Introduction
This professional degree program prepares students to teach music in their emphasis area upon graduating and receive a P-12 Certification as a Music Specialist Educator in addition to the Bachelor of Music degree. The program consists of a variety of pedagogy, conducting, and education-specific courses (through the Department of Music and Woodring College of Education), and requires two practicums and a student-teaching internship in a public-school setting. Students also complete core studies in music theory, aural skills, keyboarding, and musicology.
The BMus Education P-12 major is structured to take approximately 4.25-4.5 years to complete for the average incoming music student. Students who qualify for assessments may be able to finish sooner. Based on the sequence of classes, all academic coursework can be completed in four years, followed by 14 weeks (1 quarter) of full-time student teaching the following fall or winter quarter. The Music Education Coordinator will assist students in their application to the Woodring of College of Education to complete the combined P-12 certification, this typically takes place during the third year in the music major.
The Secondary Education program requires 34 credits, including the student teaching internship. This major leads to an endorsement in music education for grades P-12. For questions about the teacher certification process or when to apply, contact the Music Education Coordinator. For additional information, see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Student Resources
Department website: Music
Contact information: Program Coordinator, Catherine Brown, Performing Arts 263, 360-650-6280, Catherine.Brown@wwu.edu
Department advising: Undergraduate Academic Advisor Catherine Brown, Performing Arts Center 263, 360-650-6280, MusicAdvising@wwu.edu
- Music Education Coordinator: Performing Arts Center 45, 360-650-2217, bournep@wwu.edu
- Instrumental Music Education (Strings): James Ray, Performing Arts Center 058, 360-650-2706, James.Ray@wwu.edu
- Instrumental Music Education (Band): Paul Bain, Performing Arts Center 147, 360-650-3488, bainp@wwu.edu
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Secondary School Choir Director, Secondary School Band Director, Secondary School Orchestra Director, Elementary and/or Secondary General Music Teacher, Applied Instrumental or Voice Instructor, Professional Musician, Arts Administrator
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Capacity-constrained major
To declare a music major and enroll in core music classes, students must complete an Entrance Audition on their primary instrument or voice. New music majors are advised to audition the same year they apply to WWU. Although we primarily admit students for the fall term, mid-year applicants are also accepted depending on space availability. Please visit the Music Auditions webpage to read about our different audition processes and navigate to the Entrance & Scholarship Audition page to explore audition dates, deadlines, and requirements.
Admission to Woodring College of Education
The Music Education Coordinator will advise and assist students with their application to the Woodring College of Education where they will enroll in general education courses alongside advanced music education coursework. Students who successfully complete this set of Woodring courses will earn state teaching certification for P-12 music education in their emphasis area. (See the Endorsement Emphasis and Additional Requirements section) Applications for Woodring are typically submitted during the third year in the music program with applications for a fall quarter start due February 15, and for winter, September 1.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for all Music Major and Minor courses. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in music courses is required for graduation with a degree in music.
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