Irving S. Gilmore School of Music

Where passion meets practice.

The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music at Western Michigan University is dedicated to music as an art form that elevates the lives of all who experience it; that embraces and transcends the entire range of human emotion, expression, and community that is vital to the cultural enrichment of society.

School of Music

  • Supportive community of musicians and scholars

  • Significant funding for professional development and career-building activities

  • A vibrant school that hosts over 150 guest artists and scholars every year

 

 

800+

Events per year
Attend an event

12:1

Student to faculty ratio
Meet the faculty

100+

Practice rooms
See our Facilities

News

Aiden Lambert wears headphones at an audio mixer.

Music student amps up audio production experience with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame internship

Aiden Lambert, a multimedia arts technology student, beat out applicants from across the country to land an audio production internship at the epicenter of rock music: the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In his experience, he learned from professionals and had opportunities to work concerts for touring bands.

Max Hahn is a Senior Video Producer for the Detroit Lions.

From WMU to the NFL: Emmy-winning alum reflects on ‘transformational’ college experience

Senior video producer Max Hahn turns touchdowns, goal-line stands and game-day greatness into cinematic stories for the Detroit Lions.  

Joanna Bosse outside in front of a flowering tree.

WMU announces Dr. Joanna Bosse as director of Irving S. Gilmore School of Music

Dr. Bosse is a distinguished scholar and academic leader with extensive experience in Ethnomusicology and music in higher education. 

A woman sits nexts to a string instrument on a stage near a piano

A legacy of generosity leads to naming the WMU School of Music

The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music is being named for the former philanthropist and arts patron whose legacy includes the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation.

Announcements

WMU’s Distinguished Teaching Award goes to Dr. Martha Councell-Vargas

Martha Councell-Vargas

Councell-Vargas, professor of flute, is being recognized for her teaching, mentorship and impact on student development. For decades, she has helped musicians refine their talents while preparing them for successful careers as performers, educators, music therapists and scholars.

“Dr. Martha Councell-Vargas has been an incredible teacher to work with. I completed my bachelor’s in music performance under her instruction, and was so pleased with her incredible instruction that I re-applied for my master’s at WMU and accepted my offer to return and continue my studies with Dr. CV,” wrote graduate student Sierra Staman. “She is an incredible educator and amazing mentor.”

Read more about Dr. Councell-Vargas

Events

Guest Artist Recital: PRISM Quartet

Oct. 28
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
Intriguing programs of great beauty and breadth have distinguished PRISM Quartet as one of America’s foremost chamber ensembles. “A bold ensemble that set the standard for contemporary-classical…

Bullock Series: Nathan Carterette, Piano

Oct. 28
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
Hailed as “wonderfully poetic,” (Westfalen Post), “exuberant yet sensitive,” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) and “very compelling in his power and presence” (International Composer), Nathan Carterette…

Gold Company Sneak Preview

Oct. 30
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
Gold Company is the internationally regarded and award-winning vocal jazz ensemble from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Gold Company is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students…

Opera: The Magic Flute

Friday, Nov. 6 — 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 — 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
Presented by Western Michigan University's Opera Workshop. Emanuel-Cristian Caraman, Director.