In keeping with Westfield State College’s history of teacher training, the Department of Music offers a rigorous program in music education. In place since 1969, this state-approved program leads to initial licensure as a music teacher (K-12) in Massachusetts. The concentration in music education is outcome and competency-based. Students must pass an entrance jury at the sophomore level, and a senior exit jury prior to student teaching. Both juries measure musical and communications skills. The Department is justifiably proud of its many alumni who are outstanding music educators in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
Westfield State College – Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education (95 credit hours)
NOTE: Admission and retention in the Music Education program is dependent on: an overall GPA of 2.8, a 2.8 GPA in applied music, and a 2.8 GPA in pedagogy coursework.
In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must have completed all required course and field work, have an overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work), and have a passing grade in the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (i.e., Communication and Literacy and subject matter tests).
MUSC 0174 Applied Lesson I (1)
MUSC 0175 Applied Lesson II (1)
MUSC 0176 Applied Lesson III (1)
MUSC 0177 Applied Lesson IV (1)
MUSC 0274 Applied Lesson V (1)
MUSC 0275 Applied Lesson VI (1)
MUSC 0276 Applied Lesson VII (1)
MUSC 0152 Piano Class I (0.5)
MUSC 0153 Piano Class II (0.5)
MUSC 0252 Piano Class III (0.5)
MUSC 0253 Piano Class IV (0.5)
Ensembles (7)
MUSC 0279 Recital Attendance and Performance (3)
MUSC 0111 Music Theory I (3)
MUSC 0112 Music Theory II (3)
MUSC 0211 Music Theory III (3)
MUSC 0212 Music Theory IV (3)
MUSC 0113 Sight Singing and Ear Training I (2)
MUSC 0114 Sight Singing and Ear Training II (2)
MUSC 0213 Sight Singing and Ear Training III (2)
MUSC 0223 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV (2)
MUSC 0200 Music History I (3)
MUSC 0201 Music History II (3)
MUSC 0104 World Music (3)
MUSC 0230 Basic Conducting (3)
MUSC 0312 Form and Analysis (3)
Pedagogical Coursework:
MUSC 0221 Music Curriculum and Instruction (3)
MUSC 0323 Behavioral Techniques in Music (3)
EDUC 0221 Students with Special Needs (3)
PSYC 0206 Educational Psychology (3)
MUSC 0328 Practicum: Music K-12 (12)
Required College Core Coursework
EDUC 0380 Multicultural Education (3)
PSYC 0101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Vocal Music Education Track:
MUSC 0319 Vocal Technique and Pedagogy (3)
MUSC 0330 Choral Conducting (3)
MUSC 0333 Vocal Music Education (3)
MUSC 0154, 0155, 0157, 0158 Instrument Classes (2)
(Choose 4 classes at 0.5 credits each)
Instrumental Music Education Track:
MUSC 0156 Voice Class (0.5)
MUSC 0331 Instrumental Conducting (3)
MUSC 0332 Instrumental Music Education (3)
MUSC 0154, 0155, 0157, 0158 Instrument Classes (4)
(Choose 8 classes at 0.5 credits each)