Woodwinds Area Overview

The woodwind area at Colorado State University provides talented flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone students world-class training in the areas of performance and pedagogy. The woodwind experience at CSU enhances our studentss passion for music by providing a solid foundation for a lifetime of creative activity. The objectives of the curriculum are to develop professional perceptions and skills in the art of music as it is needed by performers, teachers, therapists, and those interested in other possible careers where a high level of music making is maintained. Expectation levels are consistent with those of university study in preparation for a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Master of Music. Areas of concentration within these degree programs include music education, music therapy, music performance, composition, and conducting.

All music majors take a wide variety of courses, including intensive private lessons, music theory, music history, solo and ensemble performance, and conducting. In addition, the programs require courses in other subject areas consistent with a Liberal Arts philosophy, which greatly enhance the students’ adaptability for the future. Our students are very good at their chosen concentration, they are well rounded individuals, and they know how to learn.

Woodwind students at CSU can achieve excellence in the areas of solo, chamber, and ensemble performance through private instruction, weekly and degree recitals, and the opportunity to perform in the University Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles and Combos, and Marching Band. The nationally and internationally recognized woodwind faculty at CSU brings a range of talents to share with students, while preparing them to be professional musicians and teachers in the real world.