Bachelor of Music Education in
Music Education

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Inspire the Next Generation Through Music

Start your journey to a rewarding career as a K-12 music teacher at Eastern Washington University. Our Bachelor of Music Education (BME) program boasts a 100% placement rate in schools, setting students up for success.  

The EWU Music Education program emphasizes vocal and instrumental music while integrating modern technology, making it an excellent choice for aspiring music educators aiming to create a lasting impact on future generations of students. 

Through a rigorous curriculum that combines performance, music theory, pedagogy, and hands-on teaching experience, students graduate ready to lead classrooms and musical ensembles with confidence. Plus, with Secondary Education certification, you’ll be fully qualified to teach preschool through grade 12 in Washington State.

Curriculum & Requirements

Student Story

Carmyn Parks, a music education and performance major, admits she arrived at Eastern Washington University as a complete musical neophyte. “When I tell you I came into Eastern with no musical knowledge, I mean I didn’t have any,” Parks says.

That changed quickly, thanks to what she describes as a welcoming learning environment. “It’s not about competition. It’s about, ‘How can we make music together?’”

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Music Education Major, Bachelor of Music Education (BME)

Admission to the Education and Admission to the Music Programs is required for the BME degree.

Students are prepared for professional careers as music educators in K–12 systems. Students must audition on their primary instrument or voice as part of the admission requirement and are eligible for talent scholarships. Review the Music website for audition requirements.

Note:

  • The School of Education has pre-major prerequisites and Secondary Education Core requirements.
  • All students in this degree must work with a music education advisor throughout their residency to help them plan their schedule, as many courses are either sequential, offered only in certain years/terms, or have pre-reqs.
  • Students in this program are excused from major ensemble participation during the quarter of student teaching.
  • This degree option requires more than 12 quarters to complete at 15–16 credits per quarter. ​
  • Students MUST complete any/all recital requirements prior to starting their Education courses and student teaching.

Grade Requirement for all majors offered by the Music Department: the minimum acceptable grade for any music course required for graduation (including transferred music courses) is ≥C.

Secondary Education students must complete the required Education program prerequisites, the Secondary Education Core and the following courses.
Required Non-Credit Music Components
CONVOCATION AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE
Piano Proficiency (0)
Keyboard Requirements–based on placement1-3
PIANO CLASS I FOR MAJORS
and PIANO CLASS II FOR MAJORS
and PIANO CLASS III FOR MAJORS
HONORS KEYBOARD
Required Music Courses
MUSC 101
& MUSC 102
& MUSC 103		MUSIC THEORY I
and MUSIC THEORY II
and MUSIC THEORY III		9
MUSC 104
& MUSC 105
& MUSC 106		SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS II
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS III		3
MUSC 201
& MUSC 202
& MUSC 203		MUSIC THEORY IV
and MUSIC THEORY V
and MUSIC THEORY VI		9
MUSC 204
& MUSC 205		SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS IV
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS V		2
MUSC 244MUSIC TECHNOLOGY2
MUSC 250
& MUSC 251
& MUSC 252		MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE II
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE III		12
MUSC 310
& MUSC 312		BASIC CONDUCTING
and ADVANCED CONDUCTING		4
MUSC 388PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC4
Techniques Classes
MUSC 382VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES I3
MUSC 383INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES II3
MUSC 384INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES III3
Methods Requirements
MUSC 441MUSIC METHODS FOR ELEMENTARY MUSIC SPECIALISTS3
MUSC 445CHORAL METH/MAT SEC SCHOOL2
MUSC 446INSTRUMENTAL METHODS/MATERIALS2
MUSC 447JAZZ ENSEMBLE METHODS/MATERIAL2
MUSC 470SENIOR RECITAL2
Applied Music Requirements–must be repeated12
Note: MUSC 140 through MUSC 440 may serve as substitutions. MUSC 308 must be taken at least twice and MUSC 408 must be taken at least twice.
INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
INSTRUCTION ON VOICE OR INSTRUMENT
INSTRUCTION ON VOICE OR INSTRUMENT
INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
Music Ensemble Requirements–Options (must be repeated)11
Note: string, wind and percussion majors in music education shall participate in one quarter of a major vocal ensemble. Vocal and piano majors in music education shall participate in one quarter of a major instrumental ensemble.
MARCHING BAND
WIND ENSEMBLE
SYMPHONIC BAND
ORCHESTRA
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
CONCERT CHOIR
Required Senior Capstone/Thesis
MUSC 490MUSIC SENIOR CAPSTONE4
Total Credits93-95

Sample Courses

MUSC 108. INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE. 1 Credit.

Notes: May be repeated. This course is intended for all freshman in applied lessons, except those majoring in Music Performance.
This course is designed to provide students with basic to advanced vocal or instrumental skills and a knowledge of the assigned repertoire from a musical, linguistic and performance viewpoint. Students must audition to be accepted into applied study. Every student who is registered for applied music must be also registered for a major ensemble.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 382. VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES I. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
This course focuses on instructional and arranging techniques for voice and instruments in K–12 music classrooms.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 388. PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–global studies.
This course explores the role music plays in the formation of ethnic and national identities. By closely studying several contrasting music cultures, we see how music shapes attitudes toward self and other, serving to map territories that are both inclusive and exclusive, personal and cross-cultural. Skills developed in the course are analytical, critical thinking, listening, and writing.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 250. MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
Detailed study and analysis of music in Western civilization from its origin to modern times. The fall quarter covers antiquity through the Renaissance.

Catalog Listing

Career Possibilities

  • Elementary, middle, and high school music teacher
  • Choir, band, or orchestra director
  • General music or music appreciation teacher

  • Private music, voice, or instrumental instructor
  • Online music educator
  • College/university professor (advanced degrees often required)
  • Music education researcher or consultant

  • Music therapist or counselor
  • Special education music instructor
  • Therapeutic music facilitator

  • Music program director or department chair
  • School music curriculum developer
  • Arts education administrator or policy analyst
  • Community music coordinator or nonprofit educator

  • Choir, band, or orchestra conductor
  • Community ensemble leader or festival coordinator
  • Music camp director

  • Music technology instructor or software developer
  • Educational content developer or interactive program specialist
  • Classroom technology integration specialist

An EWU Music Education major prepares students to become certified K-12 music teachers in public and private schools.  

Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to teach general music, direct ensembles, and conduct. You’ll develop both instrumental and vocal skills while studying music theory, sight-reading, performance techniques, and ensemble instruction. You’ll also explore multicultural music education to gain a well-rounded teaching perspective.  

Graduates are ready to pursue careers as music teachers or program leaders or work in curriculum development, arts administration, musical theater production, and advocacy.

Explore your career possibilities in the following areas:

Why EWU?

Vibrant Music Community

Vibrant Music Community

Join clubs like Mariachi Las Águilas, ACDA Choir, and the EWU Marching Band.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Learn from musicians who actively perform at top regional venues.

Affordable Education

Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition and financial aid options to help you graduate debt-free.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Graduate prepared to take control of your career and thrive financially.

Passion-Driven Careers

Passion-Driven Careers

Follow your calling and compose your future in the music industry.

Program Highlights

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with artists, actors, writers, and poets to broaden your creative horizons.
  • Accredited Excellence: Earn a degree from a nationally accredited program known for its exceptional music education.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: Keep pace with the changing industry using advanced music technology and state-of-the-art tools.
“I chose the EWU music program because of the world-class musicians who teach there. I knew I could trust them to become both a better musician and a more well-rounded person.” — Christian Skok '22

Faculty

For more information about Music Education, contact our faculty.

Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah

Professor - Director of Choral Activities & Undergrad Music Education Coordinator
Photo of Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah
Music Building Room 252

Anne Mileski

Instructor
Music Education
Photo of Anne Mileski
Music Building Room 233
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Take the Next Step

The EWU Music Department awards an average of $150,000 in scholarships each year to help students pursue their dream of working in the music industry.

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Location:
Music Building
20 W Seventh St
Cheney, WA 99004

Contact:
E: jgraves@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2241

Collaborate and excel with exceptional musicians and artist-teachers in an inclusive academic environment. Our programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by faculty from the region’s dynamic arts community.

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