Overview

The Music Education P-12 at Western Washington University provides a comprehensive professional foundation for students aiming to become certified music teachers. This rigorous programme combines advanced musical training with pedagogical expertise to prepare graduates for diverse classroom environments.

Students in this major benefit from a curriculum that integrates conducting, pedagogy, and education-specific coursework. A significant component of the degree is the practical student internship at a public school, which ensures that future educators gain essential hands-on experience before graduation.

The department fosters a collaborative community of artists and educators dedicated to professional excellence.

Why Music Education P-12 at Western Washington University?

The university offers exceptional facilities within the Performing Arts Center, featuring a 700-seat Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat Mainstage Theatre, and a flexible black-box studio. Students have access to a fleet of Steinway grand pianos and over 30 fully-equipped practice rooms.

Western Washington University students frequently achieve success in national and regional competitions for conducting, composition, and performance. The institution also provides unique opportunities for international travel, with recent ensemble tours visiting China, Spain, Portugal, Finland, and Estonia.

The programme is part of the College of Fine and Performing Arts, where faculty members recognise the vital role of artists in society. This supportive atmosphere helps students develop transferable skills that are highly regarded in the professional music and education sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27690 per year
National fee: USD 27690 per year
Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Music Theory
Aural Skills
History
Pedagogy
Conducting
Education-specific courses
Student Internship

Careers with Music Education P-12

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for roles as music specialists in primary and secondary schools. The professional certification allows alumni to pursue teaching careers across the P-12 spectrum in various public and private educational settings.

Beyond the classroom, graduates may find opportunities in arts administration or the wider music industry. Many students also choose to further their academic journey by enrolling in prestigious graduate programmes to specialise in musicology, performance, or educational leadership.

The degree is highly regarded in the profession, with alumni working in symphony orchestras, opera houses, and as composers for film and media. The diverse skill set acquired during the programme supports a wide range of fulfilling careers in music-related fields.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Technology for Music Educators

History of Music to 1600

History of Music 1600-1830

History of Music 1830-Present

Instrumental Conducting

Choral Conducting

General Music Education

Advanced Techniques in General Music Education

Music Teaching Practicum II (must be taken twice)

Advanced Choral Conducting

Advanced Instrumental Conducting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

More details

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Education Music View 2672 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The International Student Application for Admission

$60 non-refundable application fee

An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Official academic credentials

Evidence of English language proficiency

Statement of Financial Responsibility

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Out-of-State

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8523 USD / year

≈ 8523 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Education P-12.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bellingham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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