Western Connecticut State University

What you'll study

The degree totals approximately 30 semester hours and combines core theory, pedagogy and applied work with concentration-specific study. Both concentrations include MUS 500 Introduction to Music Research and MUS 520 Form and Analysis, among other core offerings. Each culminates in a final project and participation in the Music Department Seminar (MUS 590).

• Music Education concentration (30 SH): Core courses include MUS 500 (1 SH), MUS 520 (3 SH), MUS 528 Pedagogy of Improvisation (3 SH), MUS 523 Conducting (3 SH), plus MUS 540 or MUS 507 (3 SH) and MUS 545 or MUS 517 (2 SH). Studies in the major (9 SH) include MUS 536 Topics in Music Education (3 SH) and a choice of two from MUS 535 Contemporary Strategies in Elementary Music Ed. (3 SH), MUS 533 Choral Techniques and Materials (3 SH), MUS 534 Instrumental Techniques and Materials (3 SH). Electives total 4 SH, Final Project 2 SH, and MUS 590 Seminar 2 SH.
• Jazz Pedagogy concentration (30–32 SH): Core courses include MUS 500 (1 SH), MUS 520 (3 SH), MUS 528 Pedagogy of Improvisation (3 SH) and MUS 523 Jazz Styles and Analysis (3 SH). Choose MUS 545 or MUS 517 (2 SH). Performance requirements include Jazz Ensembles taken across four semesters (4 SH) and Applied Lessons for two semesters (2 SH); Applied Jazz Piano for Non-Pianists is a 1 SH requirement for non-pianists. Studies in the major (7 SH) comprise MUS 506 Topics in Jazz Pedagogy (2 SH), MUS 502 Arranging for the Jazz Educator (3 SH), and MUS 505 Rhythm Section Lab (2 SH). Electives 3–4 SH, Final Project 2 SH, and MUS 590 Seminar 2 SH.

Entry requirements

All applicants must submit an application and hold a bachelor’s degree in music with official transcripts. Admission to the Music Education concentration also requires a conditional teaching certificate and/or a minimum of three years of school-based music instruction experience, plus an interview with Music Education faculty. Admission to Jazz Pedagogy requires an audition/interview with Jazz faculty. Admitted students take entrance exams in music theory and music history; failure to pass may require additional work (per program policy).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in K–12 music education, collegiate or community music instruction, and jazz-specific teaching roles. The Music Education concentration supports those maintaining or pursuing permanent teaching certification; the Jazz Pedagogy track suits performers and educators focused on jazz ensemble leadership, curriculum design for jazz programs, arranging and rhythm section coaching. The program also aims to prepare students for further graduate work.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

While the program page lists no specific scholarships, prospective students should explore university graduate assistantships, departmental awards, external music education and jazz foundations, and regional arts grants. Faculty mentorship and performance involvement often help identify funding and paid teaching or ensemble opportunities.