Music, B.A., Music Education Concentration

Violin performance by a music education student during ensemble practice.

Inspire the Next Generation—Teach Through Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music – Music Education Concentration at Westfield State University prepares students for careers as licensed K–12 music teachers in Massachusetts. This comprehensive program combines professional-level music training with education coursework designed to meet state teacher licensure requirements.

Build your foundation in music theory, history, ear training, and performance through applied lessons and ensemble participation. The curriculum also includes music education methods, conducting, educational psychology, and classroom management. Students can choose between a vocal or instrumental music education track, depending on their interests and career goals.

The program culminates in a student teaching practicum in a local school, giving you classroom experience. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and begin teaching music in schools across the state.

Program Highlights

  • Prepare to become a licensed K–12 music teacher in Massachusetts
  • Gain real classroom experience with a teaching practicum in a local school
  • Take part in vocal or instrumental ensembles throughout your degree
  • Learn from experienced music educators and professional musicians

Take the Next Step Toward Teaching Music

Join a program designed to prepare confident, qualified K–12 music teachers.

A Music Education Program That Hits All the Right Notes

  • Music students in a classroom listening to a lecture.

    Earn Your Music Education Degree with a Direct Path to Licensure

    This music education degree program prepares you for initial K–12 music teacher licensure in Massachusetts. With a blend of education theory, conducting, classroom management, and real-world practicum experience, you'll graduate confident and classroom-ready. Designed for future vocal and instrumental music educators, this program meets all state licensure requirements.

  • Two students presenting in Westfield State University Music Department's Die Fledermaus.

    Master the Skills to Inspire Through Music

    Through applied lessons, solo performances, and technique-focused training, you’ll develop the artistry and confidence needed to excel as a performer and educator. This program emphasizes musical expression and leadership, preparing you to motivate and engage students with passion and professionalism.

  • Students performing on stage during Westfield State University Music Department’s Jazz Night event.

    Gain Performance Experience Every Semester

    As a music education major, you’ll perform regularly in ensembles that match your area of focus. Whether it’s concert band, jazz ensemble, chorale, or chamber music, these music performance opportunities enhance your technical skills and prepare you for leading student ensembles in your future teaching career.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  • To provide opportunities and resources for students to develop technical and expressive musical proficiency in their primary applied performance area
  • To work with material and conceptual tools to facilitate advanced study in music
  • To demonstrate a reflexive understanding of music’s embeddedness in culture and history
  • To foster social connection through shared musical experiences
  • To develop intellectual and practical skills through in-depth study of music, including: 1. Critical, analytical, and creative thinking, 2. Written and oral communication, 3. Teamwork and problem solving

View the Performance Calendar

What Can You Do with a Music Education B.A.?

Graduates with a Music Education concentration are prepared to become certified K–12 music teachers in public and private schools. Beyond classroom teaching, career opportunities include roles as private music instructors, choir or band directors, curriculum developers, and educational program coordinators. This degree also lays a strong foundation for advanced study in music education, performance, or related fields such as music therapy and arts administration.

Student vocalist performing on stage at the university’s Jazz Night event.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Requirements for Music Major - 54 Credits

General Requirements - 29 Credits

Note:

(Jazz Studies concentration students can substitute MUSC 0267 and MUSC 0268 for MUSC 0355 and MUSC 0253)

One of the Following - 3 Credits

Ensemble Requirements - 7 Credits

Eight semesters of participation in one of the following ensembles, as assigned by the department, to run concurrently with eight semesters of applied lessons:

Note:

All music majors must enroll in Festival Chorus for a minimum of two semesters.

Six semesters of Participation in Second Ensemble

Six semesters of participation in a second ensemble from the following list, to run concurrently with six semesters of applied lessons:

Note:

The music department also offers elective ensembles on a regular basis. These ensembles include, but are not limited to: Clarinet Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Jazz Quartet, Low Brass Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Trumpet Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, and various mixed chamber ensembles.

All instrumental must students are required to have a minimum of three chamber ensemble experiences (standard repertoire) in varied formats throughout the course of completing their program requirements (each approved by the academic advisor and the applied music instructor). Music Education students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in ensembles during the semester of their practicum. All pianists with a major emphasis in piano are required to enroll in MUSC 0240 - Chamber Ensembles, each semester they are enrolled in applied piano lessons.

Applied Music Requirements - 12 Credits

Music majors are required to complete eight semesters of applied lessons. Applied music study requires a jury examination every semester for music majors and for music minors, as well as for those students enrolled in a required secondary applied lesson. Students taking applied music must also register each semester for MUSC 0280 - Music Studio.  

Students who present a curricular recital are not required to present a jury during the semester of the recital. All students who wish to present a recital (degree or elective) must pass a pre-recital hearing during studio class a minimum of three weeks prior to the recital (three applied faculty members must be present at the hearing).

Note:

Music Education students are exempt from their eighth semester of applied lessons and ensemble if enrolled in MUSC 0328 - Practicum: Music K-12.

Performing Requirements - 3 Credits

All Music majors are required to complete six semesters of MUSC 0279 - Recital Attendance and Performance, (required attendance and performance at weekly studio classes and departmental recitals). Students are required to perform regularly in studio classes, and are required to perform at least once each year in a public departmental recital. Music minors may perform in a departmental recital at the discretion of the applied instructor.

Additional Requirements - 3 Credits

Instrumental Students

  • Non-ensemble Music Electives

Vocal Students

Optional Music Concentrations

Music majors may choose to declare one of the 6 concentrations. Students may not declare more than two concentrations. Note: each of the required 300-level music history seminars listed in the concentrations are in addition to the seminar required of all music majors in the General Requirements.

Music Education - 43.5-44 Credits

Admission to the Music Education concentration is dependent upon: completion of the piano proficiency requirement, and successful completion of a comprehensive entrance examination, which includes an assessment of the candidate's understanding of music education philosophy, as well as an assessment of his or her skills in the following areas:music theory, music history, basic musicianship, and piano.

All Music Education students must pass a pre-practicum jury examination in the semester preceding the practicum. The examination will demonstrate proficiency in conducting, score reading, piano, sight singing, and the major applied area.

All Music Education students preparing for a practicum experience in instrumental music normally take a traditional concert band or orchestral instrument for applied major. Students preparing for a practicum experience in vocal music normally take voice for the applied major. Students planning a practicum experience outside their usual performing area must demonstrate performance experience and proficiency equivalent to MUSC 0172, or complete three semesters of secondary applied study and ensemble experience in voice, percussion, winds or orchestral strings, as appropriate.

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 3.0 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). See Licensure for Teaching in Academic Policies for more information.

Placements for student teaching (practicum) are limited to within a 30-mile radius of the University.

Pedagogical Coursework:

 

Required College Core Coursework

 

Practicum
One of the following tracks:

 

Vocal Music Education Track:

 

(Choose 4 classes under advisement at 0.5 credits each)

 

Instrumental Music Education Track:

 

(Choose 8 classes under advisement at 0.5 credits each)

 

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Living Learning Community

    live with other art, music and theatre students in a designated area of University Hall

  • A thriving regional arts scene

  • Accomplished

    faculty comprised of 35 artist-teachers

Expert Faculty and Individualized Attention

Westfield State University’s music program is comprised of 35 artist-teachers providing comprehensive expertise in the music industry. All music faculty are active members of the music community and industry, both nationally and globally, and many perform throughout the world. Small class sizes provide individualized opportunities and a close relationship with your professors and mentors.

Faculty member performing on stage during A Chance Music Recital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an audition required?

In addition to submitting a completed application for admission to Westfield State University, all prospective music majors and minors must audition to be considered for admission to the music program. Learn more here.

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

AUDITION:

Applicants who have requested admission to the Music Major on their application form must complete an audition.

Related Programs

Request Information

We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Music, B.A., Music Education Concentration