Teaching - All Music, Choral Emphasis

Major

Explore the teaching - all music, choral emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Combine your love for music and teaching with a bachelor's degree in our newly developed teaching - all music, choral emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Through a rigorous curriculum and real-world experience, you'll gain the skills, tools and certification necessary to teach music — both instrumental and choral — to grades PK-12.

As a UW-Eau Claire music major, you'll quickly find that you earn so much more than just a degree. Rooted in interactive and experiential learning, you'll have opportunities to study abroad, conduct undergraduate research, join ensembles and perform internationally. Multiple guest artists throughout the year offer additional chances to learn, including special classes, masterclasses and unique performances.

Our choral emphasis also provides specialized courses and learning opportunities for those specifically interested in teaching choir. And the opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.

You'll also be making a difference. Your knowledge of and passion for music will inspire the next generation of singers and musicians — and make the world a brighter place.

Faculty spotlight: Dr. Frank Watkin

Feel at home. Find your voice. Change the world. That's the power of music.

Hear from assistant professor and director of choral activities Dr. Frank Watkin on what led him to music and what makes UWEC students so special.

Why teaching - all music, choral emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

Experiential and collaborative learning. Our music education degree will provide you with high-impact learning opportunities so you feel prepared to lead a classroom. Frequent guest artists will introduce you to new music and new ways of thinking. And a full semester of student teaching will further immerse you in the world of public school.

One-of-a-kind spaces. UWEC is home to multiple concert venues, six music classrooms, over 40 practice rooms (including chamber music practice rooms), percussion rooms, a reed room, organ practice rooms, harpsichord practice rooms, an audio recording studio, a music technology lab, a digital piano lab and several rehearsal rooms. We are also proud to partner with the Eau Claire community's newest performance venue, Pablo Center at the Confluence. This state-of-the-art facility is home to many UWEC classes, rehearsals and performances.

Resume-building student organizations. Join one of 20 student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating music, theatre and dance. Express yourself, learn new techniques and network with other passionate students. Many student organizations lead to volunteer opportunities, competitions and shows.

A city that embraces music. The Eau Claire community welcomes UW-Eau Claire music students and invites them to become a part of the rich and vibrant music scene of Eau Claire. Here, you’ll have access to countless productions and on-stage experiences made possible thanks to our partnership with the Pablo Center. Discover the Eau Claire Jazz Festival — the largest student-run festival in the nation — and the Viennese Ball, where music students like you provide the soundtrack to a night of Austrian specialties and Viennese waltzes.

Connection to local employers. To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

Expert, caring faculty. Our student-focused faculty make it their top priority to keep you motivated, engaged and inspired, so you continue to grow. Work alongside music education professors on a summer-research project developing curriculum or travel with them to Arizona over spring break to learn about a new school system.

150+

performances a year

25+

music ensembles offered

96% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Teaching - all music, choral emphasis program details

Program length: four years
Offered: in person
Campus: Eau Claire
This major does not require a minor.
Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Music Education (BMEd) degree.

Student organizations

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (CNAfME)
Fifth Element Acapella Group
Gospel Choir
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (PMA)
Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI)

Accreditation information

All music degrees from UW-Eau Claire have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
"Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

What can I do with a teaching - all music, choral emphasis degree from UWEC?

Music education majors leave UW-Eau Claire prepared to inspire students and cultivate future talent. Graduates earn the certification required to teach music in the State of Wisconsin to a variety of ages in public schools, including pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Where are teaching - all music, choral emphasis alumni now?

Choir director & performing arts center director, Waupaca High School, Wisconsin
Choral director, Faith Lutheran Mission Church, Wisconsin
Choir teacher, Eau Claire North High School, Wisconsin
Choral director, Portage High School, Wisconsin
Administrative assistant, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Wisconsin
Choir teacher, Faribault School District, Minnesota