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.
New for Summer 2026: 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.
Thank you for a great summer! Our WSMI Summer 2027 courses will be announced in November.
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
| Enrollment Options | In-State | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
|
Master's+ |
Tuition - $334 per credit* *Reflects $200 tuition discount |
Tuition - $601 per credit* *Reflects $200 tuition discount |
|
Non-Degree Seeking |
Tuition - $534 per credit |
Tuition - $801 per credit |
|
Master's Students |
Tuition - $534 per credit |
Tuition - $801 per credit |
|
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
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.