Music Education at PLU

Music Education at PLU

Music Education at PLU is a rigorous program with opportunities for specialization in an area of interest. It is characterized by a strong performance component, relevant coursework, and time practicing teaching skills in area K-12 schools. Classes are small and are taught by full-time faculty. PLU’s music education faculty members all have significant experience in K-12 schools. Because of their relationships with area music teachers, they are able to guide students to practicum and student teaching placements that are individually chosen to provide the best opportunity for a positive learning experience.

Sophomores: Students begin the music education course sequence as sophomores. Two courses ground students in the history and philosophy of music education, curriculum issues, classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment. The first two practicum experiences are also scheduled during this year.

Juniors and Seniors: Juniors and seniors take courses in the School of Education and Kinesiology and choose from a variety of Department of Music lab courses in instrumental, choral, and general music methods. As seniors, students present a recital. The capstone experience in music education is student teaching, usually completed in a ninth semester.

Transfer Students: Transfer students are required to do an entrance audition, and will either take courses or take and pass exams in theory, ear training, and keyboarding. Degrees are usually completed in two and a half to three years for transfer students who have completed an associate degree.