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 2025-2026
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 | 27 | |
| Music Education Program Requirements | 32-33 | |
| Music Education Major Requirements | 79 | |
| Total Hours | 138-139 | |
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 | 25 | |
| MUSC 191 | First-Year Seminar | 2 |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
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: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Music | ||
| American Popular Music | ||
| Music and the Immigrant Experience | ||
| Introduction to History of Jazz | ||
| Music in World Cultures | ||
| Music in Appalachia | ||
| Hip Hop Nation: Musical and Conceptual Foundations of a Cultural Revolution | ||
| 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 263 | Aural Theory 4 | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 2-3 | |
| Instrumentation and Orchestration | ||
| Popular Music Analysis Seminar | ||
| Songwriting: Composition and Analysis | ||
| Counterpoint, 16th Century | ||
| Counterpoint, 18th Century | ||
| Analysis of Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Music | ||
| Compositional Techniques in Contemporary Music | ||
| Electronic Music | ||
| Techniques for Electronic Music Performance | ||
| Jazz and Commercial Music Harmony | ||
| Counterpoint, 20th Century | ||
| MUSC 270 | History of Western Musical Traditions 1 (GEF 8) | 3 |
| MUSC 271 | History of Western Musical Traditions 2 (GEF 6) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 32-33 | |
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 138 | Voice Class 1 (Taken if voice is not principal instrument) | 2 |
| MUSC 180 | Introduction to Music Education | 1 |
| MUSC 280 | Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 281 | Brass Instrument Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 282 | String Instrument Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 283 | Percussion Instrument Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 284 | Vocal Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUSC 380 | Instrumental Methods and Technology Applications * | 3 |
| MUSC 381 | Choral Music Methods and Technology Applications * | 3 |
| MUSC 382 | 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 | 14 |
| 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 |
| MUSC 133S | Piano Class 4 | 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: For students who are jazz emphasis, at least two semesters must be MUSC 300, MUSC 300A, MUSC 303, and/or MUSC 305. | 4 | |
| Band: Wind Symphony | ||
| Band: Symphonic | ||
| 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 | ||
| Lyric Theatre | ||
| 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 | 79 | |
- *
Prior to enrolling in MUSC 380, MUSC 381, and MUSC 382, students must pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators, pass MUSC 133 or its equivalent (level 2 on piano), satisfy secondary instrument proficiency requirements (below), 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 core courses
- A GPA of 2.75 in professional education courses and meeting the minimum grade requirements noted above.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required
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 Requirements
In addition to the general pre-professional requirements indicated above, secondary instrument requirements for specific music education methods courses are:
- MUSC 380: MUSC 280 (passing a minimum of two woodwind instrument proficiencies) and recorder proficiency, and MUSC 281 (passing a minimum of two brass instrument proficiencies) and guitar proficiency, and MUSC 284 and voice proficiency.
- MUSC 381: MUSC 284 and voice proficiency, and at least one of the following: MUSC 280 (passing a minimum of two woodwind instrument proficiencies) and recorder proficiency; or MUSC 281 (passing a minimum of two brass instrument proficiencies) and guitar proficiency
- MUSC 382: MUSC 280 (passing a minimum of two woodwind instrument proficiencies) and recorder proficiency, and MUSC 281 (passing a minimum of two brass instrument proficiencies) and guitar proficiency, and MUSC 284 and voice proficiency.
Student Teaching
Students must pass all secondary instrument proficiency examinations no later than mid-term in the semester prior to that in which they student teach. In addition to the piano, recorder, world music, and guitar proficiencies listed above, students must pass proficiencies on voice and selected woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments. For the piano proficiency, all undergraduate music education majors (non-piano principals) are required to successfully complete MUSC 133S or its equivalent (level two) as a minimum proficiency in piano. All music education students, including piano principals, must pass a proficiency examination in keyboard harmony and sight-reading.
To be eligible to student teach, students must pass the Praxis Series subject area test in music (Music: Content Knowledge [0113]) 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 take and pass one of the three following professional education tests prior to graduation: Principles of Learning and Teaching K–6 or Principles of Learning and Teaching 7–12.
Combined Performance/Music Education Curriculum
An optional program can be arranged for outstanding students who desire to meet the requirements of majors in both performance and music education. Admission to this rigorous program is by written consent of the coordinator of the appropriate performance 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 with music education cannot be listed separately here. When students become a candidate for this degree, their advisors designate the specific courses that must be taken to satisfy the requirements for both a bachelor’s in performance and a bachelor’s in music education. By attending summer sessions, if appropriate courses are available, it may be possible to complete the combined curriculum in four calendar years, although it usually takes longer.
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 138 | 2 | MUSC 163 | 2 |
| MUSC 161 | 2 | MUSC 164 | 3 |
| MUSC 162 | 3 | MUSC 180 | 1 |
| ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | Select one of the following | 3 |
| MUSC 191 | 2 | ||
| GEF | 3 | ||
| MUSC 189 | 0 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | ||
| GEF | 3 | ||
| 19 | 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 | Select one of the following: | 1 |
| MUSC 189 | 0 | MUSC 189 | 0 |
| MUSC 200S | 2 | MUSC 201S | 2 |
| MUSC 261 | 2 | MUSC 263 | 2 |
| MUSC 262 | 3 | MUSC 271 (GEF 6) | 3 |
| MUSC 270 (GEF 8) | 3 | Select one of the following: | 2-3 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | ||
| ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | ||
| SPED 404 (GEF 4) | 3 | ||
| 19 | 18-19 | ||
| 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: | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | Select one of the following: | 3 |
| EDP 301 | 3 | GEF | 3 |
| GEF 2 | 4 | SPED 460 | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Ensemble | 1 | MUSC 491 | 14 |
| MUSC 421-427D Applied Music | 2 | MUSC 487 | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | ||
| GEF | 3 | ||
| MUSC 484 | 4 | ||
| GEF | 3 | ||
| RDNG 422 | 3 | ||
| 19 | 16 | ||
| Total credit hours: 138-139 | |||
Major Learning Outcomes
Music Education
In addition to the common core of musicianship and general studies, the musician electing a career in school-based teaching will develop competencies in professional education and in specific areas of musicianship. Professional education components will be learned in a practical context, relating the learning of educational principles to the student’s day-to-day work in music. Students are provided opportunities for various types of observation and teaching.
Within the curricular guidelines, attention is given to breadth in general studies, attitudes relating to human, personal considerations, and social, economic, and cultural components that give individual communities their identity.
Students who earn the Bachelor of Music in Music Education will develop musical abilities in:
- Conducting and Musical Leadership,
- Arranging,
- Functional Performance, and
- Analysis/History/Literature.
Students who earn the Bachelor of Music in Music Education will be able to
- teach beginning students on instruments and/or in voice as appropriate to the chosen areas of specialization,
- synthesize and apply content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development in order to develop instructional plans music education,
- perform as a soloist (vocal or instrumental)
- perform as a member of a variety of ensemble, both traditional band, orchestra, choir as well as chamber, world music, and non-traditional ensembles that vary both in size and nature,
- lead performance-based instruction in a variety of settings, and
- teach in a variety of specializations