Western Connecticut State University

What you'll study

The curriculum is arranged as an eight-semester sequence totaling a minimum of 120 semester hours and includes general education requirements plus specialised music and education coursework. Students take progressive sequences in theory, sight-singing/ear training and keyboard competency; applied lessons and ensemble participation each semester; music history; music technology; form & analysis; conducting; arranging; composition/improvisation; and workshops on voice, woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion.

• Core music sequences: MUS 108–109–208–209 (Music Theory I–IV), MUS 114/210/211 (Sight Singing/Ear Training I–IV), MUS 125/126/225/226 (Keyboard Competency I–IV).
• Applied and ensemble work: MUS 180/181/390/391 (Applied Music), MUS 113 Convocation/Recital Repertoire, large and small ensembles each semester.
• Music study and skills: MUS 230/231 Music History & Literature I–II; MUS 317 Form & Analysis; MUS 318 Music Technology; MUS 321/322 Choral or Instrumental Conducting; MED 316 Arranging; MUS 214 Half Recital (optional but recommended).
• Education and methods: MED 206 Introduction to Music Education; MED 303 Elementary Music Methods; MED 312 Middle Level Music Methods; MED 313/314 Secondary Music Methods; MED 304 and MED 354 Professional Development School Experiences (elementary and secondary); EPY 204 Adolescent Development; EPY 405 Introduction to Special Education.
• Workshop requirements: MED 100/102/103/104/105/108/110 (voice, woodwinds, brass, world music, strings, double reeds, percussion).

Entry requirements

Initial admission to the degree program requires an audition and interview. Students who self-declare as music education majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA after 60 credits to remain declared. Acceptance into the professional teacher education program requires a 3.0 GPA in academic and professional major requirements and meeting course-passage standards: specific music courses (e.g., MUS 108–109, MUS 113–114, keyboard and theory sequences, applied music and MED 206) must be passed before applying. Certain courses require minimum grades: a C is required in listed music education courses and a B is required in EPY 204, ED 206 and HPX 215 for professional-program application. Deadlines for professional-program admission are April 1 for fall entry and November 1 for spring entry.

Career prospects

Graduation from this program leads to provisional PK–12 certification in Connecticut, preparing students to teach music across grade levels. The combined emphasis on performance, conducting and classroom methods readies graduates for roles as classroom music teachers, choral or instrumental directors, and related positions in school music programs. Student teaching consists of two seven-and-a-half-week placements during the senior year; students must arrange their own transportation to placement schools and are advised to avoid other coursework or employment during that semester.

Scholarships & funding angle

The source text does not list specific scholarships. Prospective applicants should consult the university's financial aid and music department offices for institutional scholarships, performance-related awards and general financial-aid options; applied-lesson or ensemble participation sometimes supports merit awards at many music programs.