Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Music
Nature of the Program
Students who successfully complete the music education curriculum and all certification exams required by the West Virginia Department of Education will be qualified for a professional certificate, grades birth through adult. This certification allows teaching of instrumental, vocal, and general music in West Virginia public schools.
Admissions for 2026-2027
Acceptance into an undergraduate music degree program is contingent upon both admission to WVU as an undergraduate student and a successful performance audition. Auditions are held from late fall through the early spring semester. For maximum scholarship consideration, students are encouraged to complete the application (including audition) before March 1. Audition information can be found on the College's website or by contacting the CCAM Office of Recruitment at (304) 293-4339. Special accommodations may be made by contacting the School of Music at (304) 293-4532 or Music@mail.wvu.edu.
For admission consideration, all students must submit separate applications to the University and to the School of Music. The audition is a preliminary assessment of a student’s potential for success. For the Bachelor of Science in Music and Health, students must audition at a minimum performance level four. If a student is admitted, their standing is confirmed or revised after the first semester of study.
Students should own their own instrument under normal circumstances (except for piano).
- Apply to West Virginia University (How to Apply)
- Audition for the School of Music (Apply Now)
Acceptance into an undergraduate music degree program requires admission to WVU as an undergraduate student and a successful audition and/or interview. The audition and/or interview is a preliminary assessment of a student's potential for success in their intended major.
- BA Music - audition required
- BA Music Business and Industry: Applied Music Emphasis - audition required
- BA Music Business and Industry: Multi-instrumental Emphasis - interview required (no audition)
- BM Composition - audition and portfolio review required
- BM Music Education - audition and interview required
- BM Music Therapy - audition and interview required
- BM Performance - audition required
- BS Music and Health - audition required
Students who cannot attend one of our regularly scheduled audition days should contact the School of Music at:
(304) 293-4532 or Music@mail.wvu.edu.
Music majors can change from one music curriculum to another with faculty approval, particularly during the freshman or sophomore year, without significant loss of course credit. Students are encouraged to explore and follow the curriculum for which they are best qualified and in which they can achieve the greatest success. Evaluation of students’ work by the School of Music faculty informs these decisions. If students wish a broader, liberal arts-oriented program, they may pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music.
Major Code: 3715
General Education Foundations
Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations | ||
| F1 - Composition & Rhetoric | 3-6 | |
| Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research | ||
or ENGL 103 | Accelerated Academic Writing | |
| F2A/F2B - Science & Technology | 4-6 | |
| F3 - Math & Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | |
| F4 - Society & Connections | 3 | |
| F5 - Human Inquiry & the Past | 3 | |
| F6 - The Arts & Creativity | 3 | |
| F7 - Global Studies & Diversity | 3 | |
| F8 - Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree) | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 31-37 | |
Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Requirements | 24 | |
| Music Education Program Requirements | 28 | |
| Music Education Major Requirements | 78 | |
| Total Hours | 130 | |
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
| Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 | 22 | |
| MUSC 191 | First-Year Seminar | 2 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Music Education Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required. | ||
| MUSC 189 | Music Convocation (Five Semesters) | 0 |
| Music Core Courses | ||
| Minimum GPA of 2.75 | ||
| Select one of the following (GEF 8): | 3 | |
| Introduction to Music | ||
| American Popular Music | ||
| Music and the Immigrant Experience | ||
| Introduction to History of Jazz | ||
| Music in World Cultures | ||
| Hip Hop Nation: Musical and Conceptual Foundations of a Cultural Revolution | ||
| Music in Appalachia | ||
| MUSC 161 | Aural Theory 1 | 2 |
| MUSC 162 | Written Theory 1 | 3 |
| MUSC 163 | Aural Theory 2 | 2 |
| MUSC 164 | Written Theory 2 | 3 |
| MUSC 200S | Fundamentals of Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 201S | Conducting and Score Interpretation | 2 |
| MUSC 261 | Aural Theory 3 | 2 |
| MUSC 262 | Written Theory 3 | 3 |
| MUSC 270 | History of Western Musical Traditions 1 (GEF 6) | 3 |
| MUSC 271 | History of Western Musical Traditions 2 (GEF 8) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 28 | |
Music Education Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required. | ||
| A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required in all major requirements. | ||
| Professional Education Courses | ||
| Minimum Grade of C- required. Minimum GPA of 2.75. | ||
| MUSC 180 | Introduction to Music Education | 1 |
| MUSC 289 | Classroom Instruments | 1 |
| MUSC 290 | Music Teaching and Learning | 2 |
| MUSC 320 | Technology in the Music Classroom | 2 |
| MUSC 282 & 282S | String Instrument Pedagogy and String Instrument Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 283 & 283S | Percussion Instrument Pedagogy and Percussion Instrument Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 284 & 284S | Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Pedagogy Studio | 3 |
| Select one of the following sequences: | 4-5 | |
| Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy and Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy | ||
| Brass Instrument Pedagogy and Brass Instrument Pedagogy | ||
or | ||
| Wind Pedagogy and Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy | ||
and | ||
| Diction for Singers: English and Italian | ||
or MUSC 269B | Diction for Singers: German and French | |
| MUSC 380 & 380S | Instrumental Methods and Technology Applications and Instrumental Methods and Technology Applications * | 3 |
| MUSC 381 & 381S | Choral Music Methods and Technology Applications and Choral Music Methods and Technology Applications * | 3 |
| MUSC 382 & 382S | General Music Methods and Technology Applications and General Music Methods and Technology Applications * | 3 |
| EDP 301 | Learning in PreK-Adult Educational Settings | 3 |
| SPED 404 | Special Education in Contemporary Society (GEF 4) | 3 |
| SPED 460 | Differentiation of Instruction | 3 |
| RDNG 422 | Reading in the Content Areas | 3 |
| MUSC 484 | Music Residency 1 | 4 |
| MUSC 487 | Residency 2 Seminar (Capstone) | 2 |
| MUSC 491 | Professional Field Experience | 10 |
| Studies in Music | ||
| Class Piano (if piano is not principal) | ||
| MUSC 130S | Piano Class 1 | 1 |
| MUSC 131S | Piano Class 2 | 1 |
| MUSC 132S | Piano Class 3 | 1 |
| Ensembles (7 semesters required) At least one semester/ensemble must be MUSC 353, MUSC 353A-I, MUSC 354-359, MUSC 361, or MUSC 363. At least one semester must be MUSC 302, MUSC 305, MUSC 305A, or MUSC 345. | ||
| 4 semesters/ensembles selected from the following: | 4 | |
| Band: Wind Symphony | ||
| Band: Symphonic | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| University Mountaineer Chorus | ||
| Jazz Ensemble 1 | ||
| Jazz Ensemble 2 | ||
| Chamber Music: Jazz Small Group 2 | ||
| 3 semesters/ensembles selected from the following: | 3 | |
| Band: Concert | ||
| Band: Pep Band | ||
| Chamber Music: Freshman Percussion | ||
| Band: Marching | ||
| University Community Choir | ||
| Introduction To Opera Theatre | ||
| Chamber Music: Brass | ||
| Chamber Music: Guitar | ||
| Chamber Music: Piano-4 Hand | ||
| Chamber Music: Strings | ||
| Chamber Music: Woodwind | ||
| Chamber Music: Vocal | ||
| Chamber Music: Mixed Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: Mountaineer Singers | ||
| Chamber Music: New Music | ||
| Chamber Music: Brass Choir | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other-Vocal Accompaniment | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Collegium Musicum | ||
| Chamber Music: Jazz Vocal Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: Other | ||
| Chamber Music: Percussion 1 | ||
| Chamber Music: Percussion 2 | ||
| Chamber Music: Jazz Small Group | ||
| Chamber Music: Jazz and Ethnic | ||
| Chamber Music: Jazz Vocal Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Music: Jazz Other | ||
| Gamelan | ||
| Steel Band | ||
| African Music Ensemble | ||
| Brazilian Music Ensemble | ||
| Experiential Music Ensemble | ||
| Taiko Ensemble | ||
| Fife and Drum Ensemble | ||
| Appalachian Music Ensemble | ||
| Select 14 hours from the following: | ||
| Applied Music 100 level (MUSC 121-127D) - 2 semesters | 4 | |
| Applied Music 200 level (MUSC 221-227D) - 2 semesters | 4 | |
| Applied Music 300 level (MUSC 321-327D) - 2 semesters | 4 | |
| Applied Music 400 level (MUSC 421-427D) - 1 semester | 2 | |
| Proficiency Level Piano (min. level 2 required) | ||
| Proficiency Level (min. level 7 required) | ||
| Recital | ||
| Total Hours | 78 | |
- *
Prior to enrolling in MUSC 380, MUSC 381, and MUSC 382, students must be accepted into Candidacy by (a) satisfying the Pre-Professional Skills Requirement set by WVDE, (b) completing the candidacy application and interview, (c) passing MUSC 132 or its equivalent, (d) satisfying secondary instrument proficiency requirements, (e) passing MUSC 201S and 289 (with a C or better), and (f) meeting the following GPA requirements:
- An overall GPA of 2.75 in all courses taken at WVU and at any other institution (this includes courses taken at other institutions that are not accepted by WVU)
- A GPA of 2.75 in all music core courses
- A GPA of 2.75 in professional education courses and meeting the minimum grade requirements noted above.
Proficiency Level
Music education students should begin as freshmen at proficiency level three on their principal performance medium (instrument or voice) and must complete proficiency level seven on the medium to be eligible for student teaching. Students must present two solo performances on the major instrument or voice in upper-level recitals before the semester in which they student teach.
Secondary Instrument Proficiency Requirements
In addition to the general pre-professional requirements indicated above, secondary instrument requirements for specific music education methods courses are:
- MUSC 380 381, 382 Passing all proficiencies associated with MUSC 280, MUSC 281, and either MUSC 284 or MUSC 285.
Residency
Students must pass all secondary instrument proficiency examinations no later than the end of the semester prior to that in which they student teach.
Students must pass the Praxis Series subject area test in music (Music: Content Knowledge [0113]) prior to applying for Residency I (MUSC 484) and meet the following GPA requirements
- An overall GPA of 2.75 in all courses taken at WVU and at any other institution (this includes courses taken at other institutions that are not accepted by WVU);
- A GPA of 2.75 in all music (content area) courses
- A GPA of 2.75 in professional education courses and music education methods courses with no D's or F's in these courses:
Certification
To be recommended for certification, students must complete and pass the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) during Residency II.
Combined Performance/Music Education Curriculum
An option to double-major in music education and music performance or music composition can be arranged for outstanding students who desire to meet the requirements of majors in both areas. Admission to this rigorous program is by written consent of the coordinator of the appropriate area and the coordinator of music education after the student has completed two semesters. This curriculum satisfies the course requirements of the professional certificate for birth through adult. The numerous possible combinations of performance and composition with music education cannot be listed separately here. Advisors in cooperation with the student will determine when to take coursework. Students in this program typically add one or two semesters to their college experience.
Suggested Plan of Study
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Ensemble | 1 | Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 121-127D Applied Music | 2 | MUSC 121-127D Applied Music | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | Select one of the following: | 1 |
| MUSC 161 | 2 | MUSC 163 | 2 |
| MUSC 162 | 3 | MUSC 164 | 3 |
| ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | MUSC 180 | 1 |
| MUSC 191 | 2 | Select one of the following (GEF 8): | 3 |
| MUSC 284 & 284S | 3 | ||
| MUSC 189 | 0 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | ||
| SPED 404 (GEF 4) | 3 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Ensemble | 1 | Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 221-227D Applied Music | 2 | MUSC 221-227D Applied Music | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | MUSC 189 | 0 |
| MUSC 201S | 2 | ||
| MUSC 270 (GEF 6) | 3 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | ||
| MUSC 189 | 0 | ||
| MUSC 200S | 2 | ||
| MUSC 261 | 2 | EDP 301 | 3 |
| MUSC 262 | 3 | MUSC 289 | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | ||
| ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
| MUSC 290 | 2 | ||
| 18 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Ensemble | 1 | Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 321-327D Applied Music | 2 | MUSC 321-327D Applied Music | 2 |
| MUSC 189 | 0 | MUSC 189 | 0 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | Select one of the following: | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | ||
| GEF 2 | 4 | ||
| GEF 8 | 3 | ||
| GEF 5 | 3 | ||
| GEF 7 | 3 | MUSC 320 | 2 |
| RDNG 422 | 3 | ||
| MUSC 271 (GEF 8) | 3 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Ensemble | 1 | MUSC 491 | 10 |
| MUSC 421-427D Applied Music | 2 | MUSC 487 | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | ||
| MUSC 484 | 4 | ||
| GEF 3 | 3 | ||
| SPED 460 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 12 | ||
| Total credit hours: 130 | |||
Major Learning Outcomes
Music Education
Students will:
-
Demonstrate general musicianship (audiation and creativity) including:
-
Adaptability to various classroom instruments
-
Performance knowledge of a wide variety of musical genres and cultures
-
Adaptability to new/unfamiliar forms of music
-
Creativity: Experience in composing, arranging/mixing, and improvising in a variety of mediums
-
-
Demonstrate independent and collaborative refined/advanced musicianship (in-depth study on a specific instrument regardless of genre of music)
-
Possess a thorough understanding of child development (Pre-K-12) and musical learning and how they interact in the music education of early childhood, young children, adolescents, and teenagers.
-
Develop pedagogical skills related to lesson planning, delivery, classroom management, and assessment in a variety of music teaching and learning contexts
-
Understand, adapt to, and use music/pedagogical technology in teaching and learning
-
Articulate values and beliefs regarding the musical education of K-12 children and actuate them through curricular planning.
-
Be a reflective practitioner to guide student musical learning
-
Reflect on one’s own teaching practice
-
Reflect on student achievement
-
-
Adapt to changing landscape of public/private education