About our BM in Music Education
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 is for students wishing to pursue teaching positions with a choral focus and our Instrumental Emphasis is for students wishing to focus their teaching in a band related area.
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.
Want to apply? Check out our Admissions Audition information, as well as our Undergraduate Handbook.
Program Highlights
Where is this program offered?
Ellensburg
How much does this program cost?
Find out how much this program costs through the registrar.
Scholarships
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.
Ensembles
We offer many ensemble opportunities in a wide range of instrumental combinations, styles, and proficiencies. From our large symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, or premier vocal group, to our small Jazz combos and brass quintets, there is an ensemble for you.
For a full list of ensembles, reference our CWU Music Ensemble Opportunities.
Degree Information
- 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.
- Choral Music Specialization
For information regarding admission requirements, required and elective courses, please reference the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog.
Interested? Checkout our recommended Academic Plan
- Instrumental Music Specialization
For information regarding admission requirements, required and elective courses, please reference the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog.
- Additional Certifications
We offer a post-baccalaureate degree program designed to serve students who already have an undergraduate degree in music but wish to become trained and certified in music teaching. Prospective students must apply to the University and audition for the music education faculty. The degree programs can serve as a guide for the post-baccalaureate student but decisions about what previous credits will transfer are made on an individual basis at the time of admission.
Questions? Contact us.
Department of Music
Phone: (509) 963-1216
Fax: (509) 963-1239
music@cwu.edu
Need help getting here? Check out our Visit Ellensburg information.