Wells Summer Music Institute
The Wells Summer Music Institute (WSMI) empowers music educators by enhancing their skills and advancing their professional development through immersive summer courses and workshops. WSMI offers an innovative blend of academic courses as well as specialized seminars led by nationally recognized leaders in 21st-century music education. We provide courses in various modalities, with three pricing options, allowing educators a flexible and personalized approach to their learning. All courses meet NASM accreditation standards and fulfill requirements for teacher certification renewal and professional growth programs. The mission of the Wells School of Music is to deliver an inclusive, world-class education by engaging students in diverse and evolving educational experiences that fosters artistic excellence and empowers them to become valuable contributors to the future of music education.
Contact our Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Jonathan Fowler, with any questions about the WSMI.
4 OPTIONS TO ENROLL
Students with a master's degree who are seeking additional graduate credits can enroll in summer courses as non-degree-seeking students. This option allows you to earn continuing education credits while benefiting from a $200 tuition discount per credit, which would be a $600 tuition discount for a 3-credit course.
Two 18-Credit Graduate Certificates
Enrolling in a certificate program allows you to receive the Masters+ discounted rate and register as a matriculated student making your district more likely to approve a
reimbursement. Details in the additional information section below.
Students who do not hold a master’s degree but wish to receive graduate credit may take classes at standard WCU graduate tuition and fees. These credits are transferrable, if later enrolling in a master’s degree program.
Students enrolled in a traditional master’s degree will enroll in the course(s) and pay standard WCU graduate tuition and fees.
WSMI proudly offers the option for non-credit professional development workshops at a reduced tuition rate, making high-quality learning opportunities more accessible for educators.
Many of these workshops are eligible for Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Act 48 hours, either through district approval or direct PDE approval.
- District-Approved: Courses not designated as PDE-approved may still qualify for Act 48 hours, depending on your school district.
- PDE-Approved: Some courses are officially approved by the PDE and will be clearly labeled “Act 48 Approved”in our listings.
We encourage participants to check with their district to confirm eligibility for Act 48 hours when the course is not PDE-designated.
Summer 2027 COURSE OFFERINGS
All WSMI summer courses, whether taken for graduate credit or Master’s+ professional
development maintain rigorous standards consistent with our core curriculum.
However, courses differ in learning format and type of work required.
Enrollment for Summer 2027 will open in early spring.
| Course | Start Date | End Date | Modality | Course Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUE 510 - Current Trends | Tue, May 25, 2027 | Fri, Jun 25, 2027 | Online | 5 weeks |
| MUE 530 - Innovations in Inclusive Music Education | Tue, May 25, 2027 | Fri, Jun 25, 2027 | Online | 5 weeks |
| MHL 520 - Music History for Music Educators | Mon, Jun 14, 2027 | Sun, Jul 18, 2027 | Online | 5 weeks |
| MUE 545 & 546 - Drum Set | Mon, Jun 21, 2027 | Fri, Jun 25, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| MUE 570-578 - Orff | Mon, Jun 21, 2027 | Fri, Jul 2, 2027 | In-Person | 2 weeks |
| MUE 603 - Improvisation | Mon, Jun 28, 2027 | Fri, Jul 2, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| MUE 514 - Technology for Music Educators | Mon, Jun 28, 2027 | Fri, Jul 30, 2027 | Online | 5 weeks |
| MTC 512 - Composition I | Mon, Jun 28, 2027 | Sun, Aug 1, 2027 | Online (some synchronous) | 5 weeks |
| MTC 501 - Music Theory Essentials | Mon, Jun 28, 2027 | Sun, Aug 1, 2027 | Online | 5 weeks |
| MUE 556 - Songwriting for Music Educators | Tue, Jul 6, 2027 | Mon, Jul 12, 2027 | Hybrid | 1 week |
| MUE 516 - Recruitment, Retention & Advocacy | Mon, Jul 12, 2027 | Fri, Jul 16, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| MWE 536 - Ensemble Pedagogy & Practicum | Mon, Jul 12, 2027 | Fri, Jul 16, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| CON 581 - Wind Band Symposium | Mon, Jul 12, 2027 | Fri, Jul 16, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| CON 582 - Choral Symposium | Wed, Jul 14, 2027 | Sat, Jul 17, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| MUE 560-568 - Kodaly | Sun, Jul 18, 2027 | Fri, Jul 30, 2027 | In-Person | 2 weeks |
| CON 583 - Summer Marching Band | Mon, Jul 19, 2027 | Thu, Jul 22, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| MWI 536 - Pop Arranging for Large Ensembles | Mon, Jul 19, 2027 | Fri, Jul 23, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| MUE 555 - Modern Music Making | Mon, Jul 26, 2027 | Fri, Jul 30, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
| Foundations of Modern A Cappella | Mon, Aug 2, 2027 | Fri, Aug 6, 2027 | In-Person | 1 week |
Additional Information
Understanding Summer Workload
Understanding Summer Workload
Summer courses move at an accelerated pace.
1 graduate credit will generate approximately 15 hours of total work
3 credit course will generate approximately 45 hours of total work
Recommended Course Load
You may register for multiple courses, but please plan carefully.
While many students successfully take 6 credits, we suggest exercising caution if registering for more than 6 credits at once, especially if you are working or juggling personal responsibilities
Choosing Enrollment Options
We provide courses in various modalities, with three pricing options, allowing educators flexibility and a personalized approach to their learning. Choose the option that makes the most sense for you!
Master's+
Students with a master's degree who are seeking additional graduate credits can enroll in summer courses as non-degree-seeking students. This option allows you to earn continuing education credits while benefiting from a $200 tuition discount per credit.
Non-Degree Seeking
Students who do not hold a master's degree but wish to receive graduate credit may take classes at standard WCU graduate tuition and fees. These credits are transferrable, if later enrolling in a master's degree program.
Master's
Students enrolled in a traditional master's degree will enroll in the course(s) and pay standard WCU graduate tuition and fees.
Workshop/Act 48 Hours
WSMI proudly offers the option for non-credit professional development workshops at a reduced tuition rate, making high-quality learning opportunities more accessible for educators.
Many of these workshops are eligible for Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Act 48 hours, either through district approval or direct PDE approval.
- District-Approved: Courses not designated as PDE-approved may still qualify for Act 48 hours, depending on your school district.
- PDE-Approved: Some courses are officially approved by the PDE and will be clearly labeled “Act 48 Approved” in our listings.
We encourage participants to check with their district to confirm eligibility for Act 48 hours when the course is not PDE-designated.
Certificates
Orff Schulwerk Certificate (Level I offered Summer 2026)
Dates: June 22 – July 3, 2026
Begin your Orff Schulwerk journey with an immersive Level I certification experience
taught by expert faculty. This hands-on program develops musicianship, creativity,
elemental pedagogy, and child-centered teaching approaches essential for today’s PK–12
classrooms.
Courses available this summer count toward the full 18-credit Orff Certificate.
Music Technology Certificate
Designed for teachers who want to integrate modern music-making into their curriculum, this certificate offers flexible coursework so you can tailor the experience to your goals.
Featured Summer Courses Include:
- MUE 591 – Introduction to Notation, Sequencing, and Electronic Instruments
Build foundational skills in digital notation, MIDI sequencing, DAWs, and electronic performance tools. This course meets asynchronously online June 22-July 26 - MUE 596 – Bringing the Music Industry Into the Classroom
Learn how to connect students to real-world music careers, entrepreneurship, production, and the rapidly evolving world of contemporary music creation. This is a hybrid class. August 2-4 will be in Person at the ArtsQuest Complex in Bethlehem, PA for the MusikFest Music Industry and Education Conference. August 5-7 will be online
Both courses apply directly toward the 18-credit Music Technology Certificate.
Tuition and Fees
Masters+, Masters, and Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students should utilize the tuition calculator tool to estimate their costs for the upcoming summer. Masters+ students will receive a $200 discount per credit that will not be reflected in the estimate.
Workshop/Act 48 Hours
$1200 per workshop*
*Costs may vary by program
Parking
Students can park in M Lot, which is the large parking lot outside of Swope Music Building. There is no charge to park in M Lot during the summer sessions.
Housing
The Wells School of Music will have limited dorm room options available for students. More information will be listed here soon. In addition to this, there are several hotels in close proximity to West Chester. Below is a partial listing.
There are several hotels in close proximity to West Chester. Below is a partial listing.
Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndam West Chester (.8 mi)
500 Willowbrook Lane West Chester, PA 19382
610-674-1224
Hotel Warner (1.0 mi)
120 N High St
West Chester, PA 19380 610 692-6920
Holiday Inn Express and Suites West Chester (3.4 mi)
1310 Wilmington Pike West Chester, PA 19382
610-399-4600
Home2Suites by Downingtown (7.8 mi)
975 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
610-873-1200
Sheraton Great Valley Hotel (9.5 mi)
707 East Lancaster Avenue Frazer, PA 19355
610-524-5500
Meal Plan
WCU offers various meal plan options throughout the year. You can find more information about the meal plan options here.