Music Ed Handbook 2023-24
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Table of Contents
~ Music Education Program ~ .............................................................................................. 3
Music Education Faculty ........................................................................................................ 4
Academic Advising ................................................................................................................. 4
Teacher Candidate Dispositions ........................................................................................... 6
Music Education Curriculum: Instrumental/General – 4 year suggested sequence ............... 7
Music Education Curriculum: Choral/General – 4 year suggested sequence ........................ 9
Music Education Year by Year at WIU .............................................................................. 11
Program Requirements ...................................................................................................... 12
Reflective Paper #1 ............................................................................................................. 12
Student Teaching Review (MUS 300) ................................................................................. 13
Student Academic Integrity Policy ..................................................................................... 13
Teacher Education Program (TEP) .................................................................................... 14
Educator Preparation Program.......................................................................................... 14
Educator License Information System (ELIS) ......................................................................... 15
Background Checks and Fingerprinting ............................................................................ 15
Student teaching ................................................................................................................. 16
edTPA (*suspended until 2025) ............................................................................................ 16
Ensemble Requirements ...................................................................................................... 17
University General Education ............................................................................................... 18
Transferring Courses ......................................................................................................... 19
Teaching beyond Illinois ..................................................................................................... 19
Music Education Organizations ............................................................................................ 19
National Association for Music Education (www.NAfME.org) .......................................... 19
Accommodations ................................................................................................................ 21
Equal Opportunity and Access ........................................................................................... 21
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Western Illinois University
School of Music
~ Music Education Program ~
Introduction
Welcome to the music teacher education program at the Western Illinois University! As
an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Illinois
State Board of Higher Education (ISBHE) the WIU School of Music is dedicated to excellence
in music and academics. Our faculty are established professionals in the field of music and music
education having taught and performed nationally and internationally. The music education
program at WIU is dedicated to developing artistic musicians and effective educators through
classes, ensembles, and music opportunities you can get no where else. You have made a wise
choice in choosing to be a WIU Leatherneck!
Study in the music education program leads to a Bachelor of Music in Music Education
degree with teacher licensure in the state of Illinois. This handbook is designed to aid the music
education student in understanding the policies, procedures, expectations, and guidelines of the
music education area. However, it is important to remember that this book is only a guide and a
reminder, but it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure that all policies are adhered
to and deadlines met according to the university catalog that corresponds with your first year
of enrollment.
For many generations the WIU School of Music has prepared musicians to become
teachers in the nation’s public schools. The curriculum for music education focuses on preparing
the prospective music educator for teaching all areas of music learning from grades K-12. The
program is based on the Core Arts Standards in Music and the requirements for licensure
established by the Illinois State Department of Education. The curricula in instrumental, choral,
and general music education consists of courses that cover the latest techniques, strategies, and
methodologies for successful teaching and ensemble direction.
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Music Education Faculty
The music education faculty are diverse in their expertise and are current in the
profession, often making local, national, and international appearances, as well as publish writing
in their respective areas. The current music education faculty is as follows:
Specialty – Orchestra/Band Music Education
Specialty – Band Music Education
Dr. Jason Hawkins, Associate Professor/Asst. Dir., School of Music JA[email protected]
Specialty - Choral Music Education
Specialty – Band Music Education
Dr. Brian Winnie, Associate Professor/Dir. of Choral Studies BJ-Winnie@wiu.edu
Specialty - Choral Music Education
Specialty – Early childhood/Elementary Music Education
Academic Advising
Upon entrance to the School of Music each student who declares music education as a
major is assigned an academic advisor. The advisor will assist the student in planning an
appropriate course of study. It is mandatory that students make appointments each semester with
their advisor to ensure that requirements and deadlines are being met and that students are
properly prepared for student teaching or the internship. Failure to meet with the music education
advisor may affect graduation. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure that all
policies are adhered to and deadlines met. Students should regularly check their graduation
progress on their STARS account and on their WARD report.
Music education students also have an advisor in the College of Education to help guide his/her
progress through education courses and licensure. Currently students will need to contact
Riley Konitzer, for education advising and courses outside the School of Music.
Horrabin Hall 91
R-Konitze[email protected]
(309) 298-1438
Schedule an Appointment
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Considerations
• The degree in music education can be completed in 4 years, including student teaching,
for those who entered the program after the fall of 2022. Those who entered the program
before fall 2022 will be advised on a case-by-case basis on how to expeditiously compete
the program.
• For returning students –
o You will always follow the catalogue year you entered the program. Catalog
link is here. Some course may have changed over the years and you may need to
work with your adviser to keep your WARD report accurate.
o MUS 136 was last offered in spring 2023 and will no longer be offered. MUS 135
will combine all brass instruments starting fall 2022.
o MUS 134 will no longer be offered. MUS 133 will combine all woodwind
instruments starting spring 2023.
o MUS 231 will no longer offered after the fall 2022. This course has been removed
and the content added to other courses.
o MUS 232 has been changed from “Dalcroze, Kodaly, Orff” to “Critical Issues in
Music Education” to be more comprehensive and will be required for all music ed
majors after fall 2022.
o A new music technology course (MUS 131) will be offered online and required
for all music ed majors after the fall 2022. All are welcome to enroll the course is
offered.
o EDS 305 is no longer required for our degree program though it may still appear
on your WARD report.
o Pay attention to course prerequisites. Contact your advisor for any issues.
Tips –
➢ Check your WARD report each semester.
➢ All students must complete the university math requirement.
➢ Be aware of your genera education completion and always follow the directed choices in
each category for your degree.
➢ Always register for MUS 100 recital each semester you are on campus.
➢ Questions? Ask your advisor or Dr. Cangro
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Teacher Candidate Dispositions
The University Teacher Education Committee at Western Illinois University believes that well
prepared teacher candidates understand and can demonstrate knowledge of professional skills
and dispositions. We further believe that teacher candidates must apply their knowledge skills
and dispositions in school settings. The mission of Western Illinois University's Teacher
Education Program is to prepare versatile teachers who appreciate the importance of our diverse
population; who adapt to emerging social, economic, and demographic patterns; and who are
skilled in the use of technological tools to promote teaching and learning in our nation's
schools. We further believe that the disposition of our candidates is important for their success as
a teacher and a professional. Candidates are evaluated at least three (3) times during their
program.
Disposition 1 Collaboration: Collaboration is valued in education. Effective collaboration
means working with other members of a group (students, parents, or peers) exchanging ideas,
sharing experiences and learning processes, and building communities. Group members work
together toward common goals. Collaboration is valued inside and outside the classroom as a
way to create strong communities.
Disposition 2 Commitment to Learning: Active learning and professional development create
exemplary educators. Valuing research, learning in all areas of instruction, problem solving,
self-reflection and personal growth creates exemplary students and educators. Through
participating in professional development, learning of best practices, and actively engaging in
new ideas and knowledge building, individuals show a commitment to learning in and beyond
the classroom.
Disposition 3 Valuing Diversity and Equity: Valuing the diversity and uniqueness of all
groups and using responsive non-discriminatory practices are essential in education. Individuals
implement a variety of practices and strategies that meet the needs of all learners in and outside
the classroom. They develop knowledge about ways in which groups and individuals are
culturally, historically, economically, and socially shaped. They provide examples of the belief
that all students can learn. They show respect in both words and actions for diverse groups,
including students, peers, instructors, or advisors.
Disposition 4 Responsibility and Respect: Responsibility and respect are vital for learners and
educators. Responsible individuals are prepared, act independently, demonstrate accountability,
reliability, and sound judgment. Respectful individuals are empathetic, respect others’ views,
and demonstrates integrity. They prioritize health and safety to minimize absences and illness.
They accurately report information and take initiative in learning, professional, and personal
environments (i.e. online presence). They are engaged, on-task, and responsible in all
educational and professional environments. They make ethical decisions, are reflective in all
learning experiences and situations, and are responsible for their behaviors and choices. They
demonstrate respect for others, including peers, students, instructors, parents, and supervisors.
These four dispositions are to be addressed in your reflective paper typically submitted at
the end of MUS 130 Introduction to Music Education.
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Music Education Curriculum: Instrumental/General – 4-year suggested sequence
Semester 1
Semester 2
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS 165
Class Piano 1
1
MUS 166
Class Piano 2
1
MUS 130
Intro Mus Ed
1
MUS 133
WW tech
1
MUS 181+183
Theory I/Aural I
3
MUS 182+184
Theory2 /Aural 2
3
MUS 138
Vocal tech
1
MATH Elect
Gen Ed II
3
MUS 190Y
Gen Ed IV
3
COMM 241
Gen Ed I
3
ENG 180
Gen Ed I
3
Lab Science Elect
Gen Ed II
4
KIN or Health
Elect
Gen Ed VI
1
MUS 100
Recital
0
MUS 137
Perc tech
1
Total
18
MUS 100
Recital
0
Total
17
Semester 3
Semester 4
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS - - -
2 Ensembles
2
MUS 281+283
Theory 3/Aural 3
3
MUS 282+284
Theory 4/Aural 4
3
Soc Science
Elect
Gen Ed III
3
MUS 232
Critical Issues in
Music Ed
3
EDS 202
Cult Soc Fnd Ed
3
Hum/FineArts
Elect
Gen Ed IV
3
ENG 280
Gen Ed I
3
Soc science
Gen ed III
3
Math/Science
elect
Gen Ed II
3
RDG 387
Reading
2
MUS 100
Recital
0
MUS 100
Recital
0
Total
18
Total
18
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Semester 5
Semester 6
MUS 4 - -
Lessons
2
MUS 4 - -
Lessons
2
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS 135
High Brass
1
MUS 132
String tech
1
MUS 330
Conducting
2
MUS 334
Excep learn
3
MUS 333
El/Mid methods
3
MUS 332
Instr Cond
2
MUS 390
Mus Hist 1
3
MUS 391
Mus Hist 2
3
EDS 301
Cog Dev
3
MUS 395
Instr Lit
2
Soc Science Elect
Gen ed III
3
Health Elect
Gen Ed VI
2
MUS 100
Recital
0
MUS 430/461
March
tech/String ped
2
Total
18
MUS 300
Stnt Tch rev
0
MUS 100
Recital
0
Total
18
Semester 7
Semester 8
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
EDS 480/481
Student
Teaching
12
EDS 303
Field Exp
2
MUS 336
Tch Assessmt Instr
Mus
3
MUS 195
Humanities +
Music Elect
3
EDUC(MUS)
439
Tch Asst Music
3
MUS 394
Music in World
Cultures
3
MUS 131
Music technology
1
EDS 401
Law policy
2
MUS 100
Recital
0
Total
18
Check your WARD report for exact course requirements for degree completion
every semester - http://www.wiu.edu/registrar/ward.php
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Music Education Curriculum: Choral/General – 4-year suggested sequence
Semester 1
Semester 2
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS 165
Class Piano 1
1
MUS 166
Class Piano 2
1
MUS 130
Intro Mus Ed
1
MUS 132
String tech
1
MUS 181+183
Theory I Aural I
3
MUS 182+184
Theory 2 /Aural 2
3
MUS 262
Phon/Diction
2
Math elec
Gen Ed II
3
MUS 190Y
Gen Ed IV
3
Soc science
Gen ed III
3
ENG 180
Gen Ed 1
3
MUS 133
WW tech
1
MUS 137
Perc tech
1
COMM 241
Gen Ed I
3
MUS 100
Recital
0
MUS 100
Recital
0
KIN
Gen ed IV
1
Total
18
Total
18
*Summer Social Science Gen Ed 3
Semester 3
Semester 4
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS 2 - -
Lessons
2
MUS - - -
2 Ensembles
2
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS 265
Class Piano 3
1
MUS 266
Class Piano 4
1
MUS 281+283
Theory 3/Aural 3
3
MUS 282+284
Theory/Aural 4
3
MUS 135
Brass tech
1
MUS 232
Critical Issues in Music
Ed
3
MUS 138
Vocal tech
1
Hum/Fine Arts
Elect
Gen Ed IV (non-arts)
3
EDS 202
Cult Soc Fnd Ed
3
Math/Science
Elect
Gen Ed II
3
ENG 280
Gen Ed I
3
MUS 330
Basic conducting
2
MUS 100
Recital
S
MUS 100
Recital
0
Total
16
Total
18
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Semester 5
Semester 6
MUS 4 - -
Lessons
2
MUS 4 - -
Lessons
2
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
Soc science
Gen ed III
3
MUS 396
Choral Lit
2
MUS 333
Pre-k-Mid methods
3
MUS 335
Choral Methods
3
MUS 390
Mus Hist 1
3
MUS 391
Mus Hist 2
3
EDS 301
Cog Dev
3
MUS 334
Music for Except Learn
3
KIN
Gen Ed VI
1
Gen ed Lab
Gen ed II
4
MUS 331
Choral cond
2
MUS 100
Recital
S
MUS 100
Recital
0
MUS 300
Stdnt tch assess
0
Total
18
Total
18
Semester 7
Semester 8
MUS - - -
Ensemble
1
EDS 480/481
Student Teaching
12
EDS 303
Fieldwork
2
KIN
Gen Ed VI
1
MUS 195
Humanities Music
Elect Gen ed IV
3
EDUC(MUS)
439
Tch Assessmt Music
3
MUS 394
(online)
Gen Ed V
3
EDS 401
Ed Law and Policy
2
RDG 387
Reading
2
MUS 131
Music technology
1
MUS 100
Recital
0
Total
18
* Take at least one general education course from the required list for social sciences
Check your WARD report for exact course requirements for degree completion
every semester - http://www.wiu.edu/registrar/ward.php
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Music Education Year by Year at WIU
Freshman Year
1. Submit Reflective Paper #1 (in Intro to Music Ed)
2. Check requirements for Teacher Education Program acceptance here - TEP
3. Successfully complete ENG 180 (C- or better)
4. Successfully complete MATH elective – see info here
5. ELL Modules – see TEP
6. Safety Training module – see TEP
7. Join the Western Illinois Music Educators Association (optional but strongly
encouraged!)
~ Summer – possibly take a general ed course to lighten your schedule during the year
Sophomore Year
1. Successfully complete COM 241, ENG 280 (C- or better)
2. Create ELIS account
3. TEP accepted? - Complete TEP application – signed by Dr. Cangro
4. Meet with College of Education advisor – see info here
~ Summer – possibly take a general ed course to lighten your schedule during the year
Junior Year
1. Be TEP accepted - Complete TEP application – signed by Dr. Cangro
2. Keep going you’re doing great!
3. Apply for student teaching – see info here
a. Meet with Dr. Cangro for signature on student teaching application and discuss
placement
4. Apply for graduation– see info here (or wait until 1
st
semester senior year if student
teaching following fall) (Form signed by Dr. Cangro)
5. Meet with College of Education advisor – see info here
~ Summer – possibly take a general ed course to lighten your schedule during the year
Senior Year
1. Complete Teacher Licensure Content Area Test – see info here
2. Register for MUS 300
3. Background Check – see info here
4. Mandated Reporter training – see info here
5. Physical exam/TB test
Student Teaching
1. Completion of application for licensure – contact license officer for information – see
here for info
Now go graduate and make a difference in students’ lives through music!
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Program Requirements
Students seeking Teacher Licensure are qualified for K-12 Special Licensure and may select a
Choral-General Specialization or an Instrumental-General Specialization. These options prepare
students to teach music in the public schools.
In accordance with Illinois State Board of Education certification requirements, all
candidates seeking teacher certification are required by Western Illinois University to obtain a
grade of “C-” or better in all directed general education courses, all core courses, and all
courses in the option.
Reflective Paper #1
All music education majors will need to submit Reflective paper #1 at the end of the first
semester enrolled in the degree program (typically in MUS 130 Introduction to Music
Education). Teacher education candidates should address the candidate dispositions in reflective
paper one. Address each of the following items in your paper as you reflect on your decision to
enter the Teacher Education Program (TEP) at Western Illinois University. Use the scoring
rubric to organize your paper and to ensure you address each item listed below. For style and
grammar, consult the APA (American Psychological Association) style manual, which is
available where textbooks are sold, in the Reference section of the Malpass Library, in the back
of the style manual used in ENG 180 & 280, or summarized on a website such as:
http://www.wooster.edu/Academics/Areas-of-Study/Psychology/ (click on APA Style Guide in
the left hand navigation area).
You will be evaluated on the following items:
1. Reflect on your strengths as a potential teacher, briefly specify your primary reason for
selecting teaching as your career.
2. Provide 1-2 examples of experiences working with students/children and what you have
learned about teaching and learning from these experiences.
3. Review the 4 WIU TEP Candidate Dispositions and (a) present one example of how you
need to personally or professionally improve on each disposition (b) formulate and
describe your plan to improve upon the disposition. Make sure that you address all 4 of
the dispositions.
4. Submit a polished paper, paying close attention to organization, spelling, sentence
structure, grammar, and writing mechanics. Consult your department for the correct style
guidelines used by your discipline.
For more information follow this link -
http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/teacher/advising/reflective_paper1.php
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Student Teaching Review (MUS 300)
All music education students must register for MUS 300 Student Teaching Review within one
year of the planned semester for student teaching and appear before a Music Education
Committee for evaluation of competencies and skills prior to student teaching. Final approval for
student teaching is granted by successfully passing all assessments for the student teaching
review.
Prerequisites for Upper Division Courses in Music Education
Enrollment in courses 300 level and up requires full acceptance into the Teacher Education
Program (TEP):
• MUS 334 - Music for the Learner with Exceptionalities (Mus Learn Excep)
• MUS 335 - Teaching and Assessment in Middle/High School Choral Music
• MUS 336 - Teaching and Assessment in Middle/High School Instrumental Music
• EDUC (MUS) 439 - Teaching and Assessment in Secondary School (Tch & Asmt Mus)
• EDS 303 - Fieldwork
• EDS 401 - Educational Law and Policy (Ed Law & Policy)
Students should complete TEP requirements throughout the freshman and sophomore
years but must complete the requirements at least one semester before student teaching.
TEP Applications are signed by Dr. Cangro
Student Academic Integrity Policy
• Web address for student rights and responsibilities: http://www.wiu.edu/provost/students.php
• Web address for Academic Integrity Policy: http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php
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Teacher Education Program (TEP)
Candidates should have all requirements for the Teacher Education Program (TEP) completed by
the end of their sophomore year. At this point, a candidate has accumulated 30-45 semester hours
of course work. (See TEP HANDBOOK).
Full acceptance to TEP is required for enrollment in a number of education courses and prior to
applying to student teach.
Requirements: To be fully accepted to the Teacher Education Program, the following
conditions must be met:
1. Submission of TEP application .
2. Submission of an acceptable Reflective Paper. Candidates must submit their first
reflective paper to their major department and receive departmental approval on
WEPPAS.
3. Satisfactory completion of 30 semester hours of approved course work.
4. Completion of Eng 180 or transfer equivalent with a grade of C or better.
5. Completion of general education math course with a grade of C or above (MATH 101,
102, 123, 133, 134, 137, 138, 139 or STAT 171 or transfer equivalent (see advisor for
specific course requirements for major).
6. Acquire the required major and cumulative grade point average for the program: 2.75
required for Elementary, Early Childhood, Bilingual, Special Education, Middle Level
and History majors. 2.50 required for Agriculture, English, Mathematics,
Science/Biology-Chemistry-Physics, Art, French, Music, Physical Education, and
Spanish.
7. Complete the State-mandated Safety Training -
http://www.wiu.edu/CPEP/teacher_safety/.
8. Complete the English Language Learner modules http://www.wiu.edu/tca.
Educator Preparation Program
The Educator Preparation Program supports teacher education and graduate education programs;
link field and clinical experiences; and serve the needs of students, graduates, and the
professional community. All of the information you need about teacher certification can be found
here - http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/cpep/
Tests for licensure - http://www.il.nesinc.com/Home.aspx
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Educator License Information System (ELIS)
The Education Licensure Information (ELIS) is a web-based system that allows educators and
district administrators access to licensure data from ISBE's Teacher Certification Information
System (TCIS). All teaching candidates need to set up an ELIS account.
The ELIS web site consists of multiple portals, or doorways to licensure data. ELIS allows
educators to create private accounts and have access to all of their TCIS data, apply for
licensures and endorsements, register and renew their license, and apply for NCLB HOUSSE
HQ status. ELIS accepts only credit cards as payment for application services; Discover,
American Express, Visa, and Master Card cards are accepted. Once candidates have passed the
Test of Academic Proficiency (400), they are advised to establish their ELIS account.
To set up an ELIS account, click here - Link
Teacher Licensure FAQ – see link here
Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Teacher Education candidates are expected to comply with the fingerprint criminal background
investigation report requirements as set forth by the University Committee on Educator
Preparation. Prior to any field work in schools/agencies, candidates are to supply verification of
having completed the fingerprint criminal investigation report to the placement site. Candidates
may be prohibited from completing field work if background investigations disclose arrests
and/or convictions deemed problematic. Information may be obtained in Horrabin Hall 91;
questions may be directed to the Licensure Officer--298-2117. Candidates must complete the
fingerprint criminal investigation report for each new district.
Your instructor for your field experience will phone the school district’s main office and ask if
there are procedures the district has in place to obtain the state and FBI fingerprint-based
background check for candidates. If the school district has procedures in place, we will follow
their procedures.
If the school district has not established procedures for securing state and FBI fingerprint-based
criminal background for field experience candidates, the instructor will ask if candidates can
complete the state and FBI background check using the services of the local Regional Office of
Education (ROE). See http://www.roe26.net/testing/fingerprinting-and-background-checks.cfm
The results of the fingerprint-based criminal background check are only sent to the school
district. You will not receive a copy of the background check nor will WIU.
When being fingerprinted, candidates should anticipate being asked to provide a Government
issued ID (Drivers License of Government issued ID Card - a school ID card is NOT an
acceptable form of ID). The fee is payable at the time of printing, usually by cash, money order,
or credit/debit card. Most fingerprint vendors do not accept personal checks.
More information can be found here - link
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Student teaching
Student teaching is the culminating experience of the teacher education program (16 weeks). It
provides candidates with the opportunity to hone their teaching skills in Pre-K-12 classroom.
Student teachers are placed at public school sites (pre-k-12) in one of 4 identified geographic
regions for the length of the student teaching experience.
To begin the process for student teaching, click below –
http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/teacher/student_teaching/
Student teaching applications are signed by the Coordinator of Student Teaching
edTPA (*suspended until 2025)
Candidates must complete and submit a student teaching portfolio called the Educational
Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) in order to graduate with a degree in music education
from Western Illinois University. Successfully achieving a passing score on the edTPA (35 and
above for Illinois) as scored by Pearson Inc., enables candidates to obtain a license to teach in the
State of Illinois. For more information, see the following links –
• https://www.edtpa.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Illinois.html
• http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/cpep/go_teach/clinical_experiences/edTPA.php
Each edTPA submission will include video clips showing student engagement during your
instruction. It is important that these video clips demonstrate how you are interacting with
students to develop their understanding of important concepts/skills. In some disciplines, video
or audio clips can be submitted for student work samples.
Information on video submission assistance for the edTPA can be found here -
http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/technology/edtpavideotutorial.php
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Ensemble Requirements
Instrumental Music Education Majors
a. Wind/Percussion: 8 s.h. total
a. minimum of 6 s.h. in MUS 101, 113, 114, or 117 (maximum 3 s.h. in MUS 117);
b. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 116;
c. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 105, 106, 107, or 108.
b. Piano: 8 s.h. total
a. minimum of 3 s.h. in MUS 101, 113, 114, or 117;
b. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 116;
c. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 105, 106, 107, or 108;
d. minimum of 3 s.h. in MUS 125, 127, or 129.
c. Guitar: 8 s.h. total
a. minimum of 3 s.h. in MUS 101, 113, 114, or 117;
b. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 116;
c. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 105, 106, 107, or 108;
d. minimum of 3 s.h. in MUS 127 or 128.
d. Strings: 8 s.h. total,
a. minimum of 7 s.h. in MUS 101 or 102;
b. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 105, 106, 107, or 108.
Choral Music Education Majors
a. Voice: 8 s.h. total,
a. minimum of 6 s.h. in MUS 105 or 106;
b. minimum of 1 s.h. in MUS 107, 108, or 109.
b. Piano: 8 s.h. total,
a. minimum of 6 s.h. in MUS 105 or 106;
b. minimum of 2 s.h. in MUS 125, 127, or 129.
c. Guitar: 8 s.h. total,
a. minimum of 6 s.h.in MUS 105 or 106;
b. minimum of 2 s.h. in MUS 127 or 128.
Ensembles accepted for fulfilling requirement towards degree
101 University Orchestra
102 Chamber Orchestra
105 Concert Choir
106 University Singers
108 Chamber Singers
109 Opera Workshop
113 Symphonic Wind Ensemble
114 Concert Band
116 University Marching Band
117 Jazz Band
125 Accompanying
127 Jazz Combo
128 Guitar Ensemble
129 Piano Chamber Ensembles
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University General Education
General Education is the component of the undergraduate curriculum devoted to those areas of
knowledge, methods of inquiry, and ideas that the University and scholarly community believe
are common to well-educated persons. General Education provides a foundation for future
learning.
Categories and hourly requirement
I. Communication Skills (9 hours)
i. English 180
ii. English 280
iii. Communications 241
II. Natural Sciences and Mathematics (10 hours)
i. One lab – 4 credits
ii. Two other courses – see WARD report for eligible choices
III. Social Sciences (9 hours)
i. No more than two courses from one category may be counted – see
WARD report for eligible choices.
IV. Humanities and Fine Arts (9 hours)
i. MUS 190Y
ii. MUS 195/232/337/397 – counts as a Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
AND satisfies Illinois State Licensure American Music requirement.
iii. At least one course not in the arts.
V. Multicultural Studies (3 hours)
i. MUS 394 (online) – should be taken during same semester for EDS
305 Fieldwork.
VI. Human Well Being (3 hours)
i. Kinesiology (KIN). – 2-3 credits
ii. Students can elect to take a Health course for 2 credits
➢ General Education Courses information link -
http://www.wiu.edu/catalog/requirements/gened_requirements.php
Check your WARD report for exact course requirements for degree completion
every semester - http://www.wiu.edu/registrar/ward.php
Music Ed Handbook 2023-24
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Transferring Courses
Western Illinois University Accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions all
over the country. How credits are transferred in are determined either by existing course
articulation agreements or through department review for courses in certain disciplines.
Information about transferring courses from another college or university can be found here -
http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/undergraduate_admissions/transfer/articulation.php
Teaching beyond Illinois
Currently, 49 states/jurisdictions have an interstate agreement which makes it possible for an
educator who holds an Illinois teaching license to earn a certificate or license in another state.
Receiving states may have special requirements (e.g. an assessment, course, or teaching
experience) which must be met in a reasonable period of time.
For more information see the link for the National Association of State Directors of Teacher
Education and Certification - https://www.nasdtec.net/page/InterstateAgreements
Music Education Organizations
National Association for Music Education (www.NAfME.org)
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is the only professional association that
addresses all aspects of music education. More than 68,000 active, retired, and collegiate
members represent all teaching levels from kindergarten through college. Through its many
programs, initiatives, and resources, NAfME works to promote the importance of music
education, foster the best possible school music programs across the nation, and advance music
education as a profession.
As you prepare for your career, it’s time to become part of your professional association – and to
take advantage of the many benefits of membership. With NAfME Collegiate membership you
will:
• Gain professional credibility
• Get insight into the professional world
• Expand your network of professional contacts
• Open doors to job opportunities
• Discover new teaching methods and techniques
➢ WIMEA – Western Illinois Music Educators Association is WIU’s chapter.
➢ WIU Music Student Organizations -
http://www.wiu.edu/cofac/music/student_organization.php
➢ Illinois Music Education Association - https://www.ilmea.org/
Music Ed Handbook 2023-24
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Study Abroad
Study Abroad provides students with countless opportunities to take their studies all around the
globe. Students can study in over 60 countries, regardless of their major or minor course of
study. Many Study Abroad programs are comparable in cost to studying on WIU's campuses.
Financial aid and scholarships are available to qualified students. WIU Study Abroad program
information can be found here - http://www.wiu.edu/sao/study_abroad/
Information for the International Honor Society Phi Beta Delta WIU Chapter that provides
scholarships for study abroad can be found here - link
Fulbright Grant Program and international scholarship info
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research
projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. A candidate will submit a Statement of
Grant Purpose defining activities to take place during one academic year in a participating
country outside the U.S.
During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host
country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct
interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the
grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the
way they think. Through engagement in the community, the individual will interact with their
hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual
freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding. For more info - link
Teaching Music in International Schools
Unique opportunities are available to teach abroad. Here is an article - link
Here is the link to the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) - link
Musicians Health and Safety
The following link contains resources for best practices related to health and safety in musical
settings. These are links to research-based strategies for maintaining personal health and safety
within the contexts of practice, performance, teaching, and listening. Students, faculty, and staff
are encouraged to supplement the resources below with professional information that is specific to
their particular areas of music activity. Link - http://www.wiu.edu/cofac/music/health_safety.php
Music Ed Handbook 2023-24
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Scholarships
Over $300,000 is awarded each year to undergraduate music majors and talented non-majors
who participate in School of Music ensembles.
Talent Service Awards include Talent Grants and Tuition Waivers. Students who complete an
audition on or before our Annual President’s Day Auditions will be considered for a contract.
Talent Service Award Contracts reward students each semester, for up to 8 semesters, for their
participation in multiple ensembles.
Music scholarships are awarded annually to incoming and current students based on the criteria
listed below. To apply for the following scholarships, students can visit the WIU Scholarship
Website and fill out the University Scholarship Application. Applications open October 1.
Link for College of Education Scholarships - http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/teacher/scholarships/
Golden Apple Scholars - http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/financial_aid/types_of_aid/GAS.php
Accommodations
Students with disabilities: In accordance with University values and disability law, students with
disabilities may request academic accommodations where there are aspects of a course that
result in barriers to inclusion or accurate assessment of achievement. To file an official request
for disability-related accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 309-
298-2512, disability@wiu.edu or in 143 Memorial Hall. Please notify the instructor as soon as
possible to ensure that this course is accessible to you in a timely manner.
Equal Opportunity and Access
University values, Title IX, and other federal and state laws prohibit sex discrimination,
including sexual assault/misconduct, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. If you, or someone
you know, has been the victim of any of these offenses, we encourage you to report this to the
Title IX Coordinator at 309-298-1977 or anonymously online at:
http://www.wiu.edu/equal_opportunity_and_access/report.php. If you disclose an incident to a
faculty member, the faculty member must notify the Title IX Coordinator. The complete
Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy is available at:
http://www.wiu.edu/policies/dhsm.php.
