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Music Education Requirements

This page will take you through each stage of the process to earn a degree in music education and certification to teach music in Wisconsin. The Music Education major, within the Bachelor of Music degree, offers four possible areas of emphasis: General, Choral/General, Instrumental/General, and Instrumental, all of which result in certification to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade. At every stage of the certification process - program admission, placement for student teaching, and certification for licensure - you must demonstrate that you are mentally and physically able to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a classroom teacher.

Click on the following links for requirements.

Course Catalog for the Bachelor of Music Degree

Course Catalog for the Music Education Major

Music Education Advising Checklists

General Music Emphasis: MUE1 (PDF)
Choral/General Music Emphasis: MUE2 (PDF)
Instrumental Music Emphasis: MUE3 (PDF)
Instrumental/General Music Emphasis: MUE4 (PDF)

MUEP 201 - Intro to Music Education (Spring Term Freshman Year)

An introduction to philosophy of music education and the principles of learning theory and pedagogy, as applied to the private lesson, instrumental and choral ensembles, and general music classroom. Includes directed reading and discussion, observation of experienced teachers, and in-class teaching. Successful completion of this course is required prior to admission to the music education areas of general, choral/general, instrumental, and instrumental/general. Units: 3.

Admission to the Music Education Major (Fall Term Sophomore Year)

Application Procedure (PDF)
Application (PDF)
Essay (PDF)
Faculty Recommendation (PDF) (You'll need five recommendation forms)
Interviews (2013): Tuesday, October 22 and Monday, October 28 (Sign up for a time with Mary Bell, Music Education Administrative Assistant)

Practicum Hours (Pre-Student Teaching)

A minimum of 100 hours of practicum experience in school classrooms is required prior to student teaching.

Click on the link below for more information about earning practicum hours.
Practicum Hours (Pre-Student Teaching)

Required Practicum Documentation

Declare Your Senior Experience Title

Use the following example as a guide. Senior Experience Title: "Student Teaching in Choral/General Music Education"

Click on the link below to learn more about declaring your senior experience title.
Declare Your Senior Experience Title

Petition to Walk Early

Click on the link below to learn more about how to petition to walk early for graduation.
Petition to Walk Early

Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio

At the end of the year prior to student teaching (typically as you are completing your Rehearsal Techniques course), you must submit an electronic portfolio providing evidence of your development toward meeting Lawrence's Thirteen Teacher Education Program Standards. A member of the Music Education faculty will review this portfolio before you begin student teaching.

Click the following link to learn more about the pre-student teaching portfolio.
Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio

Program Standards

Lawrence’s thirteen standards, based on Wisconsin state standards, summarize the knowledge, skills, and dispositions expected of a beginning teacher. In order to be certified for licensure, candidates must present evidence that they meet or exceed these standards.

Click the following link to learn more about Lawrence's program standards for teacher education.
Program Standards

Apply to Graduate

Click the link below to learn more about when and how to apply to graduate.
Application for Graduation

Student Teaching in Music

About Student Teaching
Apply to Student Teach (PDF) - Due February 1 prior to the semester in which you will student teach.
Student Teaching Handbook (PDF) - This handbook has been written for student teachers, cooperating teachers, and university superviors. The contents of this handbook include materials designed to maximize the student teaching experience.
Lesson Plan Template (PDF))
Student Teacher Observation Form (PDF) - This form is completed by the university supervisor when observing a student teacher. Copies are given to the student teacher and cooperating teacher.
Midterm & Final Evaluation Form (PDF) - These forms are completed (separately) by the cooperating teacher and university supervisor for the student teaching midterm and final evaluation.

Student Teaching Final Portfolio

Beginning September 1, 2014, all teacher certification candidates in music must take the Performing Arts edTPA, a teacher performance assessment completed during student teaching. To be certified for licensure, candidates must earn a passing score set by Lawrence's Teacher Education Program. Effective September 1, 2016, candidates must also meet the state of Wisconsin's edTPA score requirements for initial teacher licensure in Wisconsin. Candidates who successfully complete student teaching but do not pass the edTPA may complete degree requirements but not be certified for licensure.