Department of Music Education and Music Therapy
Swope Music Building and the Performing Arts Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2222
610-436-2739
Department of Music Education and Music Therapy
Dr. Major, Chairperson
Dr. Martin, Graduate Coordinator
Return to Wells School of Music Information
Mission Statement
The mission of the Wells School of Music is to provide an inclusive, world-class education by engaging students in diverse and evolving degree programs that further artistic excellence and help students become valuable contributors to a greater society.
Vision Statement
The Wells School of Music will continue to develop quality and innovative programs to ensure student success. We will strive to build our standing as a cultural resource that begins in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and extends throughout the nation. Through performance and scholarship at the highest levels, our faculty will build national and international reputations that reflect on and contribute to the university community. As respected musicians, scholars, composers, performers, educators, and music therapists, our graduates will enter their respective fields with an entrepreneurial spirit that will foster innovation to meet the ever-changing landscape in the world of music.
Master's Programs
- M.M. in Music Education - Kodaly Concentration
- M.M. in Music Education - Music Technology Concentration
- M.M. in Music Education - Orff-Schulwerk Concentration
- M.M. in Music Education - Performance Concentration
- M.M. in Music Education - Research Report Concentration
Certificates
Certification
All applicants to one of West Chester University’s graduate programs will be held to the graduate admissions requirements. When applicable, additional requirements for admission into specific department program(s) may be listed below.
Admission Requirements for the Certificate in Kodaly Methodology
Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in music education, an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.8, major field GPA of 3.0, and a completed application for admission to The Graduate School (including transcripts and letters of recommendation). Non-music education majors with degrees in related fields of study may enter a certificate-only program in Kodaly methodology. Admission requirements include demonstrable music literacy and performance skills with voice or one instrument; a baccalaureate degree in music performance, music theory, or choral conducting; an undergraduate GPA of 2.8; a major field GPA of 3.0; and a completed application for admission to The Graduate School (including transcripts and letters of recommendation).
Admission Requirements for the Certificate in Music Technology
Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in music education, an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.8, a major field GPA of 3.0, and completion of the application for admission to The Graduate School (including transcripts and letters of recommendation). Non-music education majors may enter a certificate-only program in technology. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field of study (i.e., applied music, music theory, music performance, music business), an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.8, a major field GPA of 3.0, and a completed application for admission to The Graduate School (including transcripts and letters of recommendation).
Admission Requirements for the Certificate in Orff-Schulwerk
Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in music education, an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.8, major field GPA of 3.0, and a completed application for admission to The Graduate School (including transcripts and letters of recommendation). Non-music education majors with degrees in related fields of study may enter a certificate-only program in Orff-Schulwerk. Admission requirements include demonstrable music literacy and performance skills with voice or one instrument; a baccalaureate degree in music performance, music therapy, dance, or movement; an undergraduate GPA of 2.8; a major field GPA of 3.0; and a completed application for admission to The Graduate School (including transcripts and letters or recommendation).
All graduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the graduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.
Professors
Marci Major (2016)
Chairperson, Music Education and Music Therapy
B.S., West Chester University; M.M., Michigan State University; Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Mark Gregory Martin (2011)
Graduate Coordinator, Wells School of Music
B.M.E., Eastern Kentucky University; M.M.A., James Madison University; D.M.A., University of Texas
Associate Professor
Angela Guerriero (2002)
B.S., M.Ed., M.M., West Chester University; M.A. Immaculata University; Ph.D., Drexel University
Instructor
Adam J. Gumble (2018)
B.M., M.M., West Chester University; M.M., Boston University
AIM
AIM 511. Marching Band Techniques and Materials. 3 Credits.
A survey of the function of the total marching band and of each component in the band.
Typically offered in Fall.
MUE
MUE 500. Methods & Materials Of Research. 3 Credits.
Basic techniques and procedures. Major types of research. Methods for locating, evaluating, and interpreting evidence. Preparation of a research outline.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.
MUE 503. Philosophical Foundations Of Music Educ. 3 Credits.
Historical and philosophical foundations of music education. Application of principles of education to music. Major emphasis on development of a philosophy of the discipline.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
MUE 510. Current Trends In Music Education. 3 Credits.
An exploration of current trends in music education, including but not limited to: philosophy of music education, curriculum development, instructional methods, music technology, music technology for special learners, and evolution of teacher training.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.
MUE 511. Vitalizing Music In The Elem School. 3 Credits.
Exploration and examination of current pedagogy, materials, and technology available to enhance learning through music in the elementary classroom. Elementary education majors only.
MUE 516. Administrat and Supervis of School Music. 3 Credits.
Administrative problems, curricular content and scheduling, in-service training of teachers, and specialized supervisory techniques for the music curriculum.
MUE 517. Psychology Of Music. 3 Credits.
In-depth study of learning theories as related to music education and the nature of music.
MUE 518. Multicultural Perspectives In Music Educ. 3 Credits.
Understanding the diversity of musical expressions of our planet and the multicultural musical dynamics of American culture; provides music educators with the information, materials and teaching strategies required for the creation and maintenance of a multiculturally based music curriculum.
MUE 528. Music for Diverse Learners. 3 Credits.
This course provides music educators with the skills, knowledge, understandings, and attitudes necessary to meet the needs of students with disabilities in a diverse music education classroom.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.
MUE 536. Children's Choir Practicum for Music Educators. 3 Credits.
Review, analysis, and practical application of current and developing pedagogy, literature, and materials for teaching and conducting a children's choir. Students will have the opportunity to observe and conduct a laboratory children's choir. Instructors will include leading innovative guest faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in this area.
MUE 541. Folk Music According To Kodaly Concept. 3 Credits.
Designed to review and identify folk music genre, identify principle researchers and collections, analyze materials collected and submit project containing all materials.
MUE 542. Brass Essentials for the Music Educator. 3 Credits.
Development of brass performance and pedagogical skills for teaching brass instruments in the elementary and secondary school instrumental program. This course is designed for the non-brass major in-service or pre-service music educator.
MUE 543. Woodwind Essentials for the Music Educator. 3 Credits.
Development of the woodwind performance and pedagogical skills appropriate for teaching woodwind instruments in the elementary and secondary school instrumental program. This course is designed for the non-woodwind major in-service or pre-service music educator.
MUE 544. Guitar Essentials for the Music Educator. 3 Credits.
Development of the guitar performance and pedagogical skills appropriate for teaching brass instruments in the elementary and secondary school guitar and general music program. This course is designed for the non-guitar major in-service or pre-service music educator.
MUE 547. Choral Conducting Practicum for Music Educators. 3 Credits.
Development of choral conducting skills and choral pedagogy appropriate for teaching advanced choral ensembles in the school music program. This course is designed for the experienced choral music educator.
MUE 548. String Essentials for the Music Educator. 3 Credits.
Development of string performance and pedagogical skills appropriate for teaching string instruments in the elementary and secondary instrumental program. This course is designed primarily for the non-string major in-service or pre-service music educator.
MUE 552. Teaching Ethnic Music. 3 Credits.
Study and analysis of cultural background, musical materials, and performance techniques of music from target cultures. Development of teaching strategies appropriate for public school classrooms. Target cultures will vary. Course may be repeated for credit with permission of Department of Music Education.
Repeatable for Credit.
MUE 560. Kodaly Level I Musicianship Training. 2 Credits.
Designed to develop musicianship for teaching the Kodaly process in primary grades and to develop students' ability to sing pentatonic literature and basic rhythms at sight in a classroom setting.
MUE 561. Kodaly: Level I Methodology. 2 Credits.
Designed to present lesson-planning strategies for teaching Kodaly-based methodology in the primary grades.
MUE 562. Kodaly: Level ll Musicianship Training. 2 Credits.
Designed to develop musicianship for teaching the Kodaly process in intermediate grades and the student's ability to sing diatonic literature and advanced rhythms at sight in a classroom setting.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 562 requires prerequisite of MUE 560 or MUE 561.
MUE 563. Kodaly: Level ll Methodology. 2 Credits.
Designed to present lesson-planning strategies for teaching Kodaly-based methodology in the intermediate grades.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 563 requires prerequisite of MUE 560 or MUE 561.
MUE 564. Kodaly: Level lll Musicianship Training. 2 Credits.
Designed to develop musicianship skills for teaching the Kodaly process in secondary grades through classical music.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 564 requires prerequisite of MUE 562 or MUE 563.
MUE 565. Kodaly: Level lll Methodology. 2 Credits.
Strategies and materials for listening lessons will be presented as well as teaching techniques for secondary classrooms. Students are expected to submit a 30-35 minute teaching tape for purposes of coordinating all Kodaly teaching skills.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 565 requires prerequisite of MUE 562 or MUE 563.
MUE 566. Kodaly Conducting. 2 Credits.
Designed to acquaint the student with the application and development of children's choral literature in performance using composed works of Kodaly and various other composers who have written for children.
MUE 567. Kodaly: Folk Music. 2 Credits.
Designed to review and identify folk song genre, identify principal researchers and collections, analyze materials collected, and submit project containing all materials.
MUE 568. Kodaly: Games And Materials. 2 Credits.
Designed to provide participants with materials for preparing, presenting, and reinforcing rhythmic and melodic concepts through game playing and dances.
MUE 569. Kodaly Final Project. 1 Credit.
The graduate student will prepare and demonstrate his/her ability to teach using developmental and sequential Kodaly methodology. Project will include a written lesson plan, videotaped teaching demonstration, and post conference reflection that demonstrate the graduate student's ability to satisfactorily apply the principles and process of Kodaly methodology to the music classroom. This project is a program culminating activity required to qualify for certification in this methodology.
MUE 570. Orff-Schulwerk: Lev I Basic Musicianship. 2 Credits.
Designed to develop fundamental Orff processes through the acquisition of basic musical skills through pentatonic activities.
MUE 571. Orff Schulwerk: Level I Recorder. 1 Credit.
Designed to develop fundamental Orff processes through elemental proficiency on the soprano recorder.
MUE 572. Orff Schulwerk: Level I Movement. 1 Credit.
Designed to develop fundamental Orff processes through movement, locomotor, dance, descriptive, free improvisation.
MUE 573. Orff Schulwerk: Level II Basic Musicianship. 2 Credits.
Designed to develop theoretical comprehension of the evolution of elemental music through the Baroque period. Liturgical and diatonic modes are used as vehicles in developing harmonic concepts. Admission to program by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 573 requires prerequisites of MUE 570 and MUE 571 and MUE 572.
MUE 574. Orff Schulwerk: Level II Recorder. 1 Credit.
Designed to develop skills on alto, tenor, and bass recorders through improvisation, accompaniment, and ensemble playing in various styles and historical periods.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 574 requires prerequisites of MUE 570 and MUE 571 and MUE 572.
MUE 575. Orff Schulwerk: Level II Movement. 1 Credit.
Continued development of movement techniques through improvisation, choreography in set or free focus with either rhythm, music, or dramatic content, or a combination thereof.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 575 requires prerequisites of MUE 570 and MUE 571 and MUE 572.
MUE 576. Orff Schulwerk: Level III Basic Musicianship. 2 Credits.
Designed to develop comprehension of 20th-century styles, theoretical and performance practices of Western and non-Western music, while using both ethnic and popular means.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 576 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
MUE 577. Orff Schulwerk: Level III Recorder. 1 Credit.
Continuation of Level II proficiencies and exploration of consort materials found in Orff-Schulwerk, Volumes 1-5.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 577 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
MUE 578. Orff Schulwerk: Level III Movement. 1 Credit.
Continuation of Level II proficiencies; the analysis of ethnic and historical dances with appropriate choreographic notation in set and free form focus or a combination thereof.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 578 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
MUE 579. Orff Schulwert: Recorder Ensemble. 1 Credit.
A culmination of recorder instruction, through performance analysis, and discussion into a survey of repertoire suitable for recorder consort and consort with subordinate instruments.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 579 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
MUE 580. Orff Schulwerk: Movement. 1 Credit.
An in-depth study to develop visual and spatial awareness, coordination and body control, imagination, improvisation, and kinesthetic understanding of musical elements as they interact within the Schulwerk process. Open, as an elective, to students demonstrating proficiency in creative movement, improvisation, and ethnic dance. Admission by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 580 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
MUE 581. Orff Schulwerk: Instrumentarium Practicum. 1 Credit.
A survey of works by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman for the instrumentarium which requires advanced performance skills. Open, as an elective, to students demonstrating playing proficiencies using basic techniques or unpitched and pitched instruments, as well as improvisational skills. Admission by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 581 requires prerequisites of MUE 573 and MUE 574 and MUE 575.
MUE 582. Orff-Schulwerk Final Project. 1 Credit.
Preparation of Orff-Schulwerk final project. Project will include written and audio-visual documents applying the principles and process of Orff-Schulwerk to the music classroom.
Distance education offering may be available.
MUE 583. Seminar in Orff Schulwerk. 2 Credits.
Innovations and best practices in the Orff Schulwerk Process. Distinguished guest instructors will provide new direction for music educators.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 583 requires prerequisites of MUE 570, MUE 571, MUE 572.
MUE 591. Introduction to Notation, Sequencing, and Electronic Instruments. 3 Credits.
This course covers music notation software, sequencing software and electronic instruments in the elementary and secondary music classroom.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.
MUE 592. Intro CAI, Multimedia and Internet. 3 Credits.
This course covers computer-assisted instruction, multimedia and the Internet in elementary and secondary music classroom.
MUE 593. Notation for Music Educators. 3 Credits.
This course covers notation software in the music classroom and as a tool for creating original recordings and multimedia files for the Internet and multimedia projects.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 593 requires prerequisites of MUE 591 and MUE 592.
MUE 594. Sequencing for Music Educators. 3 Credits.
This course covers advanced techniques in sequencing, MIDI theory and digital audio theory pertaining to recording, editing, and playback. Students will acquire the necessary knowledge to make critical judgments about the appropriateness of selected music software and hardware for particular educational applications and platforms.
Typically offered in Summer.
MUE 596. Multimedia Authoring Mus Ed. 3 Credits.
This course covers using, creating and editing multimedia lessons for the music classroom. There will be an emphasis on customizing multimedia templates and the development of custom, interactive music lessons.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 596 requires prerequisites of MUE 591 and MUE 592.
MUE 597. Digital Media for Music Educators. 3 Credits.
This course covers creating and editing digital multimedia for the music classroom with an emphasis on text, graphics, sound and video. Digital media will be integrated into presentation programs and stand-alone formats such as audio and video tape and CD.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 597 requires prerequisites of MUE 591 and MUE 592.
MUE 598. Integrating Music Tech in Classroom. 3 Credits.
This course will cover effective teaching strategies using music technology. Topics will include computer-assisted instruction, multimedia, Internet, notation software, sequencing software and electronic instruments.
Pre / Co requisites: MUE 598 requires prerequisites of MUE 591 and MUE 592.
MUE 600. Assessing and Evaluating Musical Learning. 3 Credits.
Review analysis and practical application of print and electronic assessment and evaluation strategies in music education. Strategies and tools will be developed for assessment of musical performance, musical creativity and writing about music and musical experiences in all facets and levels of elementary/secondary school music program.
Distance education offering may be available.
MUE 601. Innovations in Elementary Music Education. 3 Credits.
Review analysis and practical applications of current and developing pedagogy, materials, and assessment techniques for the K-6 elementary general music classroom. Instructors will include leading innovative guest faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in this area. May be repeated one time for credit with permission of department.
Repeatable for Credit.
MUE 602. Innovations in Middle School Music Education. 3 Credits.
Review analysis and practical applications of current and developing pedagogy, materials, assessment techniques for the Grade 5-8 middle school general music classroom. Instructors will include leading innovative guest faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in this area.
MUE 603. Innovations in Instrumental Music Education. 3 Credits.
Review analysis and practical applications of current and developing pedagogy, materials, assessment techniques for the elementary/secondary instrumental music program. Instructors will include leading innovative guest faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in this area.
MUE 604. Innovations in Choral Music Education. 3 Credits.
Review analysis and practical applications of current and developing pedagogy, materials, assessment techniques for the elementary/secondary choral music program. Instructors will include leading innovative guest faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in this area. May be repeated one time for credit with permission of department.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.
MUE 605. Innovations in Movement in Music Education. 3 Credits.
Review analysis and practical applications of current and developing pedagogy, materials, assessment techniques for movement activities in the elementary/secondary school general music classroom. Instructors will include leading innovative guest faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for expertise in this area. May be repeated one time for credit with permission of department.
MUE 679. Special Subjects Seminar. 1-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MUE 681. Independent Study in Music. 1 Credit.
Individual research under the guidance of a faculty member.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
MUE 683. Independent Study in Music. 3 Credits.
Individual research under the guidance of a faculty member.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
MUE 691. Research Seminar In Music. 2 Credits.
A research proposal with supporting procedures is developed. Guidance in individual research topics, with tutorial assistance in form and style of research writing.
Distance education offering may be available.
MUE 692. Research Report. 2 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Distance education offering may be available.
MUE 693. Music Technology Final Project. 1 Credit.
Preparation of a music technology project is developed in consultation with a faculty advisor. This can be in one of three domains: * Guided research into relevant topics in technology and music education. Students will select an appropriate topic, under advisement, and carry out research and appropriate written document. * Curriculum development. Student will develop the curriculum for a course in music technology * Computer Aided Instruction development. Student will select an appropriate topic, under advisement, and design and build a stand-alone or web-based application.
MUE 698. Recital Research. 1 Credit.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Distance education offering may be available.
MWC
MWC 536. Choral Music In Motion. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWC 537. Choral Music In Motion. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWC 538. Choral Music In Motion. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWE
MWE 536. Music Education Workshop. 1-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
MWE 547. Cont Conc & Dir In Sch Orchestra. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWI
MWI 536. Instrumental Music Sem: Conceptual Approa. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
MWI 537. Instrumental Music Sem: Conceptual Appr. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
MWI 538. Instrumental Music Sem: Conceptual Appr. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
MWM
MWM 536. Ethnic Music. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWM 537. Ethnic Music. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWM 538. Ethnic Music. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWO
MWO 546. Cont Concepts & Dir In Sch Orchestra. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
MWO 548. Cont Conc & Dir In Sch Orchestra. 2-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
