Bachelor of Music in
Music Education

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Inspire the Next Generation

Start your journey to a rewarding career as a K-12 music teacher at Eastern Washington University. Our Bachelor of Music (BM) program boasts a 100% placement rate in schools, setting students up for success.

The EWU Music Education degree prepares you to teach band, choir, orchestra conducting, jazz band directing, general music, and conducting a variety of ensembles such as percussion, mariachi etc. This makes it an excellent choice for aspiring music educators aiming to create a lasting impact on future generations of students.

Through a rigorous curriculum that combines performance, music theory, pedagogy, and hands-on teaching experience, you’ll graduate ready to lead classrooms and musical ensembles with confidence.

Plus, with Secondary Education certification, you’ll be fully qualified to teach kindergarten through grade 12 in Washington State.

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Student Story

Carmyn Parks, a music education and performance major, admits she arrived at Eastern Washington University as a complete musical neophyte. “When I tell you I came into Eastern with no musical knowledge, I mean I didn’t have any,” Parks says.

That changed quickly, thanks to what she describes as a welcoming learning environment. “It’s not about competition. It’s about, ‘How can we make music together?’”

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Music Education Major, Bachelor of Music (BM)

Students are prepared for professional careers as music educators in K–12 systems which includes band, choir, orchestra conducting, jazz band directing, general music, and conducting a variety of ensembles such as percussion, mariachi etc. Students must audition on their primary instrument or voice as part of the admission requirement and are eligible for talent scholarships. Review the Music website for audition requirements.

Major Requirements

  • All students in this degree must work with a music education advisor throughout their residency to help them plan their schedule, as many courses are either sequential, offered only in certain years/terms, or have pre-reqs.
  • Students in this program are excused from major ensemble participation during the quarter of student teaching.
  • This degree option requires more than 12 quarters to complete at 15–16 credits per quarter. ​
  • Students MUST complete any/all recital requirements prior to starting their Education courses and student teaching.
Secondary Education Program Prerequisites
All prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 6 years.
A grade ≥B- in all prerequisite courses is required for admission to the Education program.
CMST 201PUBLIC SPEAKING5
or CMST 340 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
EDUC 201INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION3
ENGL 201COLLEGE COMPOSITION: ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION (or approved equivalent)5
SOST 300PEOPLES AND GOVERNANCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST5
SPED 363INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION4
PSYC 204EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY5
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning proficiency*5
Total Credits32

* Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning courses

Required Non-Credit Music Components
MUSC 110CONVOCATION AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE0
Junior Recital
Piano Proficiency
Required Music Core Courses
MUSC 101
& MUSC 102
& MUSC 103		MUSIC THEORY I
and MUSIC THEORY II
and MUSIC THEORY III		9
MUSC 104
& MUSC 105
& MUSC 106		AURAL SKILLS
and AURAL SKILLS II
and AURAL SKILLS III		3
MUSC 121
& MUSC 122		PIANO CLASS II FOR MAJORS
and PIANO CLASS III FOR MAJORS		2
MUSC 201
& MUSC 202
& MUSC 203		MUSIC THEORY IV
and MUSIC THEORY V
and MUSIC THEORY VI		9
MUSC 204
& MUSC 205		AURAL SKILLS IV
and AURAL SKILLS V		2
MUSC 244MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHERS2
or MUSC 293 STUDIO AS INSTRUMENT - COMPOSING WITH ELECTRONIC MEDIA
MUSC 250
& MUSC 251
& MUSC 252		MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE II
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE III		12
MUSC 310BASIC CONDUCTING2
MUSC 388PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC4
Applied Music Requirements-must be repeated12
INSTRUCTION ON VOICE OR INSTRUMENT
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
Major Music Ensemble Requirement Options-must be repeated24
MARCHING BAND
WIND ENSEMBLE
ORCHESTRA
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
CONCERT CHOIR
Music Education Concentration
MUSC 312ADVANCED CONDUCTING2
MUSC 381VOCAL TECHNIQUES FOR K-12 MUSIC ED2
MUSC 382STRING TECHNIQUES FOR K-12 MUSIC ED2
MUSC 383WOODWIND TECHNIQUES FOR K-12 MUSIC ED3
MUSC 384BRASS TECHNIQUES FOR K-12 MUSIC ED2
MUSC 385PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES FOR K-12 MUSIC ED2
MUSC 441MUSIC METHODS FOR ELEMENTARY MUSIC SPECIALISTS3
MUSC 445CHORAL METH/MAT SEC SCHOOL2
MUSC 446INSTRUMENTAL METHODS/MATERIALS2
MUSC 447COMMERCIAL/JAZZ MUSIC METHODS & MATERIALS2
Required Education Courses
EDUC 303FOUNDATIONS OF ASSESSMENT3
EDUC 309FOUNDATIONS OF SECONDARY CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
EDUC 341SECONDARY STRATEGIES, MANAGEMENT, ASSESSMENT3
EDUC 386AFIELD EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICUM3
EDUC 386BFIELD EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICUM3
EDUC 413CONTENT AREA LITERACY: MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION CANDIDATES3
EDUC 426SECONDARY STUDENT TEACHING 5-1212
EDUC 427GENERAL STUDENT TEACHING K-123-15
Required Capstone
MUSC 490MUSIC SENIOR CAPSTONE4
Total Credits140-152

Sample Courses

MUSC 382. STRING TECHNIQUES FOR K-12 MUSIC ED. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
Designed for music education majors to become familiar with all string instruments in order to teach in a K-12 music class or ensemble setting. Focuses on instructional and arranging techniques for violin, viola, cello, and bass instruments in K–12 music classrooms.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 388. PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–global studies.
This course explores the role music plays in the formation of ethnic and national identities. By closely studying several contrasting music cultures, we see how music shapes attitudes toward self and other, serving to map territories that are both inclusive and exclusive, personal and cross-cultural. Skills developed in the course are analytical, critical thinking, listening, and writing.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 250. MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
Detailed study and analysis of music in Western civilization from its origin to modern times. The fall quarter covers antiquity through the Renaissance.

Catalog Listing

Career Possibilities

  • Elementary, middle, and high school music teacher
  • Choir, band, or orchestra director
  • General music or music appreciation teacher

  • Private music, voice, or instrumental instructor
  • Online music educator
  • College/university professor (advanced degrees often required)
  • Music education researcher or consultant

  • Music therapist or counselor
  • Special education music instructor
  • Therapeutic music facilitator

  • Music program director or department chair
  • School music curriculum developer
  • Arts education administrator or policy analyst
  • Community music coordinator or nonprofit educator

  • Choir, band, or orchestra conductor
  • Community ensemble leader or festival coordinator
  • Music camp director

  • Music technology instructor or software developer
  • Educational content developer or interactive program specialist
  • Classroom technology integration specialist

An EWU Music Education major prepares students to become certified K-12 music teachers in public and private schools.  

Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to teach general music, direct ensembles, and conduct. You’ll develop both instrumental and vocal skills while studying music theory, sight-reading, performance techniques, and ensemble instruction. You’ll also explore multicultural music education to gain a well-rounded teaching perspective.  

Graduates are ready to pursue careers as music teachers or program leaders or work in curriculum development, arts administration, musical theater production, and advocacy.

Explore your career possibilities in the following areas:

Why Study Music at the Region's Polytechnic?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.

Vibrant Music Community

Vibrant Music Community

Join clubs like Mariachi Las Águilas, ACDA Choir, and the EWU Marching Band.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Learn from musicians who actively perform at top regional venues.

Affordable Education

Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition and financial aid options to help you graduate debt-free.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Graduate prepared to take control of your career and thrive financially.

Passion-Driven Careers

Passion-Driven Careers

Follow your calling and compose your future in the music industry.

Program Highlights

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with artists, actors, writers, and poets to broaden your creative horizons.
  • Accredited Excellence: Earn a degree from a nationally accredited program known for its exceptional music education.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: Keep pace with the changing industry using advanced music technology and state-of-the-art tools.
“I chose the EWU music program because of the world-class musicians who teach there. I knew I could trust them to become both a better musician and a more well-rounded person.” — Christian Skok '22

Faculty

For more information about Music Education, contact our faculty.

Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah

Professor - Director of Choral Activities & Undergrad Music Education Coordinator
Photo of Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah
Music Building Room 252

Anne Mileski

Instructor
Music Education
Photo of Anne Mileski
Music Building Room 233
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Take the Next Step

The EWU Music Department awards an average of $150,000 in scholarships each year to help students pursue their dream of working in the music industry.

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Location:
Music Building
20 W Seventh St
Cheney, WA 99004

Contact:
E: jgraves@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2241

Collaborate and excel with exceptional musicians and artist-teachers in an inclusive academic environment. Our programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by faculty from the region’s dynamic arts community.

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