Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I need to retake Theory, Aural Skills, History, and other “core” music classes?
A: Generally not. We will accept a completed music degree (from a NASM-accredited institution) as evidence that you have completed this coursework. When we advise you, however, we may require that you take Music courses (e.g. Conducting and Vocal Pedagogy) if there are skills necessary to your success as an educator that were not covered in your previous degree or life experience. We will also expect that you have passed a piano proficiency exam at your previous institution, or have had keyboard study.
Q: Do I need to audition and take private lessons?
A: This will depend upon your prior degree completion and whether you received a music degree from a NASM-accredited institution. Please review the prerequisites above in point 3a. We will expect an audition that demonstrates an appropriate level of competence for the certification you seek on voice (for Choral certification) or on a string or “band” instrument (for Instrumental certification) if you have a BA from a NASM-accredited institution or if your music degree was earned from an institution not certified by NASM. If you have a performance degree from a NASM-certified institution, you will not need to audition. However, each student will be evaluated individually, and any deficiencies will be addressed in the degree plan. This might include a couple of semesters of lessons and performance with one of our ensembles.
Q: What if I already hold a certification?
A: Generally this means that you are waived from the PI34 and College of Education requirements (Nos. 1 and 2 above). But you should still check in with a College of Education advisor.
Q: Is there a residency requirement at UW-Whitewater?
A: Yes—If you graduated from another university (not UW-Whitewater), then you have to satisfy a residency requirement: the last 15 credits of your degree must be earned from UW-Whitewater. This can include student teaching.
Q: Is it possible to do the necessary coursework while working?
A: Generally not—especially not if you are teaching or working a standard Monday-Friday daytime job. All of our Music classes are offered during the day, Monday-Friday, and we are currently not set up to do summer, night, or online courses, or to fulfill the courses by means of Independent Study classes.
Q: How long will it take?
A: It varies. In a “best-case” scenario, the coursework for an Instrumental or Choral Certification might be fit into two fulltime semesters, with an additional semester of student teaching. General Certification is much smaller, and all classes could be taken in Spring semester, with a student teaching placement to follow in the Fall.
Q: Are all courses offered every semester?
A: No. While most College of Education classes are offered every semester, and occasionally during the summer, most MUSC and MUSED classes are offered only once a year. Please consult our “advising grids” (http://www.uww.edu/cac/music/academics/emphases.html) to get a sense of course rotation.
Q: What are my first steps?
A: If you are serious about pursuing certification at UWW, things you should do ASAP include: