Program Overview
The Music Education program at Central Washington University prepares students to teach music in K-12 settings. The program offers two options: Instrumental Certification and Choral Certification. Students gain a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance, as well as practical experience in teaching music to students of all ages. Graduates are qualified to teach music in schools, work as private music teachers, or pursue advanced degrees in music education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Music Education program at Central Washington University prepares students to teach music in K-12 settings. The program provides a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance, as well as practical experience in teaching music to students of all ages.
Objectives:
- To prepare students to be effective music educators in K-12 schools.
- To provide students with a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance.
- To develop students' skills in teaching music to students of all ages.
- To foster students' love of music and inspire them to share that love with their students.
Program Description:
The Music Education program at CWU offers two options: Instrumental Certification and Choral Certification. The Instrumental Certification is designed for students who wish to focus their teaching in a band-related area, while the Choral Certification is designed for students who wish to pursue teaching positions with a choral focus. Both options require students to complete a core curriculum in music theory, history, and performance, as well as coursework in music education. Students in the Instrumental Certification option will also complete coursework in instrumental conducting and methods, while students in the Choral Certification option will complete coursework in choral conducting and methods. In addition to coursework, all Music Education students are required to participate in a variety of ensembles and performance opportunities. This experience provides students with the opportunity to develop their musical skills and to learn how to work with other musicians.
Outline:
Content:
The Music Education program at CWU covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Music theory
- Music history
- Music performance
- Music education
- Instrumental conducting
- Choral conducting
- Music technology
Structure:
The Music Education program is a four-year program that consists of 120 credit hours. The program is divided into two parts: the lower division and the upper division. The lower division consists of the first two years of the program and includes coursework in music theory, history, and performance, as well as general education courses. The upper division consists of the last two years of the program and includes coursework in music education, instrumental conducting, choral conducting, and music technology.
Course Schedule:
- Spring: Music Theory II, Music History II, Music Performance II, Music Education II
Year 2
- Fall: Music Theory III, Music History III, Music Performance III, Music Education III
- Spring: Music Theory IV, Music History IV, Music Performance IV, Music Education IV
Year 3
- Fall: Instrumental Conducting I, Choral Conducting I, Music Education V, Music Technology I
- Spring: Instrumental Conducting II, Choral Conducting II, Music Education VI, Music Technology II
Year 4
- Fall: Student Teaching I, Music Education VII, Music Elective
- Spring: Student Teaching II, Music Education VIII, Music Elective
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
Music Theory I:
This course introduces the basic elements of music theory, including pitch, rhythm, harmony, and form.
Music History I:
This course surveys the history of Western music from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Music Performance I:
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their musical skills through individual and ensemble performance.
Music Education I:
This course introduces the basic principles of music education, including lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment.
Music Theory II:
This course continues the study of music theory, with a focus on harmony and counterpoint.
Music History II:
This course surveys the history of Western music from the Baroque period to the Classical period.
Music Performance II:
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their musical skills through individual and ensemble performance.
Music Education II:
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the principles of music education in a classroom setting.
Music Theory III:
This course introduces the study of music analysis.
Music History III:
This course surveys the history of Western music from the Romantic period to the 20th century.
Music Performance III:
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their musical skills through individual and ensemble performance.
Music Education III:
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their skills in teaching music to students of all ages.
Music Theory IV:
This course continues the study of music analysis, with a focus on 20th-century music.
Music History IV:
This course surveys the history of non-Western music.
Music Performance IV:
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their musical skills through individual and ensemble performance.
Music Education IV:
This course provides students with the opportunity to prepare for student teaching.
Instrumental Conducting I:
This course introduces the basic principles of instrumental conducting.
Choral Conducting I:
This course introduces the basic principles of choral conducting.
Music Education V:
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the principles of music education in a student teaching setting.
Music Technology I:
This course introduces the basic principles of music technology.
Instrumental Conducting II:
This course continues the study of instrumental conducting, with a focus on advanced techniques.
Choral Conducting II:
This course continues the study of choral conducting, with a focus on advanced techniques.
Music Education VI:
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their skills in teaching music to students of all ages.
Music Technology II:
This course continues the study of music technology, with a focus on advanced applications.
Student Teaching I:
This course provides students with the opportunity to student teach in a K-12 school setting.
Music Education VII:
This course provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their student teaching experience and to develop their professional skills.
Student Teaching II:
This course provides students with the opportunity to continue student teaching in a K-12 school setting.
Music Education VIII:
This course provides students with the opportunity to complete their student teaching experience and to prepare for their career as a music educator.
Assessment:
Students in the Music Education program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Performances
- Student teaching
Teaching:
The Music Education program at CWU is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and to helping them to become successful music educators. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Demonstrations
- Hands-on activities
- Student presentations The program also offers a variety of unique approaches to teaching, including:
- The use of technology in the classroom
- The integration of music theory and history into performance classes
- The use of guest artists and clinicians
Careers:
Graduates of the Music Education program at CWU are prepared to teach music in K-12 schools. They are also qualified to work as private music teachers, music directors, and music therapists. The program has a strong track record of success, with graduates teaching in schools across the country. Many graduates have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees in music education and to become leaders in the field.