumed productions and an annual vocal arts showcase brings larger-than-life theatrics to the stage.

Two orchestral ensembles — one composed of top musicians from the College and another welcoming non-majors — provide exceptional opportunities for aspiring instrumentalists.

Explore a diverse array of small ensembles showcasing varied music and instrumental styles.

Organized and led by MSU Bands, this honors wind ensemble consists of exceptional instrumentalists from high schools across Michigan.