Irving S. Gilmore School of Music

Irving S. Gilmore School of Music
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5434 USA
(269) 387-4667

Music Education: Choral/General Emphasis

The School of Music at Western Michigan University offers a Music Education with Choral / General emphasis degree program. 

Music Education at the WMU School of Music is a four-year bachelor's degree program that emphasizes a solid foundation in music performance and field-based learning experiences. Music education majors complete the same musical education as performance majors during their first two years. In their junior and senior years, students focus on music education by teaching young students. WMU partners with area school districts to provide practicum experiences in each music education methods class.

Graduates of the choral and general music education program are found leading K-12 music programs all over the United States, and some continue their studies and teach at the collegiate level.

Apply to the music education program
Meet the Voice and Choral Studies faculty

The choral/general emphasis music education program requires a minimum of 130 credits, with 70% of coursework within the School of Music, and 30% in general studies. School of Music coursework includes:

  • Private lessons on your voice part

  • Ensemble performance 

  • Choral and general educational methods classes

  • Teaching practicum classes

  • Student and intern teaching opportunities

Here's how to apply for the music education program:

  1. Submit applications to both WMU and the School of Music, following the instructions listed on the Apply page.

  2. Schedule an audition on a New Student Admissions Day (dates listed on the Apply page).

  3. Prepare for your audition following the guidelines for your instrument or voice part.