Music

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

About our Music Education, BM

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 Choral Emphasis will be perfect if you are wishing to pursue teaching positions with a choral focus and our Instrumental Emphasis is if you are wishing to focus your teaching in band related fields.

Why Study Music Education at CWU?

Our Music Education Program has a long history of being one of the top programs in the region.

Our graduates are teachers and leaders in school districts across the Northwest, and many pursue advanced degrees, professional performance opportunities, and leadership positions nationwide.

“I’ve always had so much support around me, and that was a big factor in my decision to become a teacher. I’m doing what I’m doing now because of my educators. They all saw something in me that I didn’t realize at the time, and I’m so grateful for everything they have done for me.” Jennifer Rhee graduated in 2023 from the Music Department.

Where is this program offered?

• Ellensburg

How much does this program cost?

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information. Explore the Music Education Certifications today.

Overview

Requiring approximately 200 credits, these are among the most credit-heavy degrees in the university. While it is possible to graduate in four years, most Music Education majors plan on a five-year career as an undergraduate.

In this way, they can take more than the minimum required courses and experience the many opportunities for added musical study, growth, and performance provided by the department, such as continued applied music (private lessons), the ensembles listed above, and academic courses in various areas.

Students taking this major must apply and be fully admitted to the Teacher Certification Program through the College of Education and Professional Studies. In addition to the degree requirements of the Bachelor of Music: Music Education Major, students must also successfully complete the Professional Education Program housed in the School of Education.

Highlights

Each year, the Music Department gives over $250,000 in scholarships and waivers for incoming and returning students. To learn more, check out our Music Scholarship Information