College of Arts and Humanities
Instrumental Music Education
Bachelor of Music | Major
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Our Music Education Program has a long history of being one of the top programs in the region.
A degree in Music Education prepares you to teach music in K-12 but also provides you the support to become an accomplished musician through theory-to-practice opportunities and experiences. There are two options for our music teacher degree: Instrumental Emphasis and Choral Emphasis. Our Instrumental Emphasis is perfect if you wish to focus your teaching in band and/ or orchestra related fields.
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Department of Music
Create Your Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Music Department Website
Core Courses
Music Theory
- MUS 144 - Theory 1
- MUS 144A - Aural Skills 1
- MUS 145 - Theory 2
- MUS 145A - Aural Skills 2
- MUS 146 - Theory 3
- MUS 146A - Aural Skills 3
- MUS 244 - Theory 4
- MUS 245 - Theory 5
- MUS 246 - Theory 6
Class Piano
- MUS 152A - Class Piano I
- MUS 153A - Class Piano II
- MUS 154A - Class Piano III
Applied Music
- MUS 300 - Recital Performance
Individual Instruction
- MUS 164 - Major Applied Area (Individual Instruction)
- MUS 264 - Major Applied Area (Individual Instruction)
- MUS 364 - Major-applied Area (Individual Instruction)
Conducting
- MUS 341 - Conducting I
- MUS 342 - Conducting II
Music History
- MUS 359 - Survey of Music in Cross-cultural Perspectives
- MUS 372 - Music History 1
- MUS 373 - Music History 2
- MUS 374 - Music History 3
Primary Ensembles
- Wind Ensemble
- Symphonic Winds
- Orchestra
- Marching Band
- Symphonic Band
Required Courses
- MUS 253C - Class Instrumental Methods Strings I
- MUS 253D - Class Instrumental Methods Woodwinds I
- MUS 253E - Class Instrumental Methods Brass I
- MUS 253G - Class Instrumental Methods Percussion I
- MUS 254B - Class Vocal Methods
- MUS 254C - Class Instrumental Methods Strings II
- MUS 254D - Class Instrumental Methods Woodwinds II
- MUS 254E - Class Instrumental Methods Brass II
- MUS 325 - Instrumental Music Education
- MUS 329 - General Music Methods
Choose one course from the following:
- MUS 340 - Form and Analysis
- MUS 422 - Orchestration
- MUS 484 - Instrumental Arranging
- MUS 486 - Jazz Band Arranging
Secondary Education Program or Professional Education Program
- Professional Education Program
- Secondary Education Major, BAEd
Advanced Techniques
Gain comprehensive training in brass, woodwind, string, and percussion pedagogy, ensuring you are prepared to teach and guide students on a variety of instruments.
Performance Opportunities
Participate in CWU’s ensembles, including bands, orchestras, and chamber groups, enhancing your musicianship and gaining performance experience.
Expert Mentorship
Learn from faculty with extensive experience in instrumental performance, ensemble direction, and music education, guiding you toward success in the field.
Innovative Teaching Methods
Explore modern approaches to instrumental music education, incorporating technology and creative strategies to engage students in meaningful learning experiences.
Apply
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Curriculum
Focus on instrumental-specific coursework, including techniques classes for every instrument family and advanced conducting.
Accredited
Our program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), ensuring you receive high-quality training that meets national standards.
Scholarships
Over 40 different waivers and scholarships are available to music students, totaling $260,000 awarded annually.
Why Study Music at Central?
- Experience a wide range of music courses, from theory and history to performance and analysis, giving you a well-rounded foundation in music.
- Choose from a variety of music electives that align with your interests and goals in performance, composition, music history, and more.
- Engage with students from other artistic disciplines, such as film and theatre, to create multimedia projects that expand your experience beyond traditional music settings.
- Perform in nationally and internationally recognized ensembles led by world-renowned conductors, showcasing your talents on prominent stages around the world.
Recent Alumni Success
Choral Teacher
Instrumental Teacher
Elementary Ed Teacher
Education outreach for professional symphonies