SongWorks Certification Courses

Playful Teaching, Vibrant Learning! That motto sounds encouraging and supportive doesn’t it? That’s because it is! Children feel the vibrancy of immersing themselves in learning as they play, read, study, and compose on a foundation of musicality. Evolving since the 1980s, the leaders of the SongWorks Educators Association have crafted the pedagogy of the SongWorks approach to teaching and learning.

Having attended SongWorks summer courses, educators report welcomed transformations for them and their students as all relax into the SongWorks experience. 

Won’t you join us?

Registration for Level 3 Certification is now open!
Deadline: Saturday, August 31, 2024

Registration Deadline: July 8, 2024

Register here for Level 1 Endorsed Course at BYU

SongWorks Certification

The process of SongWorks Certification (SWC) is divided into three successive courses: Level 1: SongWorks in Action, Level 2: SongWorks for Musicality, and finally Level 3: SongWorks Teaching Practicum.  Upon successful completion of all three levels, the designation of SongWorks Certified Educator is awarded.

  • Level 1: SongWorks in Action – Immersion in ways to engage students as they sing, play, and study music
  • Level 2: SongWorks for Musicality – The Pillars of Music Study: Advanced Foundations & Practices
  • Level 3: SongWorks Teaching Practicum – An intensive year-long teaching mentorship with SongWorks Faculty

Questions? Contact Betty Philips, SWC Executive Director (betty@songworkseducators.com) for more information.

2024-2025 Certification Courses

Levels 1 & 2

SongWorks Certification Levels 1 & 2 are week-long, all-day sponsored courses that take place each summer and are taught by SongWorks Faculty.

This summer, Level 1: SongWorks in Action and Level 2: SongWorks for Musicality are residential courses offering dormitory housing, taking place at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Completion of each course leads to SongWorks Certification. 

Graduate credit (3 hours) is available through Seattle Pacific University for completing each level.

Level 1: SongWorks in Action

  • July 14-18, 2025 at The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

Endorsed Course

Level 2: SongWorks for Musicality

  • July 14-18, 2025 at The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

Endorsed Course

Level 3: SongWorks Teaching Practicum

The SongWorks Certification Level 3 Teaching Practicum is a year-long distance mentorship program with SongWorks Certification Faculty. This capstone course is offered over the course of the academic year and begins every September.

Registration for Level 3 Certification is now open!
Deadline: Saturday, August 31, 2024

SWEA Membership Opportunity

Registrants for either sponsored or endorsed courses are eligible for SWEA Membership at the Student rate of $20! Membership offers many benefits including access to the Sturdy Songs Collection and recordings of SongWorks in Practice (SIP) and Annual Conference sessions. This offer is valid until August 15.

Reflections from SongWorks Certification Students

I have never seen a program of study offer such a window into the learning processCarrie Green

Out of all my previous certifications in varied music education approaches, I had never seen any of them offer anything so enriched such as this. — Spencer Thornton

I have gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of the mindset shift that takes place when approaching lessons and students from a foundation of the SongWorks principles and practices—teaching students who are whole and individual people, not just concepts. — Katie Herzberg, SongWorks Certified Educator

Read more of their reflections here and here.

SWEA Membership Opportunity

Registrants for either sponsored or endorsed courses are eligible for SWEA Membership at the Student rate of $20! Membership offers many benefits including access to the Sturdy Songs Collection and recordings of SongWorks in Practice (SIP) and Annual Conference sessions. This offer is valid until August 15.