Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Music education at WVU is unusually comprehensive and prepares graduates for a wide variety of teaching settings. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a bachelor’s degree in music and West Virginia Birth-Adult teaching certification. Students successfully completing the music education curriculum and all tests required by the West Virginia Department of Education will be qualified for a professional certificate, grades birth through adult, which allows them to teach instrumental, vocal, and general music in West Virginia public schools. Major Learning Goals In addition to the common core of musicianship and general studies, the musician electing a career in school-based teaching will develop competencies in professional education and in specific areas of musicianship. Professional education components will be learned in a practical context, relating the learning of educational principles to the student’s day-by-day work in music. Students are provided opportunities for various types of observation and teaching. Within the curricular guidelines above, attention is given to breadth in general studies, attitudes relating to human, personal considerations, and social, economic, and cultural components that give individual communities their identity. Students who earn the Bachelor of Music in Music Education will develop musical abilities in: Conducting and Musical Leadership Arranging Functional Performance Analysis/History/Literature Students who earn the Bachelor of Music in Music Education will develop: Knowledge and skills sufficient to teach beginning students on instruments and/or in voice as appropriate to the chosen areas of specialization. Knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development in music education. Experiences in solo vocal or instrumental performance. Experiences in ensembles. Ensembles should be varied both in size and nature. The ability to lead performance-based instruction in a variety of settings. Laboratory experience in teaching beginning students in a variety of specializations. Career Profile This degree allows graduates to pursue various career opportunities on both the elementary and secondary school levels.