Music teachers in Washington are certified to teach kindergarten through 12th grade. This grade range requires significant, in-depth, preparation. The School of Education works closely with Puget Sound's School of Music to determine an applicant's eligibility for admission to the teaching program and to prepare teaching candidates of the highest caliber. Applicants should hold a degree in music education or have taken the coursework equivalent. Below is a list of requirements for music applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

CONTENT PREPARATION

One part of preparing to teach Music is a strong preparation in the subject. The best content preparation is a major in Music. To have your content preparation evaluated; 1) arrange for a transcript evaluation, and 2) arrange and complete a performance audition with the School of Music.

Suggested courses include:

  • Music Theory through twentieth-century compositional techniques (normally 4 semesters or 6 quarters)
  • Music History from ancient times through the present (normally 2-4 semesters or 3-6 quarters)
  • Music Education Methods (Elementary, Secondary)
  • Studio Lessons on a single instrument every academic term
  • Ensemble experience every academic term, which must include large ensemble(s)
  • Beginning and advanced instrumental and choral conducting (2-3 semesters or 3-4 quarters)
  • Techniques classes, which may be satisfied through demonstration of proficiency (Voice, Strings [one term for vocal/general, two terms for instrumental/general], Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion
  • Choral/general emphasis: Diction (one semester) and Vocal Pedagogy
  • Accompanying techniques on piano and guitar
  • Keyboard proficiency 

 

TESTING

You must pass the National Evaluations System's exam (NES) in General Music and a Washington Educator Skills Test -Endorsement (WEST-E) in at least one specialty area (Choral/Instrumental Music).  You will also need to submit scores from an approved basic skills test. No specific passing score is required for basic skills. Scores are used as a formative instrument to determine a candidate's basic skill level in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Please see our Testing Overview page for information on testing deadlines.

  BASIC SKILLS TESTING CONTENT AREA TESTING
MUSIC

TEST:  WEST–B or Alternative*
Math, Reading, & Writing

TEST: NES 504
Music

Music candidates must also take at least one (1) of the following tests.

TEST: WEST–E 056
Music: Choral

TEST: WEST–E 057
Music: Instrumental

*Out-of-state applicants may substitute either the PRAXIS I or CBEST for the WEST-B. Additionally, scores from the SAT or ACT taken after 2005 may be used to meet the basic skills requirement.

 

SCHOOL–BASED PLACEMENTS & COURSEWORK

During the academic year, you will complete elementary and secondary teaching methods coursework and Music-related school-based experiences. In addition, the state of Washington requires that you pass the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), which you will submit during spring semester.

 

For additional information, contact Karen Stump at the School of Education.