WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Music Education Program at WCU prepares majors for successful careers as music teachers through courses such as:
- Elementary,
- Secondary,
- Choral,
- Instrumental methods, and
- Student Teaching.
Emphasis is given to practical and concrete ways to teach all types of music in public school settings. Additionally, the Department teaches courses to elementary education and early-childhood majors. These courses emphasize the development of musical skills and the integration of music into the various elementary education and early-childhood professions.
After admission to the Music Education Program (audition required), majors typically spend the first two years developing their personal musicianship and performance skills and taking general education courses. In their junior year, majors must pass a "junior-standing" test and begin the professional sequence of courses which leads to teacher certification. Upon graduation and successful application for certification, majors receive a music teaching certificate for all grade levels (K-12) Choral and Instrumental. West Chester University graduates have found employment in virtually all states and are highly sought as music teachers.
MEET THE FACULTY
Marci Major
Chair, Music Education
Angela Guerriero
Associate Professor
Adam Gumble
Assistant Professor
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
SAMUEL BARBER SUMMER INSTITUTE
Named in honor of West Chester-born composer, Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was noted for his wide range of symphonic and choral works, including the well-known Adagio for Strings. The Samuel Barber Summer Institute offers an innovative combination of traditional academic courses and special subject seminars featuring nationally renowned leaders in 21st century music education. These courses may be applied to NASM-accredited master’s degrees in music education, applied music, piano pedagogy, music history and literature, and music theory, as well as meeting requirements for teacher certification renewal and professional growth programs. Master’s degrees in the WCU Wells School of Music may be earned through an intensive four-summer program or a combination of regular semester and summer studies.
Further Information:
M. Gregory Martin