Initiatives

Fifth-Year Master’s Degree

By beginning graduate coursework in their senior year, many undergraduate music education students at the WSU School of Music qualify to complete the master of arts in music degree in one year. Though not a requirement, students attending WSU who enter with a completed associate’s degree or other college-level credit may find this program particularly beneficial. We are proud to offer this degree plan to help our future educators prepare for success in K–12 teaching positions. For more information, contact Graduate Program Coordinator Chris Dickey, chris.dickey@wsu.edu.

Three students who successfully completed this program and earned their master of arts in music degrees in spring 2024 are Ashley Swanson, Dean Johnson, and Walter Pittson.

Ashley Swanson

Ashley’s primary instrument is trumpet. During her time at WSU, she was an avid member of many student organizations, and as a result, was given the 2023 President’s Award for Leadership at WSU. Ashley was the former president of Kappa Kappa Psi and led the Cougar Marching Band as a drum major in the 2023–2024 season. 

Ashley has an incredible sense of pride in representing WSU and the amazing Cougar community. Ashley said, joining the marching band was, “one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.” She also indicated that having the opportunity to conduct as a drum major for the CMB and reveling in the memories of performing countless shows these past four years is “a feeling I will never forget.”

Ashley is excited to begin her career as a band director in the state of Washington. Her ultimate goal is to earn her doctorate and then direct athletic bands and conduct professionally at a college or university. 

Dean Johnson

Dean Johnson’s primary instrument is trumpet, and he has been playing for over 12 years. While studying at WSU, he performed in almost all the ensembles that the School of Music has to offer, including the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Cougar Marching Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and the Graduate Brass Quintet, to name a few. He also played at numerous gigging opportunities throughout the Pullman-Moscow area during his time at WSU.

Dean’s plans are to pursue a teaching position at a high school and run a band program.

Walter Pittson

Walter Pittson’s primary instrument is saxophone. Walter said, “Attending WSU was a wonderful opportunity for me financially and professionally and should provide me with many opportunities to come!”

Walter plans to complete his student teaching in Arlington, Washington, his hometown. In the long term, his goal is to find a teaching job in Arlington or in the surrounding area. He hopes to one day earn his doctorate, but for the time being he said, “I want to focus my time and effort into providing expertise to the next generation of musicians. I hope to represent WSU in the best manner possible with the skills and knowledge the School of Music has provided me. As always, go Cougs!”