The goal of the certification program in Music Education is to develop a high degree of competence in basic musicianship, as well as to promote personal and professional qualities essential for teaching music. The program recognizes the importance for today’s music education to connect musical understanding to many types of music, to exercise aesthetic and creative judgment in all encounters with music, to be flexible in adjusting to changing demands of the music teaching field and to relate effectively to individuals and society.

More information of the requirements for Music Education certification may be found at the School of Music, or contact the Director of Music Education.

Professional Education (10.5 units)

The equivalent of a 3 semester hour course on the psychology, identification, and methods of teaching the exceptional student, including the learning disabled, is included in; Music 132, 332, 333, and 497. Music education students are not required to take courses for middle school endorsement.

General Education (10 units)

General Education requirements for music education candidates are the same as those outlined for students in the College of Liberal Arts with one exception: certification candidates are exempt from the IWU foreign language requirement.

Students with questions should consult with the Director of Music Education.

Upper Division Interview

The Upper Division B.M.E. interview is given during the spring semester of the sophomore year. Music Education students must successfully pass all portions of the exam (and the applied upper division jury) for acceptance to the Teacher Education Program and to upper division status within the B.M.E. program. 

• Pianists must complete ½ unit in accompanying, Music 31
• Participation in at least one major ensemble or the equivalent during each semester in residence, excluding the semester of student teaching.
• Attendance at recitals in accordance with the requirements set by the music faculty.
• Substitutions in the prescribed courses of study may be permitted only by approval of the music faculty or an appropriate committee thereof.
• Students may enroll for a maximum of five course units in fall and spring semesters. Any exceptions must by approved by the Advisor and the Director.
• Enrollment in at least one May term class is required.

Titan Band is a required ensemble for a minimum of two seasons for all wind and percussion instrumental music education majors (each season usually begins in late August and runs through the first half of March; however, students should register only for the fall semester).