Music Education: Choral/General
To be admitted into Western Michigan University's music education program, you must successfully complete the school's audition and testing program, held each November, January and February.
There are two focus areas for WMU's music education major:
- Choral or general emphasis
- Instrumental emphasis
Each path leads to a degree and certification to teach music in K-12 public schools.
As a music education student at WMU, you will be required to devote a minimum of five days per week for one semester to intern teaching. You will be expected to gain experience in both the curricular and extra-curricular programs of the school in which you teach.
You can also gain valuable networking and professional development opportunities through student and community organizations, including the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota, National Association for Music Education, Michigan School Band and Orchestra, and Vocal Music Associations.
Recent WMU graduates with degrees in music education are working as:
- Composers
- Teachers
- Vocal coaches
- Directors
Among the organizations they work for are:
- Schools
- Churches
- Studios
- Nonprofit arts organizations
- Kalamazoo