Music Education

Contact: Dr. Shannan Hibbard (Vocal Music Education)
shannan.hibbard@wayne.edu

Contact: Dr. Eileen McGonigal (Instrumental Music Education)
emcgonigal@wayne.edu

All music education applicants must complete the following:
1) an audition on their primary instrument or voice
2) participate in a group interview
3) submit a written essay.
4) complete the Music Theory Placement Exam

See below for a detailed description of each.

Group Interview

All music education applicants will meet with the music education faculty for a group interview. The interview will be scheduled during the day of your audition and will last approximately 45 minutes. The purpose of the interview is two-fold. First, it allows the music education faculty to assess your oral communication and interpersonal skills, both of which are important for a career in teaching. Second, it allows you to ask questions about the music education program at Wayne State University. Interview questions will focus on your musical background, academic experiences, and extra-curricular activities. You should be prepared to talk about your reasons for choosing music education as a career and what you believe you have to offer as a future music teacher.

Written Essay

Music teachers need to be able to communicate successfully in writing; furthermore, effective writing skills are a necessity for successful completion of the academic requirements at Wayne State University. To assess your skill in this area, please write a short essay answering each of the three questions below. The essay also provides us with the opportunity to get to know you better, so provide as much information about yourself and your experiences as possible. The essay should be between 2-3 pages, typed and double spaced, 12 point font. Print out your essays and bring them to the interview. Your essay will be collected during the interview.

1. Describe your teaching and/or leadership experiences. These experiences may include both musical and non-musical responsibilities or relevant experiences. Music related leadership experiences might include: section leader, drum major, choir president, music librarian; while non-music related leadership experiences might include: youth group leader, stage manager for the drama club, soccer coach for the local rec center, day care worker.

2. What are the most important personal attributes you bring to music teaching? What qualities, traits, or work habits do you possess that you believe will contribute to your success as a music teacher?

3. Why have you chosen Music Education as a career? What is it about music, education, or music education that you find compelling? What do you want to do with your degree once you graduate?

For more information on the Music Education program, click here.