Dr. Norman Wika grew up in Olathe, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City. While in high school, he was a 4-year member of the Kansas City Youth Symphony. After graduation, he attended the University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. He began his teaching career in the Florida Keys where he taught middle and high school at Plantation Key School and Coral Shores High School. He later spent two years as the band director at Palm Beach Gardens High School.

In 2002, Dr. Wika began a Master of Music in Music Education at the University of Connecticut. During this time, he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the UConn athletic bands, helping with the marching band directing the basketball pep band. In 2003 Dr. Wika directed the UConn Women’s Pep Band at the NCAA Final Four and National Championship in Atlanta, GA, which they won. In 2004, he directed the UConn Men’s Pep Band at the NCAA Final Four and National Championship in San Antonio, TX, which they won.

After completing his master’s degree in 2004, Dr. Wika stayed at UConn and began a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting. His primary teacher was Dr. Jeffrey Renshaw. While a doctoral student, Dr. Wika conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra. Upon graduation in 2007, Dr. Wika assumed the position of Director of Bands at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, where he conducted the Wind Ensemble and Communiversity Band. He also directed the RiverHawk Marching Band and taught applied low brass as well as other courses within the music curriculum.

In 2016, Dr. Wika moved to Saginaw, MI and began his tenure as Director of Bands at Saginaw Valley State University. In 2021, he was appointed Chair of the Music Department. Fall 2025 saw Dr. Wika transition to the Coordinator of Music Education, overseeing all aspects of the music ed program, including teaching method courses, coordinating field placements, and supervising student teachers.

Outside of the university, Dr. Wika was the conductor of the Mid-Michigan Brass Band from 2017-2022. In January 2022, Dr. Wika joined the conducting staff of the Saginaw Bay Youth  Orchestra, and in June 2022-2024 served on the Board of Directors for the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. In September 2025, Dr. Wika began his tenure as Conductor of the Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra, and has been appointed Conductor of the Saginaw Eddy Concert Band for the 2026 season.