Music Degrees

Contact us

Kathy Benischek, staff assistant
Department of Music
(402) 465-2269
kmb [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (kmb[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)
߲ݴý University
5000 Saint Paul Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68504

Music Degrees

Music enriches lives at ߲ݴý University. We delight in our students’ unique talents, and we invite you to join us in the study and performance of music on our campus.

߲ݴý is a welcoming place where we encourage all students to audition for music scholarships, which support music majors and non-majors alike. Courses like “Rock Band,” “Composition for Film and Video Games,” and “World Drumming” offer a compelling counterpoint to our array of conservatory-style offerings in conducting, theory, music history, music education and opera.

Your performance experiences at ߲ݴý may include private study in vocal and instrumental music, chamber music, and large ensembles such as symphonic band and University Choir, as well as jazz choir, jazz band, and pep band. ߲ݴý’s choir and band tour domestically each year and internationally every few years.

߲ݴý’s students and faculty are active musicians engaged in performance opportunities across our community. They also flourish in other ߲ݴý departments, like our thriving theatre and musical theatre programs.

Whether you want to sing, play, compose, study, or teach—߲ݴý is the place where your music matters.

Get amazing results.

߲ݴý’s music graduates lead thriving public and private school music programs throughout the Midwest. Our alumni have made their mark at many of our nation’s top music graduate programs, including those at Harvard, the Manhattan School of Music, the University of Texas–Austin, Northwestern, the University of Kansas, University of Connecticut, University of Houston–Moores School of Music, the Maryland Opera Studio and Florida State University. Our students have also achieved success in the practices of music therapy, law, ministry and business.

Music faculty

߲ݴý’s music faculty includes accomplished professionals who commit to delivering the highest quality teaching to students. Our faculty scholars, performers, and composers have garnered teaching awards as well as extensive professional experience. They have developed national reputations in their areas of expertise, while nurturing rich relationships with students and the surrounding musical communities.

 

Inspiring Music Performances

Hear the ߲ݴý University Choir sing the final concert of their 2024 tour to St. Louis, Nashville, and Memphis. ߲ݴý's choir and band embark on a domestic tour each year, and they will travel together to perform in Berlin, Leipzig, Vienna and Prague in Summer 2025.

Headshot of Laynee Dell

Laynee Dell Dietrick, Class of 2014 

B.M. in Vocal Performance 
Core Chorus Member at San Diego Opera | Professional Singer | Private Voice & Piano Instructor 

At ߲ݴý, I came in with a strong passion for singing, but ߲ݴý took that passion to the next level. The music department helped me grow not just as a vocalist, but as a complete artist. From my first music theory class with Dr. Boyd Bacon—who patiently guided me through the fundamentals—to discovering the fun and freedom of jazz improvisation in jazz choir, every experience stretched me in new and exciting ways. 

My voice instructor, Dawn Pawlewski Krogh, was truly instrumental in my development. She saw potential in me from day one and introduced me to the world of coloratura repertoire, encouraging me to take on challenging arias and emotionally complex roles. Performing the “mad scene” from Lucia di Lammermoor in Opera Scenes was a defining moment for me—it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and sparked a passion for operatic storytelling. Another unforgettable experience was touring Estonia with the University Choir under Dr. William Wyman. Singing stunning choral music in a country rich with history left a lasting impact on me. 

Looking back, ߲ݴý gave me the tools and support I needed to build a life in music. The faculty believed in me, challenged me, and helped me become the singer and teacher I am today.

Headshot of Nolan McCormick

Nolan McCormick

B.M. Music Education, Combo program

Hello! My name is Nolan McCormick, and I am in the B.M. Music Education, Combo program. I anticipate to graduate spring of 2028. On campus I am involved in a wide variety of ensembles and clubs including University Choir, Jazz Choir, Symphonic Band, Mu Phi Epsilon, and NAfME. I am also a music theory tutor at the Cooper Center! 

Being involved in the music department at ߲ݴý University has felt like being a part of a family in an environment that is supportive and fosters self-growth. It is refreshing to be involved in a program where your peers and professors want and encourage you to succeed. One of my favorite memories in ߲ݴý music so far was traveling through Iowa on the annual choir tour! It was such a wonderful opportunity to build close friendships while also exploring and performing in different communities. Music at ߲ݴý is special to me because it is so personal while also preparing me for the professional world post-graduation. 

So far, my time at ߲ݴý has made me realize that I can make my future into anything I want, and the faculty and peer support have helped me feel confident in the career path I am choosing. For my remaining three years, I am extremely excited for all the new friends I will meet and all the new opportunities I will experience. Go Prairie Wolves!

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