威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校

The music education major consists of two certification programs; General and Instrumental Music, and General and Vocal Music. Students choose one of the program tracks and will, upon completion, receive licenses to teach in two areas at the Early Childhood through Adolescence level. Music Education is a program offered jointly by the School of Music and the School of Education. The Bachelor of Music: Education degree is conferred by the College of Letters & Science; teacher certification is earned through the School of Education.

The music education program was recently revised to:

• Award certification in two areas. Each graduate will receive certification in general music and also in vocal or instrumental music, thus increasing job marketability and better reflecting the current needs of K–12 schools. Graduates are certified to teach in elementary and secondary schools.
• Explore the relationships between popular culture and music education. Graduates will be prepared to teach multiple forms of musical literacy, not just the traditional band, orchestra and choral curriculum.
• Expand the number of musical styles studied in the curriculum. Students also participate in group performances that reflect the diverse array of musical activities in today's schools.
• Offer an introductory music education class to sophomores prior to admission into the program.
• Provide instruction and experiences so that graduates can teach in culturally responsive ways.
• Increase performance collaboration between students in the instrumental and vocal tracks.
• Create a more interdisciplinary program by requiring all music education students to complete a core set of courses.

Although these programs are designed with the goal of preparing teachers to work in K–12 schools, the programs also provide a good preparation for individuals seeking careers in continuing education or music education-related fields.

The student's primary performance area should be consistent with the chosen certification program. One or more additional performance areas may be required. Prospective music education majors must audition and be accepted into any additional performance areas at the music major level (200 level) of performance study prior to beginning the methods and practicum sequence. The School of Music cannot guarantee admission to additional performance areas, nor can it guarantee that appropriate substitute course work will be available. The School of Music expects students admitted to its programs to complete all subsequent performance study at UW–Madison.

Students interested in music education should consult with the major advisor as soon as possible and at least once a semester while completing the program.