The School of Music, housed in Duerksen Fine Arts Center, has developed programs in music education, music performance, history/literature, conducting, and theory/composition which are significant in size and quality that are highly acclaimed throughout the nation. In part, this is due to Wichita State's urban setting, affording cultural diversity with excellent opportunities for both faculty and students.

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The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) is a professional degree for those who are interested in teaching vocal, instrumental, or general music in either elementary secondary schools. Students receiving this degree must meet the state requirements for teacher certification.

There are three options within the B.M.E.:

1. Vocal emphasis is offered for students whose chief performing medium is voice, piano, or guitar and who plan to teach vocal and/or general music in public schools.
   
2. Instrumental emphasis is offered for students whose chief performing medium is instrumental or keyboard and who plan to teach instrumental music in the public schools.
   
3. Special music education emphasis is offered for either vocal or instrumental specialists who plan to teach music to special education children in the public schools.

The music education curriculum is divided into three areas: general education, music performance and music theory, and education. Beginning with the sophomore year, students may serve as teacher aides to elementary, junior high, or senior high school music teachers and directors. Students may also participate in a wide variety of ensembles.

Music Education Faculty

Faculty members in Music Education have had extensive teaching experience in both universities and public schools and remain closely involved with the schools. They serve as clinicians, consultants, and adjudicators. They also participate in the community's musical life and provide leadership in professional organizations at the state and national levels. Moreover, they are committed to the personal musical development of each individual student.

Admission

Students interested in entering the music education program must submit an application directly to that program. To enter the teacher certification program, students must have completed fifty semester hours with at least a 2.5 grade point average and must have completed: Introduction to Professional Education (CI301) and Field Experience/Preprofessional Block (CI302) In addition, general education basic skills courses (12 hours) must be completed.

Related Opportunities

Music education students are encouraged to participate in Collegiate Music Educators National Conference, the student group of the Music Educators National Conference. They may earn experience and extra income in the many work-related opportunities in the City of Wichita as musicians and teachers.