Music professor Ben Justis instructs the steel band during a practice in Kincaid Concert Hall.
Accelerated Degree

Accelerated Music Education

Music K-12 Licensure with MA in Education

Part of: Music Department, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor to Master of Arts in Education

Undergrad Pathway: Music Major

Licensure: K-12 Licensure

Part of: Music Department, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor to Master of Arts in Education

Undergrad Pathway: Music Major

Licensure: K-12 Licensure

Accelerated path to music education.

This accelerated program enables students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a K-12 Music Education emphasis and a Master of Arts in Education within five years. The program is structured as follows:​

Years 1–3: Undergraduate Studies

Students focus on completing the Musicianship Core, which includes courses in music theory, history, and performance. Participation in major performing organizations, small ensembles, and private lessons is integral. Additionally, students undertake general education requirements and electives to fulfill the bachelor’s degree criteria.

Year 4: Licensure Preparation

In the fourth year, students engage in education-focused coursework and begin their clinical residency. This residency involves collaborative teaching experiences, allowing students to apply pedagogical knowledge in real classroom settings. Successful completion prepares students for initial teacher licensure in Colorado.

Year 5: Graduate Studies

The final year is dedicated to advanced education courses, leading to the completion of the Master of Arts in Education. Students may choose an emphasis such as K-12 Online Teacher Leadership, Teacher Leadership, or Reading Leadership, further enhancing their expertise and career readiness.

Hands-On Opportunities

  • Group photo of the Western Jazz Band after a performance at The Almont.

    Music Concerts

    Western's Music Department offers many different concerts and events for the community and beyond.
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  • Student plays the saxophone during practice with the jazz band

    Ensembles

    Students explore their passions through ensembles, including opportunities to perform and create music.
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Music Education Requirements

Accelerated Degree
Licensure

Accelerated Degree programs let students earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. After an accelerated undergraduate study, students begin graduate courses, saving time and money. This fast-track option builds skills and experience, helping students start their careers sooner.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

Start with the General Application—it will match you with eligible scholarships. You’ll be notified if any department-specific materials are needed.

General Application

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

After Undergraduate Core Classes

After you have completed the undergraduate portion of your coursework, you apply for the teaching placement and the graduate program. Learn more about application requirements, scholarships, and more.

Licensure and Graduate Requirements
1

Top Skills

Applying to Teach in Public Schools
Education Policy
Ensemble Directing
Improvisation
Instrumental Pedagogy
Music Pedagogy
Music Technology
Private Teaching
Student Teaching
Voice Pedagogy

2

Career Pathways

Band Director
Choir Director
Music Lesson Teacher
Orchestra Director
Private Studio Teacher
Public School Music Teacher

Fall Music Concerts TBD

Fall Music Concerts TBD

Stay tuned for our Fall Concert Calendar!
Aug 25

Fall Music Concerts TBD

Monday, August 25, 12:00am
All Music Events

Department News

  • A Caribbean Vibe in Colorado

    A Caribbean Vibe in Colorado

    Western’s Steel Band to Play at Colorado Music Educators Association Conference in January Nothing warms the spirit on a cold winter night like the sound…
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  • A view of Taylor Hall with cherry blossoms.

    Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

    Recipients conducting important research in four disciplines Western Colorado University’s School of Graduate Studies is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Achievement…
    Read More
  • First-generation Western student Georgia Grana beats the odds

    First-generation Western student Georgia Grana beats the odds

    “I hope that someday I can be a positive influence on my students.” Georgia Grana knows better than most that being the first isn’t always…
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  • Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

    Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

    A Testimony from Natalie Edwards Pride Month Origins The first declaration of Pride Month was made in 1999 when President Clinton named June Gay and…
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  • Lacie Wise Earns Education Department’s Exceptional Resident Award

    Lacie Wise Earns Education Department’s Exceptional Resident Award

    Born and raised in Gunnison, Colorado Lacie Wise graduated with honors from Western Colorado University with a Bachelor’s degree in History with teacher licensure and…
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  • Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

    Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

    When Western Colorado University was the first college established on the Western Slope in 1901, the primary dedication of the school was providing teacher preparation…
    Read More
  • Artists Showcase Their Resiliency During Annual Event

    Artists Showcase Their Resiliency During Annual Event

    For the second year, artists and art connoisseurs gathered at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts to celebrate Western Colorado University students in a…
    Read More
  • The Western Community Felt Through Music

    The Western Community Felt Through Music

    Western Colorado University’s dedication to community runs deep in the Music department’s faculty. Before Kenneth Todd was the department’s chair, orchestral director, and director of…
    Read More
  • Western’s Band Director Part of a Winning Team

    Western’s Band Director Part of a Winning Team

    Celebrating a Significant Success A Western Colorado University band director is celebrating success at the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships. Western’s Director of Bands and…
    Read More
  • Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

    Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

    Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
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  • Western Among Best Colleges that Offer Hands-on Learning Experiences

    Western Among Best Colleges that Offer Hands-on Learning Experiences

    Colleges that offer hands-on learning experiences give students the opportunity to practice their field of study in an immersive, exciting way. At Western Colorado University,…
    Read More
  • Inaugural Disability Film Festival opens this week in virtual format Hosted by Western Colorado University’s Education and Communication Arts Programs

    Inaugural Disability Film Festival opens this week in virtual format Hosted by Western Colorado University’s Education and Communication Arts Programs

    With nine films by filmmakers spanning four continents, Western Colorado University this week launches its inaugural Disability Film Festival—with a three-hour program airing virtually on…
    Read More
  • New partnership helps Red Rocks Community College students earn accelerated master’s degrees

    New partnership helps Red Rocks Community College students earn accelerated master’s degrees

    Western Colorado University (Western) and Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) today launch Elevated and Accelerated, a cross-institutional degree track that enables RRCC students—after taking the…
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  • Western to host annual Firemen’s Concerts

    Western to host annual Firemen’s Concerts

    The Department of Music at Western Colorado University will host the 68th Annual Firemen’s Concerts over the course of two weeks. The first set of…
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National Association of Schools of Music Accreditation

Western Colorado University’s Music Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), ensuring a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their musical careers.

Learn More About NASM

Faculty & Staff

Ben Justis, DMA

Chair of the Department of Music, Assistant Professor

Music Department

Chair

  • Ben Justis

  • Chair of the Department of Music, Assistant Professor

Contact Information

970.943.3093

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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