Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Music Education P-12, BMus
What Is the Study of Music Education P-12?
The Music Education Degree Program is comprised of a comprehensive course of study in basic Music Theory, Music History, Conducting, and Music Education methods courses which lead to K-12 Certification as a Music Specialist.
The Music P-12 major must be accompanied by the Secondary Education Professional Program offered through Woodring College of Education.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
If your goal is to direct a band, orchestra or choir, or to teach general music in a school system in the State of Washington, the Bachelor of Music in Music Education is the degree program for you.
A Music degree from Western Washington University is highly regarded in the profession. Western graduates successful teachers, performers, composers and leaders in all fields of music. The strength of Western’s Department of Music is our forty-member Music faculty, each of whom is deeply committed to serving Music majors in achieving their aspirations.
How to Declare:
Pre-major:
Available. Auditioned, approved entering freshmen will be declared as Music pre-majors until such time as the appropriate area faculty members approve the intended degree program. At this time the student may formally declare the intended major.
Admissions:
The prerequisite for all Music degrees is the entrance audition on the primary instrument/voice.
Application Deadlines:
The audition must be complete prior to the quarter in which the student intends to enroll. The audition deadline for each fall quarter is the end of the previous May. Due to the sequential nature of the music curriculum, midyear applications are not recommended. Students seeking admission to the program other than fall quarter will be required to meet prerequisites in all course sequences (MUS 121/122 through 225/226; 341 through 343; and 351 through 354) as a condition of admission.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program:
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less than 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss
Coursework
- ❑ MUS 099 - Concert Attendance
- Required for every quarter in residence. Minimum 8 concert programs or ticket stubs required.
- ❑ MUS 101 - Fundamentals of Music
- ❑ MUS 121 - Aural and Keyboard Skills I
- ❑ MUS 122 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I
- ❑ MUS 123 - Aural and Keyboard Skills I
- ❑ MUS 124 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I
- ❑ MUS 125 - Aural and Keyboard Skills I
- ❑ MUS 126 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills I
- ❑ MUS 221 - Aural and Keyboard Skills II
- ❑ MUS 222 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills II
- ❑ MUS 223 - Aural and Keyboard Skills II
- ❑ MUS 224 - Theoretical and Analytical Skills II
- ❑ MUS 225 - Aural and Keyboard Skills II
- ❑ MUS 268 - Survey of Music Education
- ❑ MUS 328A - Midi Notation and Sequencing for Music Education
- ❑ MUS 341 - History of Music to 1600
- ❑ MUS 342 - History of Music 1600-1830
- ❑ MUS 343 - History of Music 1830-Present
- ❑ MUS 352 - Instrumental Conducting
- ❑ MUS 353 - Choral Conducting
- ❑ MUS 362 - Elementary Music Education
- ❑ MUS 469 - Music Teaching Practicum II (must be taken twice)
- ❑ One course from:
- MUS 354A - Choral Conducting
- MUS 354B - Instrumental Conducting
- ❑ 8-9 credits from:
- MUS 164 - Class Voice and Pedagogy
- MUS 264A - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Flute/Single Reeds
- MUS 264B - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Double Reeds
- MUS 264C - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Clarinet
- MUS 264D - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Bassoon
- MUS 264E - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Saxophone
- MUS 264F - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Horn
- MUS 264G - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: High Brass
- MUS 264H - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Low Brass
- MUS 264I - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Euphonium
- MUS 264J - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Tuba
- MUS 264K - Instrumental Lab for Secondary Instruments: Percussion
- MUS 265A - String Techniques and Pedagogy Lab: Violin/Viola
- MUS 265B - String Techniques and Pedagogy Lab: Cello/Bass
- ❑ One course from: (Each quarter in residence minimum 24 credits)**
- MUS 271 - University Choir
- MUS 272 - Symphonic Band
- MUS 471 - Concert Choir
- MUS 472 - Wind Symphony
- MUS 473 - University Symphony Orchestra
**Piano students will take six quarters of major performing ensemble and six quarters of MUS 276 and/or 476 (piano accompanying). Guitar students as follows: six quarters major performance ensemble (MUS 271 or 471), three quarters of Collegium (MUS 280 or 480) and three quarters Guitar Ensemble (MUS 281N or 481).
- ❑ Applied music on major instrument or voice each quarter in residence (minimum 12 credits); including at least three credits in courses numbered 312-316 or 412-416:
- MUS 212 - Applied Instruction: Piano
- MUS 213 - Applied Instruction: Strings
- MUS 214 - Applied Instruction: Winds and Percussion
- MUS 215 - Applied Instruction: Voice
- MUS 216 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar
- MUS 312 - Applied Instruction: Piano
- MUS 313 - Applied Instruction: Strings
- MUS 314 - Winds and Percussion
- MUS 315 - Applied Instruction: Voice
- MUS 316 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar
- MUS 412 - Applied Instruction: Piano
- MUS 413 - Applied Instruction: Strings
- MUS 414 - Applied Instruction: Winds and Percussion
- MUS 415 - Applied Instruction: Voice
- MUS 416 - Applied Instruction: Classical Guitar
- ❑ One of the following Emphasis Areas:
- P-12 General Music Emphasis (9 credits) This emphasis leads to an endorsement in general music.
- MUS 271 - University Choir
- MUS 461 - Elementary Music Education Methods II
- Electives: 4 credits selected under advisement. In lieu of elective credits, piano students will take 4 credits of MUS 466.
- P-12 Choral Music Emphasis (10 credits) This emphasis leads to an endorsement in choral music.
- MUS 166A - Introduction to Voice Studies A
- MUS 463 - Secondary Choral Music Education
- Electives: 4 credits selected under advisement. In lieu of elective credits, piano students will take 4 credits of MUS 466.
- P-12 Instrumental Music Emphasis (11-12 credits) This emphasis leads to an endorsement in instrumental music.
- MUS 271 - University Choir
- MUS 462 - Band Music Education
- MUS 464 - Orchestral Music Education
- Electives: 3-4 credits selected under advisement. In lieu of elective credits, piano students will take four credits of MUS 466; in lieu of elective credits guitar students will take 2 credits of Introduction to Guitar Repertory – MUS 468A or MUS 468B; and 1 credit of Fretboard Harmony – MUS 367.
- P-12 General Music Emphasis (9 credits) This emphasis leads to an endorsement in general music.
GURs:
There are no courses offered within this major that may be used to satisfy GUR requirements.
Sample Careers
- Secondary School Choir Director
- Secondary School Band Director
- Secondary School Orchestra Director
Department
Contact
Program Coordinator:
Christopher Bianco
PA 60, 360-650-3404
Christopher.Bianco@wwu.edu
Choral Music Education:
Tim Fitzpatrick
Choral Music Education
PA 39, 360-650-7290
Timothy.Fitzpatrick@wwu.edu
Undergraduate Advisor:
Julie Hall
PA 263
360-650-4091
julie.hall@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Program Manager
Janna Cecka
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Program Coordinator
Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327
Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu