Hero Image

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Take Your Passion for Music to the Next Level

Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Music at Eastern Kentucky University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are certified by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. A hub for music education and performance, the School of Music presents over 100 concerts annually, including faculty concerts and recitals, ensemble performances, masterclasses, and performances and clinics by guest artists.

Learn More


Loading…

School of Music Degrees & Certificates


Undergraduate Programs

graduate Programs

Minors

Why Study Music?

Regardless of your musical skill level, the study of music offers numerous psychological and social benefits. In addition to serving as a creative outlet, music has been shown to teach discipline, promote teamwork, and improve memory. Music can lead to a fulfilling career that touches the lives of students and audience members alike, no matter which path you choose.

EKU music students can study with a dedicated faculty of performing musicians and scholars. Main campus facilities include an excellent music technology lab with 24 iMac computer stations, recording and studio engineering software and equipment, a keyboard lab, an extensive music library, three concert halls, and numerous practice rooms.

Performance Spaces:

  • Gifford Auditorium
  • Brock Auditorium
  • Center for the Arts
  • O’Donnell Auditorium
  • Pearl Auditorium

EKU students perform with award-winning ensembles that are regularly invited to national and international festivals and competitions. They study with nationally-recognized and award-winning faculty, guest artists, and clinicians. Approximately 300 undergraduate and graduate students from across the university perform in EKU music ensembles. All ensembles are open to EKU students. Regardless of your major, you can continue to pursue your musical passions at EKU with the flexibility to do as little or as much as you desire.

Some ensembles require auditions, and others are open to all students of the university who register. Auditions are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Some ensembles include scholarships.

  • Athletic Bands: Marching Colonels, Maroon Machine
  • Chamber Ensembles: Bluegrass Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Combos, Guitar Ensemble, EKos (a capella), Musical Theatre, Opera, Steel Band
  • Choirs: EnChor (soprano and alto), Koros (tenor and bass), University Singers
  • Concert Bands: Wind Ensemble, Concert Band
  • Orchestra: Symphony Orchestra

We provide a relevant and comprehensive music curriculum through individualized attention and student-centered learning.

We create a diverse community of musical leaders for the 21st Century who will enhance the fabric of their society, the Commonwealth, and beyond, through the power of music.

Theater at EKU


EKU students have the opportunity to participate in theater performances through EKU’s musical theater program and the Appalachian Shakespeare Center.

Box Office and Ticket Information
Tickets for our productions will be available online through the EKU Center for the Arts.

The use of cameras, with or without flash, recorders, or other electronic devices inside the theatre are strictly prohibited.

Please be courteous to those around you and turn off all pagers, phones, and other electronic devices and refrain from texting during the show. If children prove to be disruptive or restless, please remove them to the lobby.

Contact EKU Theatre
521 Lancaster Avenue
Jane F Campbell Building, Rm 306
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: 859-622-1385
paige.lambert@eku.edu, Production Manager
matthew.johnson2@eku.edu

Musical Theatre Minor
If you are a student who is interested in musical theatre, check the program requirements to earn a minor.

Our mission is to empower agency and citizenship through the works of William Shakespeare. We challenge our community to answer the question: what does Shakespeare say to me, what do I say with him? Our region has a beautifully unique worldview that is not celebrated often enough. Portrayals of our region rarely express a true Appalachian experience and often focus on negative stereotypes. We want to counteract this narrative by confronting high culture with the agency of Appalachian students: we provide a safe place for Appalachian students to realize their story and tell it using Shakespeare’s text as a tool to contextualize their place in the world.

Learn more about our performances, educational programs, and opportunities by emailing paige.lambert@eku.edu.

Student Stories & Features



Upcoming Events

High School Honor Band Festival

EKU is proud to announce its 32nd annual High School Honor Band Festival! Hosted on the “Campus Beautiful,” students will...
Event Series

Alice By Heart

Location: Gifford Theater.Tickets: $10 students/$15 general admission. Box Office and Ticket InformationTickets for our productions will be available online through...
Event Series

Alice By Heart

Location: Gifford Theater.Tickets: $10 students/$15 general admission. Box Office and Ticket InformationTickets for our productions will be available online through...
Event Series

Alice By Heart

Location: Gifford Theater.Tickets: $10 students/$15 general admission. Box Office and Ticket InformationTickets for our productions will be available online through...
Event Series

Alice By Heart

Location: Gifford Theater.Tickets: $10 students/$15 general admission. Box Office and Ticket InformationTickets for our productions will be available online through...

News & Updates

Provost’s Faculty Internship Program Welcomes New Cohort

The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program develops leadership skills and complements leadership endeavors among faculty by supporting individual development while assisting university-wide academic initiatives. Established by EKU […]

EKU Names 2024 Society of Foundation Professors

While this year Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates 150 years of teaching in the Commonwealth, every year for almost four decades EKU recognizes the faculty who demonstrate the highest standards […]

Contact Information

School of Music

521 Lancaster Avenue
Foster 101
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3266
music@eku.edu