Webster University Department of Music

Webster University Department of Music Welcome to the official Webster University Department of Music page! Our comprehensive musi

Congratulations to Cullen Curth (BM Music Direction for Musical Theatre, ’23) on recently making his Broadway conducting...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to Cullen Curth (BM Music Direction for Musical Theatre, ’23) on recently making his Broadway conducting debut as conductor of Just In Time Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre!

Freddie Rice (Bachelor of Music Education (Choral Music), ’18) took home a double win at the Ken Page Awards with the aw...
06/04/2026

Freddie Rice (Bachelor of Music Education (Choral Music), ’18) took home a double win at the Ken Page Awards with the award for Outstanding Musical Direction and for Best Direction. Rice is the choir teacher at Mascoutah High School in Mascoutah, Illinois. Congratulations, Freddie!

The Ken Page Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre in the Saint Louis region.

Picture courtesy of the Ken Page Awards.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Sheila Clagg Cathey graduated in 2005 with a Master of Music in Composition. As a composition major, s...
06/03/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Sheila Clagg Cathey graduated in 2005 with a Master of Music in Composition.

As a composition major, she developed an eclectic style ranging from a large-scale passion with Bob Chamberlin, Emeritus Professor of Music Theory and Composition, to jazz piano solos with Kim Portnoy, Director of Composition.

After graduating from Webster, Dr. Cathey completed a D.M.A. in Music Education, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Principal Track). She is a certified PK-12 music teacher (OK, TX, AR) and principal (OK & AR).

Dr. Cathey is a music educator, theorist, composer, and pianist. She is currently a Field Supervisor and Adjunct Professor of Music Education at East Texas A&M University, and a Dissertation Mentor/Reader for Liberty University Online.

Her piano piece "Homage to Oscar Peterson" was recently published on Alfred Music.

There is still time to sign up for Jazz Camp!Join us July 6–10 on the Webster University campus for a week-long intensiv...
06/02/2026

There is still time to sign up for Jazz Camp!

Join us July 6–10 on the Webster University campus for a week-long intensive study of jazz performance in a small group setting. The week ends with a Friday afternoon performance for family and friends!

For more information and to register, please visit webster.edu/music.

There is still time to apply for this summer's Piano Camp but hurry! Applications are due for review by June 7th. Apply ...
06/01/2026

There is still time to apply for this summer's Piano Camp but hurry! Applications are due for review by June 7th. Apply now at webster.edu/music.

We are excited to introduce Piano Camp's 2026 Guest Artist: Nina Ferrigno, Director of Keyboard Studies and Chamber Music at Webster University! Professor Ferrigno will be joining camp throughout the week in masterclass and recitals.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Cam Burns recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting a...
05/29/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Cam Burns recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting and a Bachelor of Science in Sound Recording & Engineering, and is a vocalist in Eldraco + FreeNation.

How did your time at Webster prepare you for where you are today?
Webster connected me with a reliable, talented network of musicians, allowing me to collaborate and create music that aligns with my beliefs and passions.

Favorite ensemble/organization you participated in at Webster?
I participated in the Jazz Singers ensemble for most of my time at Webster. My favorite part of this ensemble was working with so many well-rounded musicians. This ensemble pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to take musical risks.

Future plans?
I plan on pursuing a career as a vocalist, songwriter, engineer, and producer in Saint Louis.

Advice for current music students?
If I had one piece of advice for future Webster music students, I would emphasize the importance of collaborating with your peers. The students at Webster are incredibly supportive and have taught me so much about being a strong team member. Having a network of peers who are excited to work together is invaluable when pursuing a career in the arts. If I had one other piece of advice, I would tell you that it's imperative that you see Eldraco + FreeNation perform at the ATOMIC PAVILION ON SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7:00 PM!!!

Eldraco + FreeNation performs live on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Atomic Pavilion!

For more info and tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/eldracofreenation-atomic-pavilion-tickets/14878683

Photo by Jerry Hill

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!Ben Stitzel graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental) and plays the keys in E...
05/28/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Ben Stitzel graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental) and plays the keys in Eldraco + FreeNation.

How did your time at Webster prepare you for where you are today?
Webster provided me with a well-rounded musical experience. I gained experience performing, teaching, arranging, recording, and engraving at Webster, and those skills have been very useful in my career.

Favorite ensemble/organization you participated in at Webster?
My final jazz combo, which was taught by the great Willie Akins. Learning from him was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Future plans?
Continue my career as a Producer at Alfred Music and eventually break into writing.

Advice for current music students?
Try everything out, even if you don't think a skill is useful now, it might be essential in the future.

Eldraco +FreeNation performs live on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Atomic Pavilion!

For more info and tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/eldracofreenation-atomic-pavilion-tickets/14878683

Photo by Jerry Hill

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Kelly Beekman graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and is a vocalist in Eldraco + FreeNa...
05/27/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Kelly Beekman graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and is a vocalist in Eldraco + FreeNation.

Favorite ensemble/organization you participated in at Webster?
Opera Studio

Future plans?
Continue to audition and perform locally and nationally as a versatile vocalist in a multitude of genres, including opera, jazz, and contemporary pop/rock.

Advice for current music students?
Make the most of your time at Webster and GO TO VIENNA!!

Eldraco + FreeNation performs live on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Atomic Pavilion!
For more info and tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/eldracofreenation-atomic-pavilion-tickets/14878683

Photo by Jerry Hill

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Benjamin Shafer graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and is the lead woodwin...
05/27/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Benjamin Shafer graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and is the lead woodwind specialist (saxophone & flute) in Eldraco + FreeNation.

How did your time at Webster prepare you for where you are today?
Webster gave me lots of knowledge about how to lead a band, how to create and arrange my own music, and lots of connections with peers and professionals working in the city.

Favorite ensemble/organization you participated in at Webster?
I loved participating in the Jazz Combos each year! Performing sax quartet pieces for my composition friends during my last two years was another highlight.

Future plans?
I am producing my first ever album at the moment with backing from the Regional Arts Commission. I am beyond excited to share it with the world!

Advice for current music students?
My advice to anyone starting at Webster is to take any and every class that you are interested in. I picked up four instruments at Webster and they have all kept serving my art! It’s also important to not take for granted the opportunity that you have to develop lifelong friendships and connections. Getting out of the practice room with your peers every once in a while is not a bad thing!

And going to Vienna is an absolute must. Save if you have to! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the classes there were the best!

Eldraco + FreeNation performs live on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Atomic Pavilion!

For more info and tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/eldracofreenation-atomic-pavilion-tickets/14878683

Photo by Jerry Hill

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Dannie Fuller graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and is a vocalist in Eldraco + FreeNa...
05/26/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Dannie Fuller graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and is a vocalist in Eldraco + FreeNation.

How did your time at Webster prepare you for where you are today?
My time at Webster in undergrad was truly a time where I was forming the foundation of my craft. Every class, performance, recital attendance and rehearsal were helping mold me into the musician I am still growing into now. The consistent exposure to new projects and challenging work created a fast, expansive time in my musicianship.

Favorite ensemble/organization you participated in at Webster?
Jazz Singers

Future plans?
Pursuing grad school in Fall 2026

Advice for current music students?
Study abroad! Take every performance opportunity and enjoy your time in a bubble of the arts with other creatives. Listen.

Eldraco + FreeNation performs live on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Atomic Pavilion!

For more info and tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/eldracofreenation-atomic-pavilion-tickets/14878683

Photo by Jerry Hill

Address

470 E Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO
63119

Telephone

+13149687032

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Webster University Department of Music posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to Webster University Department of Music:

Shortcuts

Share

Category