Graduate Study at K-State
The Department of Music at Kansas State University proudly offers a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Wind Conducting. This dynamic program provides graduate students with individualized instruction through private lessons with conducting faculty and enrollment in the Advanced Instrumental Conducting course.
Students gain extensive hands-on experience by conducting a variety of K-State Bands concert ensembles. Graduate Assistants (GAs) in the band program receive exceptional support and opportunities, including:
- Full Tuition Waiver
- Annual Stipend of Approximately $12,000, with additional summer earning potential
- Significant Podium Time with major ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and University Band
- Experience with Athletic Bands, including the K-State Marching Band, Volleyball Band, and Basketball Cat Bands—potentially including show design and instruction
- Outreach Opportunities to collaborate with public school music programs across Kansas
Summer Study
In addition to the 2-year Master's degree, we are pleased to offer a summer Master's program designed for the working Educator.
More information...
36 credit hours
Studies in Major Area (15 hours)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| MUSIC 719 | Marching Band Techniques | 2 |
| MUSIC 728 | Advanced Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques | 2 |
| MUSIC 805 | Theories of Music Education | 3 |
| MUSIC 859 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting | 4 (2x2 cr.) |
| MUSIC 898 | Graduate Report | 2 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| MUSIC 722 | Arranging for Bands | 2 |
| MUSIC 730 | Organization and Administraion of School Music Programs | 2 |
| MUSIC 806 | Psychology of Music | 3 |
Research Skills (5 Hours)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| MUSIC 801 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 2 |
| MUSIC 808 | Research in Music Education | 3 |
Music History (6 hours)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| MUSIC 707 | History of Wind Bands | 3 |
| MUSIC 807 | History and Philosophy of Music Education | 3 |
Music Theory (6 hours)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| MUSIC 700 | Literature Analysis | 3 |
| MUSIC 837 | Seminar in 20th-Century Music | 3 |
Electives (4 hours)
| Name | Graduation | Where are they now? | ||
| Eric Strasshofer | Present |
Ph.D. Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University |
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| Javi Garza | Present |
MM at Kansas State University |
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| Connor Horton | Present |
MM at Kansas State University |
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| Henry Huck | Present |
MM at Kansas State University |
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| Bo Salander | Present |
MM at Kansas State University |
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| Travis Slaughter | Present |
MM at Kansas State University |
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| Kyle Grimes | 2026 |
Band Director at Woodland Park School District (CO) |
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| Joseph Horne | 2026 |
DMA in Euphonium Performance at Illinois |
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| Heather Baker | 2026 |
Ph.D., Assistant Director of Bands at Middle Tennessee State University |
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| Houston Fleischmann | 2025 | DMA in Percussion at LSU | ||
| Ben Rajewski | 2025 | DMA in Conducting at Arkansas | ||
| Rich Ebersole | 2025 | DMA in Conducting at Arizona State University | ||
| Tyler Lee | 2025 | MM with Teaching Certificate, Kansas State University | ||
| Cally Bitterlin | 2023 | Ph.D. Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University | ||
| Olivia Bazanos | 2023 |
MS Orchestra & HS Assistant Band - Derby USD 260 MM, Kansas State University BME, Slippery Rock University |
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| Jack Johnson | 2023 | MM in Percussion Performance | ||
| Preston Thomas | 2023 | MM at Kansas State University | ||
| Travis Turner | 2021 | Post-Graduate Music Education Degree & MM at Kansas State University | ||
| Eric Thompson | 2021 | MM at Kansas State University | ||
| Allegra Fisher | 2021 | Ph.D., Associate Director of Bands/Director of Atheltic Bands at Arkansas State University | ||
| Brett Butler | 2021 | Percussion Performance | ||
| Wes Lewis | 2018 | MM, Band Director at Turner High School | ||
| Dan Haddad | 2017 | Ph.D., MM, Associate Director of Bands/Director of Athletic Bands at Georgia Southern University | ||
| Rachel Villareale | 2016 | MM, Band Director at Derby USD 260 | ||
| Jack Donovan | 2016 | MM, Working on DMA at University of Minnesota | ||
| Alex Cook | 2016 | MM, Instrumental Music Teacher at Coronado Middle School | ||
| Chris Johnson | 2015 | MM, K-State, BME, Kansas State University | ||
| Emily Jones | 2015 | MM, K-State, BME, Doane College | ||
| Adam Ladd | 2014 | MM, K-State, BME, The Ohio State University | ||
| Alex Wimmer | 2014 | Ph.D, MM, Director of Bands at Kansas State University, BME, University of Nebraska Omaha | ||
| Ben Yancey | 2014 | MM, Percussion Performance, Adjunct Professor of Percussion in the Iowa City area BME, University of Central Florida | ||
| Andrew Feyes | 2013 | Ph.D, MM, Director of Insturmental Music, Doane University | ||
| Patrick Sullivan | 2013 | MM, Assistant Director of Bands, Rock Bridge High School, Columbia, Missouri | ||
| Greg Coffey | 2012 | Recording Artist and recording engineer, Nashville, TN | ||
| Sarah Bernard-Stevens | 2012 | Instructor, Kansas Wesleyan University | ||
| Ryan Laney | 2012 | Director of Bands, Broomfield High School, Broomfield, CO | ||
| Lyle Sobba | 2011 | MM, Director of Bands, Garden City High School | ||
| Teresa Purcell | 2011 | MM, Director of Bands, Southeast of Saline High School | ||
| Dane Danielsen | 2010 | MM, Director of Bands; Goddard High School; BME from Friends University | ||
| Anna Eaverson | 2010 | MM, Assistant Director of Bands; Seaman High School; BME from K-State | ||
| Emory Dease | 2010 | MM, Percussion Instructor, Seaman High School; BA from Central College (IA) | ||
| Meghan Hardy | 2009 | MM, Assistant Director of Bands at Lawrence Free State | ||
| Ashley Maughlin | 2009 | MM, Director of Bands at Chapman High School | ||
| Sharyn Worcester | 2008 | Academic Advisor to the School of Music, Theater, and Dance, Kansas State University (KS); MM (K-State) | ||
| Darren Brooks | 2008 | Director of Bands, Salina South High School (KS); MM (K-State) | ||
| David Whitman | 2008 | MM (K-State), DMA (Southern Mississippi) Percussion Faculty, San Diego State University | ||
| Gavin Smith | 2007 | MM, Assistant Director of Bands, Vanderbilt University | ||
| Andrew Feyes | 2007 | MM, Assistant Band Director at Bryan City Schools, Bryan, Ohio | ||
| Phil Edelman | 2006 | MM, Assistant Band Director at Goddard High School | ||
| Brad Williamson | 2006 | MM, PhD The Ohio State University, Assistant Director of Bands , University of Wyoming | ||
| Aric Hageman | 2006 | MM, Band Director at East High School, Cheyenne, Wyoming | ||
| Jessica Snider | 2005 | MM, Band Director at Marais Des Cygnes Valley Schools | ||
| Scott Levendofsky | 2005 | MM, Director of Bands at Fort Riley Middle School | ||
| David Montgomery | 2004 | MM, Associate Director of Instrumental Music Education at Baylor University | ||
| Jessica Mullen | 2004 | MM, Director of Bands at Gallup High School in Gallup, New Mexico | ||
| Jeff Hogan | 2004 | MM, Director of Bands at Madison County High School in Alabama | ||
| Will Teufel | 2003 | MM, Band Director for Nickerson Schools | ||
| Eric Stambaugh | 2003 | MM, Director of Bands at Buhler High School | ||
| Erin Beave | 2002 | MM, Director of Band at Hastings High School in Hastings, Nebraska | ||
| Maranda Wilson | 2002 | MM, Director of Bands at Wichita East Schools | ||
| Dina Ross | 2001 | MM, Band Director at Wilbur Middle School in Wichita | ||
| Brad Hudson | 2001 | MM, Director of Bands for Leeton Schools in Leeton, Missouri | ||
| Dennis Brooks | 2000 | MM, Director of Bands at Council Grove Schools | ||
| Craig Treinen | 2000 | MM, Director of Jazz Studies at Washburn University, Topeka | ||
| Lori Howe | 1999 | MM, resides in Minnesota | ||
| Mike Miller | 1999 | MM, Director of Bands at Iola Schools | ||
| Jacque Leonard | 1998 | MM, Private flute instructor in Centerton, Arkansas | ||
| Kim Thomas | 1998 | MM, Director of Bands at Manhattan Catholic Schools | ||
| Dan Beich | 1997 | MM, Director of Bands at Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake, Washington | ||
| Marie Lajoie | 1997 | MM, Resides in Maine | ||
| Chris Richmond | 1996 | MM, Director of Bands at Wamego High School | ||
| Nelson Penserga | 1995 | MM, Director of Bands at Liberty Middle School in Clifton, Virgina | ||
| Maureen VanVechten | 1995 | MM, Director of Bands at Morrisville-Eaton Schools in New York |
"My experience as a graduate assistant for KSU bands was a wonderful and challenging experience. The grad program at KSU gave me the wonderful opportunity to get a more "hands on approach" to my graduate experience. I was able to conduct all the ensembles, write drill, compose, teach, and more importantly learn from a top notch band faculty. I truly attribute all my teaching and high school successes from everything I learned at KSU. I would strongly encourage any undergrad to roll up their sleeves and take the KSU band experience."
- Eric Stambaugh, Buhler High School, Buhler, Kansas
"My expereinces as a graduate assistant in the K-State Bands were a big difference maker in my career. The opportunities I had to teach and be involved in running a big time band program gave me the experience I needed to be prepared to teach at the University level. Compared to other schools, K-State provides opportunities far above for real teaching and meaningful contribution. In addition, the course work was rigorous but pertinent to my professional goals. Dr. Tracz takes great care of his graduate students, both professionaly and personally. I can't imagine how things would have turned out had I decided not attend K-State."
- David Montgomery, Associate Professor of Music Education, Baylor University
"The best thing about the graduate assistantship at K-State is the hands-on experience. Not only do you get a number of opportunities to conduct and rehearse groups, you get a wide variety of ensembles to work with: different levels of concert bands, small ensembles, jazz bands and the marching band. What better 'real-life' band director experience could you get?"
- Nelson Penserga, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia
"This program is an excellent opportunity to earn your masters without leaving your job. The classes are "real-world," practical, and the faculty is first class."
- Chris VanGilder, Arkansas City High School, Arkansas City, Kansas
"The classes are jam-packed with valuable and practical information. I personally found the classes exptremely beneficial. I would not hesitate to recommend the classes to others who are interested."
- SGT Jeffrey Miller, 1st Infantry Division Band, Ft. Riley, Kansas
"The summer graduate program is fantastic for the educator who wishes to continue teaching while taking classes towards their masters degree. Each class has material that can immediately be taken back and put to use in your program. The summer program is truly designed for the working educator."
- Shawn Knopp, Director of Bands, Friends University, Wichita, Kansas
"The summer masters program at K-State has been an extremely practical and useful format. Every class is geared towards helping public school music educators with information that is immediately applicable to our teaching situations."
- Luke Johnson, Avila University, Kansas City, Kansas
"The K-State staff's clear motivation is to help me become a better band teacher and to help my band program improve."
- Kyle Hopkins, McPherson Community College, McPherson, Kansas
"I have found this program to be extremely practical for the working school teacher. The information has been well-prepared and well-presented and the networking is great. Highly recommended!"
- Brian Cole, East Buchanan, Winthrop, Iowa
"This is a perfect program for the music teacher who wants to continue teaching during the school year. I have not found any other institution in kansas that offers a program where you are able to complete a Masters in Music Education through the summer sessions only! The program is easily completed in a timely manner without taking up the entire summer, but teaches all of the essentials."
- Lindsay Ladman, Elementary & Middle School Orchestra Director in the Salina Public Schools
"The summer masters of music program at Kansas State University provides the right combination of theory and practical application classes. These have been of great assistance to help me improve as a teacher and maximize my effectiveness in the classroom."
- Margaret Saarinen, Mesa Linda Middle School, Victorville, California
"This program increased my knowledge and effectiveness as an instructor by 100 fold. My kids like my classes better, and they work harder. Everything is practical and is hands on with excellent instructors."
- Show Heersink, Monte Vista High School, Monte Vista, Colorado
"My experience in the summer graduate program has been very educational and inspirational. I am excited to start the fall semester and begin implementing the skills and tools I have acquired in my own band room."
- Travis Johnson, Cheney Middle & High School.
"This program is very valuable because I can grow professionally without having to miss work or sacrifice time with my family. The professors in the program are very helpful and knowledgeable and are there to answer questions all year long. I look forward to coming to K-State all year, not only am I gaining knowledge, concepts, and techniques, this program also is great for networking with other band directors."
- Emily Cox, Haysville Public Schools, Kansas
"Kudos to Dr. Tracz and K-State for designing a masters program that is affordable, accessible, and practical. What a great way to spend a few weeks in the summer, learning skills that I will be able to implement in my classroom immediately when I return in the fall."
- Ryan Nichols, Valley Falls, Kansas
"The summer program at Kansas State University was a perfect fit for my situation. While I'm very serious about my career as a music educator, having a family made it difficult to find the time to commit to a full schedule of grad courses. This program was an answer to my prayers. In three short days for each course, I found that I learned and retained more in the intensified, hands on style of these courses than I did in the traditional classroom setting and, much to my surprise, we covered nearly just as much material in the three days as a traditional semester long course would have. I, also, found the faculty's combination of large school facilities, small school care, personal attention, and welcoming family atmosphere to be second to none. I foresee this program becoming standard in colleges across the nation at some point in the future. My hat's off to Dr. Tracz and K-State for their vision and forward thinking. I would highly recommend this program to anyone with a family wanting to pursue an advanced degree."
- Daniel Baldwin, Composer