“This would translate into a limited amount of time required on campus with most class discussions, projects and requirements conducted through a distance education model,” he explains. Villella notes that the College is considering offering three core courses as hybrid classes in the music education master’s program. Changes also are on the horizon when it comes to how graduate music classes are delivered at West Chester. As examples, he cites WCU’s certification programs in conducting and in Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly, techniques of teaching musicianship and musicianship skills – skills often used by elementary and secondary school music teachers. According to Villella, one of the biggest changes over the years has been the opportunities for specialization in graduate music education programs that don’t exist at the undergraduate level. “Most music teachers pursue a master’s in music education as part of their continued professional growth and because Pennsylvania has mandated that they acquire a certain number of hours of instruction over a five-year period,” explains Villella. During his 28-year tenure with the University and as a undergraduate and graduate student, Villella has seen a number of changes in music education both in what has been required of music teachers by the state and the University’s own curriculum. He taught music in public schools for several years before returning to WCU in 1983 as a member of the music faculty. He earned his bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music education from West Chester and later a doctorate from Widener University. Villella, coordinates the College’s curriculum, advising, assessment, faculty development, the performance calendar, equipment, and budget. As associate dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, John W.

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