Explore the Vocal Music Education Program
If you have a love and passion for music, a music education degree allows you to immerse yourself in your passion while sharing your love of music with the next generation.
Learning and teaching music can be a transformative experience for you and your students. Not only does it help students to develop new skills, it provides an outlet for them to express their emotions and creativity. Becoming a music educator can be a personally rewarding career choice as you watch students develop their musical abilities and witness the positive impact you can make in your students' lives.
Studying music education doesn’t necessarily mean you’re limited to becoming a classroom teacher either. You can also pursue private music instruction, music arts administration or advising, music therapy, and more.
Choosing a music education endorsement
The grade levels and subjects you want to teach are called endorsements, and depending on the type of endorsement, you are required to choose one or more in order to obtain your teaching certificate. Learn more about endorsements.
In the field of music education, Wayne State offers the following options:
- Vocal and Instrumental Music Education endorsement to teach grades PK-12
- Vocal Music Educaiton subject endorsement to teach grades PK-12
The Vocal Music subject endorsement provides courses and training related to singing, choral music, and vocal techniques. Individuals with this endorsement may be more geared toward teaching and directing vocal ensembles, choirs, or providing vocal instruction in a PK-12 school setting.
Note: If you choose the Vocal Music Education subject endorsement, you will actually be earning both the PK-6 and 7-12 endorsements, and you won’t be required to choose any other endorsement to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Fast facts
Degree options: B.A. or B.S. in Music / Vocal PK-12 Education
Endorsement type: Subject endorsement
Learn more about endorsements.
Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)
Program credit hours: 96
- Music education core (41 credit hours)
- Vocal music endorsement courses (19 credit hours)
- Education courses (36 credit hours)
Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
Schools: Arts and Humanities; Education and Behavioral Sciences
Departments: Music; Educational Foundations and Leadership
Becoming a teacher
Field experience and clinical practice
As a student pursuing a career as a music teacher, you’ll complete field experiences and clinical practice. Some field experiences are embedded within the coursework of WSC’s educator preparation programs. Once you’ve completed the initial field experience requirements, you’ll then complete a semester of clinical practice (student teaching) in a school district chosen with the help of your adviser. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience.
Learn more about clinical practice
Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA)
Student teaching is a requirement for teacher certification in all 50 states and provides you with critical real-life experience before gaining a classroom of your own. Only Wayne State College adds to this experience through the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA), a program that allows you to substitute teach as a junior and get paid, all while still earning your degree.
Topics covered
Music topics covered
- Fundamentals of musical form and theory
- Sight singing and ear training
- Piano skills, including keyboard theory and techniques
- Music sight reading, score reading, accompanying, and solo/ensemble repertoire
- Music improvisation and transposition
- Music conducting and rehearsal techniques
- History and literature of music
- Composition and recording software
Education topics covered
- Teaching vocal and/or instrumental music in a PK-12 school setting
- Musical activities and music curriculum development for grades PK-12
- Teaching as a profession
- Human learning processes and behavior
- Instructional design methodologies, implementation, and evaluation
- Educational collaboration and equitable learning opportunities
- Classroom management
Student learning outcomes
Music learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced performance skills on an instrument and/or voice
- Demonstrate the ability to work conceptually with the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and structural elements of music
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of music literature, musical genres, and cultural sources
- Demonstrate proficiency in current music technology relevant to the field of study
Education programs
Teacher candidates who successfully complete an education preparation program at Wayne State will be able to:
- Create environments that support individual and collaborative learning using knowledge of how students grow and develop, along with individual differences and diverse cultures. (InTASC Standards 1-3)
- Plan for instruction by applying content knowledge, a variety of instructional strategies, and multiple methods of assessment to connect concepts for learners in real-world applications. (InTASC Standards 4-8)
- Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to reflect on and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner. (InTASC Standard 9)
- Seek leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with stakeholders, and to advance the profession. (InTASC Standard 10)
Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. Students planning to pursue professional education must undergo a background check along with meeting other requirements (benchmarks) and advance through three levels of preparation required to become a teacher.
Level One - Preparing for Teacher Candidacy
In this level, students apply for educator preparation and complete some of the preliminary coursework of the program. Students will need to pass an initial background check as well. View all Level One benchmarks.
Level Two - Preparing for Clinical Practice
In Level Two, students will prepare for student teaching by passing the required courses, meeting evidence to show their readiness, and pass a complete background check. View all Level Two benchmarks.
Level Three - Clinical Practice
Level Three is the final level and includes the successful completion of clinical practice and meeting the degree requirements for graduation from Wayne State. Students will also register to take the Praxis Exam. Passing the Praxis Exam is not a graduation requirement; however, it is required to earn a teaching license for the state in which you want to teach. View all Level Three benchmarks.
Teacher certification
After successfully completing a teacher education program at Wayne State, you’ll submit your application to become a licensed teacher in Nebraska.
State licensure disclosure
Wayne State's Vocal Music Education program is designed to prepare students for teacher licensure or certification in Nebraska. It has not been determined if these programs meet requirements for all other states.
If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.
Music Education Licensure Disclosure for All States About State Authorization and Licensure
Graduates with a degree in Music Education teach in schools using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College.
Jobs of recent graduates:
- Band Director (5-12) – Broken Bow Public Schools (Broken Bow, Neb.)
- Elementary Music Teacher – Omaha Public Schools (Omaha, Neb.)
- Elementary Music Teacher – Pleasantville School District (Pleasantville, Iowa)
- Instrumental Music Teacher – Lakeview Community Schools (Columbus, Neb.)
- High School Music Teacher – Roncalli Catholic High School (Omaha, Neb.)
- High School Music Teacher – South Sioux City Public Schools (South Sioux City, Neb.)
- Music Teacher (K-1) – Millard Public Schools (Omaha, Neb.)
- Music Teacher (Instrumental and Vocal) – Madison Public Schools (Madison, Neb.)
- Music Teacher (Instrumental and Vocal) – Ord Public Schools (Ord, Neb.)
- Music Teacher (Instrumental and Vocal) – Summerland Public Schools (Ewing, Neb.)
- Student Life Advisor – Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (Natchitoches, La.)
- Vocal Music Teacher (7-12) – Battle Creek Public Schools (Battle Creek, Neb.)
- Vocal Music Teacher (K-12) – Cross County Community Schools (Stromsburg, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:
- Music Performance (M.M.) - University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
- Music Performance (M.M.) – University of South Dakota (Vermillion, S.D.)
- Vocal Music Performance (M.M.) – University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, Neb.)
2024-25 Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
cost per credit hour
Tuition: $5,880
Fees: $2,290.50
Food plan: $4,690
Housing: $4,730
Most Affordable College in Nebraska
- College Affordability Guide, 2024
Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.
Vocal Music Education degree program courses
Students must complete the music core courses, vocal music endorsement courses, and professional education courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional endorsements or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
Music
core
credits
Vocal music
endorsement
credits
Professional
education
credits
Total
program
credits
Admission to Wayne State does not guarantee entry into its Educator Preparation Programs. Students preparing for professional education must meet benchmark criteria at multiple stages in order to advance through established levels. Refer to the Benchmarks and Levels for Educator Preparation for more information.
Music core courses (41 credit hours)
- MUS 101 Music Theory I (3) - Fundamentals of pitch and rhythmic notation, intervals, scales, keys, modes, triads and seventh chords. Introduction to figured bass, popular chord symbols, and voice leading. Part-writing of diatonic triads in root position and first inversion. Analysis of non-harmonic tones.
- MUS 102 Music Theory II (3) - Part-writing of triads and seventh chords in root position and all inversions. Fundamentals of musical form, including cadences, phrases, and periods. Secondary dominant and leading-tone chords. Common chord modulation to closely related keys. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 101 Music Theory I.
- MUS 202 Music Theory III (3) - Further practice with secondary chords. Harmonic sequences involving diatonic and secondary chords. Binary and ternary forms. Modal mixture, the Neapolitan, and augmented sixth chords. Introduction to chromatic modulation. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 102 Music Theory II.
- MUS 202 Music Theory IV (3) - Modulation to foreign keys using chromatic pivot chords, including enharmonic modulation. Ninth, 11th, 13th chords, altered dominants, chromatic mediants, and common-tone diminished sevenths. Introduction to 20th century harmonic practices. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 201 Music Theory III.
- MUS 104 Aural Skills I (1) - Fundamentals of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week.
- MUS 105 Aural Skills II (1) - Continued study of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 104 Aural Skills I.
- MUS 204 Aural Skills III (1) - Continued study of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 105 Aural Skills II.
- MUS 205 Aural Skills IV (1) - Continued study of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 204 Aural Skills III.
- MUS 280 Clas in Piano I (1) - Development of functional piano skills for non-pianists. Emphasis on keyboard theory and technique, sight reading, harmonization, improvisation, score reading, accompanying, and solo/ensemble repertoire. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required.
- MUS 281 Class in Piano II (1) - Continued development of the skills begun in MUS 280. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 280 Class in Piano I or consent of instructor.
- MUS 380 Class in Piano III (1) - Continued development of the skills begun in MUS 281. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 281 Class in Piano II or consent of instructor.
- MUS 381 Class in Piano IV (1) - Continued development of the skills begun in MUS 380. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 380 Class in Piano III or consent of instructor.
Music majors must meet the piano proficiency requirements for piano (course numbers MUS 280, 281, 380, and 381). This requirement may be met by examination or through successful completion of the courses appropriate to the student’s degree program. Music majors who successfully test out of one or more sections of Class in Piano will be required to fill those hours with elective, regardless of degree program.
Credits: 1
Description: Fundamentals of vocal technique for healthy and expressive singing, introduction to IPA; fundamentals of English and Italian diction. 2 hours per week.
Credits: 1
Description: Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching guitar. 2 hours per week. $20 class fee required.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 Music Theory I or permission of instructor
Credits: 1
Description: Fundamental techniques of the physical movement of conducting and its process, including beat patterns, transposition and score reading. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 Music Theory I
Credits: 1
Description: An introduction to music technology including composition and recording software, as well as computer assisted instruction. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 101 Music Theory I
Credits: 2
Description: Techniques and practical applications of conducting and rehearsing vocal ensembles, including rehearsal management, tone production, diction, and musical interpretation. Includes survey of materials for the school choir. Additional time may be required for students to rehearse a large choral ensemble.
Prerequisite: MUS 208 Fundamentals of Conducting
Credits: 3
Description: Music of ancient Greece and Rome, world music traditions, and Western music from the Middle Ages through the Baroque. Analysis of musical types and influential composers in each era.
Credits: 3
Description: Music of the Classical period through contemporary. Romanticism, Nationalism, Impressionism, Modernism, and postmodern musical techniques and styles. Analysis of the music of the most influential composers.
Credits: 1
Description: The presentation of a 30-minute senior recital in a student’s primary performance area. The student will enroll for this class concurrently with 300-level private applied lessons during the term in which the senior recital is given. (This course may be repeated one time for credit in a second performance area.) Class fee of $15 required.
Corequisite: Requires concurrent enrollment in Primary Applied Lessons, 300-level
All prospective music majors and minors must declare an instrument or voice as the primary performance area from one of the following: voice, keyboard, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and guitar. Students pursuing a music teaching endorsement must also declare a secondary performing area. For the primary area, the students will complete four semesters of lower-division applied study (100-level). At the end of the fourth semester, the student may apply for upper-division (300-level) study. Until the student has passed the jury examination, continued enrollment at the 100-level is required.
Credits: 4
- 2 credit hours are awarded for one 50-minute lesson per week. Two hours of daily practice and participation in department recital is required.
- 1 credit hour is awarded for one 30-minute lesson per week. One hour of daily practice is required.
Description: Music lessons are available for voice, keyboard, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, string bass, percussion, or guitar. Class fee of $15 required.
Corequisite: MUS 130 Recital Attendance and instructor approval. Music majors also be enrolled in the appropriate large ensemble.
Credits: 2
- 2 credit hours are awarded for one 50-minute lesson per week. Requires two hours of daily practice and participation in department recital.
- 1 credit hour is awarded for one 30-minute lesson per week. Requires one hour of daily practice.
Description: Music lessons for voice, keyboard, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, string bass, percussion, or guitar. Class fee of $15 required.
Corequisite: MUS 130 Recital Attendance and instructor approval. Music majors also be enrolled in the appropriate large ensemble.
Prerequisite: Students must successfully perform a qualifying audition for 300-level applied lessons before a jury of music faculty, one of whom must be in the student’s primary performance area. The student must demonstrate, through performance of technical material (scales, rudiments, vocalizes, etudes, etc.) and repertoire, a degree of facility and musicality deemed sufficient to undertake advanced applied study. Each applied area has specific guidelines and requirements for the technical material and repertoire.
Students pursuing a music teaching endorsement must also declare a secondary performing area and take applied music lessons in that area.
Credits: 2- 2 credit hours are awarded for one 50-minute lesson per week. Two hours of daily practice and participation in department recital required.
- 1 credit hour is awarded for one 30-minute lesson per week. One hour of daily practice is required.
Description: Music lessons for voice, keyboard, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, string bass, percussion, or guitar. Class fee of $15 required.
Corequisite: MUS 130 Recital Attendance and instructor approval. Music majors also be enrolled in the appropriate large ensemble.
Prerequisite: Students must successfully perform a qualifying audition for 300-level applied lessons before a jury of music faculty, one of whom must be in the student’s primary performance area. The student must demonstrate, through performance of technical material (scales, rudiments, vocalizes, etudes, etc.) and repertoire, a degree of facility and musicality deemed sufficient to undertake advanced applied study. Each applied area has specific guidelines and requirements for the technical material and repertoire.
Vocal music education courses (19 credit hours)
Credits: 2
Description: Principles and practices of arranging music for various choral ensembles with and without instrumental accompaniment. Emphasis on the production of practical arrangements.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 202 Music Theory IV
Credits: 2
Description: Study of large-scale formal structures in music, including variations, rondo, sonata form, sonata-rondo, and fugue. Analysis of selected works from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 202 Music Theory IV
Credits: 2
Description: General survey of solo vocal and choral literature. Emphasis given to major composers and standard repertoire together with influences from non-Western cultures.
Credits: 2
Description: A study of foreign language diction.
Credits: 2
Description: The study of teaching voice.
Choose any two of the following for a total of 2 credit hours:
- MUS 171 Class in Strings I (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching violin and viola. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
- MUS 172 Class in Strings II (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching cello and bass. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
- MUS 173 Class in Woodwinds I (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching flute, clarinet, and saxophone. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
- MUS 174 Class in Woodwinds II (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching double reed instruments. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
- MUS 175 Class in Brass I (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching high brass instruments. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
- MUS 176 Class in Brass II (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching low brass instruments. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
- MUS 177 Class in Percussion (1 credit) - Methods, materials, and techniques for playing and teaching percussion instruments. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $20 required.
Credits: 7
- MUS 133 Fortis Choir (1 credit) – Choir for tenor and bass voices, open to all students, regardless of major, without audition. To participate, one’s full voice must lie naturally in the tenor and bass ranges. Objectives of the ensemble include, but are not limited to, 1) healthy vocal technique, 2) tonal memory and audiation (hearing) skills, 3) music reading skills, and 4) a sense of community within a positive social climate. The choir performs music of many cultures and times, sometimes ranging from medieval to modern.
- MUS 140 Lyrica Treble Choir (1 credit) – Lyrica Treble Choir is open to students regardless of major, without audition. To participate, one’s full voice must lie naturally in the treble clef. Objectives of the ensemble include, but are not limited to, 1) healthy vocal technique, 2) tonal memory and audiation (hearing) skills, 3) music reading skills, and 4) a sense of community within a positive social climate. The choir performs music of many cultures and times, sometimes ranging from medieval to modern.
- MUS 141 Choir (1 credit) – Primary vocal ensemble of the music department. Rehearses and performs choral literature from all periods of history, and studies tone production, balance, blend, interpretation, and other principles of choral training. Public concerts will be given. Open to all students by audition.
- MUS 441 Choir (1 credit) – Primary vocal ensemble of the music department. Rehearses and performs choral literature from all periods of history, and studies tone production, balance, blend, interpretation, and other principles of choral training. Public concerts will be given. Carries the expectation of additional responsibilities. Open to all qualified students by audition. Prerequisite: A total of four completed semesters of MUS 141 required to enroll.
Educator preparation core (33 credit hours)
Credits: 3
Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.
Notes: Graded S/NCCredits: 3
Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher CandidacyCredits: 3
Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.
Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.
Dual-listed: EDU 545
Notes: Graded S/NCCredits: 3-12
Description: A semester course of full day learning experiences in an elementary school under the supervision of a cooperating K-6 classroom teacher and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the elementary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll for 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
Credits: 3-12
Description: A semester course of full day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from the appropriate content area. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the secondary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
Credits: 2
Description: A survey of methods and materials used for teaching vocal music in junior high school and high school. Pedagogical materials include: testing, classifying, and blending voices, problems of the changing voice, materials for glee club, chorus and ensembles, contests and public appearances, developing, running, and maintaining a show choir program, general music class, and sight-singing. Meets computer literacy requirements.
Prerequisite: MUS 208 Fundamentals of Conducting
Credits: .5
Description: A field experience, offered with MUS 415 Teaching Music PK-6, designed with the content area(s) for practical application of the teaching and learning process. This course will focus on active participation within the classroom setting under supervision of the classroom instructor.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and concurrent enrollment in MUS 415 Teaching Music PK-6
Credits: .5
Description: A field experience, offered with MUS 308 Teaching Vocal Music 7-12 or MUS 309 Teaching Instrumental Music, designed with the content area(s) for practical application of the teaching and learning process. This course will focus on active participation within the classroom setting under supervision of the classroom instructor.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and concurrent enrollment in MUS 308 Teaching Vocal Music 7-12 or MUS 309 Teaching Instrumental Music.
Credits: 2
Description: A survey of philosophies, materials, and pedagogical methods for teaching music to children in grades PK-6. Creative exploration of musical activities incorporating movement, improvisation, composition, listening, and curriculum development. For music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and concurrent enrollment in MUS 411 Content Area Practicum.
Credits: 3
Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
- SPD 435 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) – Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.
- SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) – Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.
Popular pairings
Many students at Wayne State will add an extra endorsement to make themselves more marketable and expand their teaching abilities. Students who recently majored in Music Education at Wayne State also paired this program with one or more of the following endorsements
- Coaching (supplemental endorsement)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (major or minor)
- Music Performance
Related programs
Students interested in the Vocal Music Education endorsement may also be interested in
Approved by the Nebraska Department of Education
Wayne State's educator preparation programs are approved by the Nebraska Department of Education.


Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Music Department faculty

Matthew Armstrong, DMA
Associate Professor
Dr. Matthew Armstrong is a music professor at Wayne State College. He is the director of choral activities and leads the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Lyrica (Soprano/Alto) and Fortis (Tenor/Bass) Choirs. Additionally, he teaches courses in conducting, choral literature, and music education.

Shelly Armstrong, MME
Accompanist
Shelly Marshall Armstrong is the collaborative pianist at Wayne State. She accompanies choirs, classes, and student juries and recitals, as well as WSC faculty and guest recitals.

Joshua Calkin, DMA
Professor
Dr. Josh Calkin is a music professor and director of bands at Wayne State College. His duties include directing the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, and Mariachi Oro y Negro. He also teaches all applied low brass and low brass methods, world music, and instrumental conducting.

Matthew Clegg, DMA
Lecturer
Dr. Matthew Clegg teaches in the Department of Music at Wayne State College. He is an experienced voice teacher and active performer.

Melissa Derechailo, DMA
Instructor
Dr. Melissa Derechailo teaches horn, music history, music theatre history, and music industry in the Music Department at Wayne State College. She also serves as the theatre manager for the Ley and Ramsey theatres.

Sarah Farr, DMA
Associate Professor
Dr. Sarah Farr is a music professor and teaches voice classes at Wayne State College. Farr's academic interest is exploring the intersection of literature and opera, particularly in contemporary operatic compositions.

Michael Genslinger, MME
Instructor
Michael Genslinger teaches in the Music Department at Wayne State College. In addition to serving as the assistant director of bands, he teaches Music Education courses and Applied Trumpet.

Matthew Haakenson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Matthew Haakenson is a music professor and teaches music theory and aural skills at Wayne State.

Karl Kolbeck, DMA
Professor
Dr. Karl Kolbeck is a music professor at Wayne State College, specializing in woodwinds. His academic interests include applied lessons in oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon; woodwind courses, music history and literature, instrument repair, and directing various ensembles.

Angela Miller-Niles, DMA
Associate Professor
Dr. Angela Miller-Niles is a music professor and the Music Department chair at Wayne State College. She teaches applied piano lessons, class in piano, music technology and piano pedagogy.
Get in touch
Department of Music
Peterson Fine Arts Building, Room 109
Phone: 402-375-7359
Student clubs for music education majors
Aurae Voces - For students to explore a quintet form of singing
Chamber Choir - A choral ensemble that performs Medieval and Renaissance music
Chamber Music - Choose from a variety of ensembles
Concert Choir - An auditioned ensemble performing varied musical styles
Jazz Ensemble - A select group of instrumentalists who perform jazz music
Kappa Kappa Psi - National honor society for college band members
Lyrica Treble Choir - A choir of students whose voices naturally lie in the treble clef
Marching Band - The official marching band of Wayne State College
Mariachi Negro y Oro - A musical group featuring traditional Mexican music
National Association for Music Education (NAfME) - Professional organization for future music educators
NSEA Aspiring Educators - A professional organization for all education majors
Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) - An education club for all students interested in advocating for children with disabilities
Symphonic Band - A WSC wind band
Ukulele Club - Brings people together through music
Wind Ensemble - WSC's premiere concert band

Accreditation and Rankings
Recognized for excellence
A Best Music Education School
College Factual ranked Wayne State as one of the top schools in Nebraska for music education and No. 11 overall in the Plains States Region based on program quality and other factors.

Accredited by NASM
WSC’s Music Degree programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and recognized as high quality music programs.

A Top Education College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Top Education College for excelling in our commitment to educating future teachers.

Accredited by CAEP
WSC’s educator preparation programs are nationally accredited by CAEP, providing assurance that our programs meet rigorous standards of excellence.

Where you'll learnDepartment facilities

Peterson Fine Arts
Peterson Fine Arts is home to the Music Department and performing arts at Wayne State.

Benthack Hall
Benthack Hall is home to WSC’s programs for teacher education, family and consumer sciences, and human services and counseling.

Theatres at WSC
Wayne State College offers three different venues for performances.
Your next steps
