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College of Creative Arts and Media: School of Music

Music Education, BM

Are you passionate about music and helping others find their musical voice? Our program gives you the flexibility to continue your own musical path while preparing for a rewarding career in music education.

As a Music Education student, you can expect a wide range of musical experiences — instrumental and vocal performance, composition, conducting and music technology. You’ll blend academic coursework with teaching experiences in University and public school classrooms to build confidence and refine your instructional techniques.

When you graduate, you’ll leave with a comprehensive understanding of music education, as well as these marketable skills:

  • High level of musicianship
  • Ability to teach students of all ages and abilities effectively
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of current music education trends
  • Oral and written communication skills

Acceptance to the Music Education Program requires admission to WVU and a successful audition and interview. Your audition also may qualify you for a School of Music scholarship.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

The BM in Music Education will prepare you for a variety of teaching settings.

The Music Education plan of study consists of courses in these areas:

  • General Education: Courses that balance professional specialization in music, such as writing, humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics.
  • Musicianship: Courses that increase skills as a musician, such as principal performance studies, ensembles, voice, piano, music theory (aural and written), music listening, music history, conducting and arranging.
  • Education: Courses that develop knowledge of teaching, learning and schools, including Introduction to Music Education and educational psychology.
  • Pedagogy: Courses that develop skills as a teacher and performer of various secondary instruments, such as woodwinds, recorder, brass, guitar, strings, percussion and voice.
  • Methods: Courses that develop skills as a teacher in each of the three major areas of Music Education (instrumental music, vocal music and general music), including clinical experiences.
  • Capstone Experience: A two-week preparatory seminar and a 14-week supervised teaching internship in K-12 schools requiring successful integration of the knowledge and demonstration of the skills acquired throughout the undergraduate experience.

Double Major in Music Education and Music Performance
An optional program can be arranged for students who wish to pursue majors in both Performance and Music Education. Admission to this rigorous program is by written consent of the coordinator of the appropriate performance area and the coordinator of Music Education after you have completed two semesters.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • 100% employment rate for recent graduates.
  • The only program in the region to offer courses in instrument repair.
  • Real-world experience in K-12 schools beginning sophomore year.
  • WVU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
  • The WVU School of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
  • WVU is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

As a Music Education student, you'll have the opportunity to engage in research alongside our esteemed faculty members. Whether you're assisting with ongoing projects or pursuing your own research interests, you'll gain valuable insights and hands-on experience in educational research.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach students basic academic, social and other formative skills in public or private schools at the elementary level.

Median Salary: $63,680

Possible job titles include: Classroom Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, Teacher.

Explore Career

Middle School Teachers

Teach students in one or more subjects in public or private schools at the middle, intermediate or junior high level, which falls between elementary and senior high school as defined by applicable laws and regulations.

Median Salary: $64,290

Possible job titles include: Language Arts Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Science Teacher, Teacher.

Explore Career

Secondary School Teachers

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics or social studies, at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Median Salary: $65,220

Possible job titles include: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher.

Explore Career

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Median Salary: $62,590

Possible job titles include: Choir Director, Composer, Conductor, Music Director, Music Minister, Orchestra Director, Music Composer, Music Producer, Producer, Songwriter.

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Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Median Salary: NA

Possible job titles include: Singer, Vocalist, Musician, Choir Member.

Explore Career

Further your education

Your undergraduate degree in Music Education prepares you to enter the profession as a music educator, or to elevate your expertise by pursuing advanced studies in music. This versatile degree opens doors to a diverse range of graduate study options tailored to your interests and career goals.

Consider WVU's graduate programs, which offer a wealth of opportunities for advanced study and professional growth:

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Program Facility - Creative Arts Center

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.

Explore the Canady Creative Arts Center
  • Virtual Tour
    It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Music Education major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Music Education at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit

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