Receiving High School Credit in Applied Music through School’s Independent Study Program
WSMTA’s High School Credit Program is an effort to help our member teachers to comply with requirements of independent study courses allowed by school districts. WSMTA is not a degree-granting institution; we do not track student records.
Timeline
| WHEN | ACTIVITY |
| August | Apply to school for course pre-approval: contact counselor, complete school’s Independent Study Form (if needed), Request for Credit form (contact Jason). |
| December | Register student for MAP. Indicate needing High School Credit. |
| February – April | Student must perform in MAP. Visiting Artist verification required. |
| April / May | Submit to school: Report, attendance/practice record, MAP certificate, activity record (recital program, etc.) |
| Throughout the year | Track attendance/student practice hours per school requirement. |
School Districts Known To Accept WSMTA High School Credit Program
| WESTERN WASHINGTON | CENTRAL / EASTERN WASHINGTON |
| Everett | Ellensburg |
| Anacortes | Kettle Falls |
| Mount Vernon | Colville |
| Issaquah (1 year only) | Mead |
| Lake Washington (Tesla STEM HS) | Kennewick |
| Covenant HS (private, Tacoma) | Hanford |
| Highline | Richland |
| Tahoma | WAVA K12 (WA Virtual Academies) |
| Homeschooled students |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for participating in High School Credit Program?
- Teacher must hold current certification status (NCTM or WSCTM).
- Student must be pre-approved by school at the beginning of the school year by filing a Independent Study Form and/or Request For Credit (from High School Credit Packet) with the school counselor.
- Student and Teacher must log the hours spent on lessons and practice throughout the year. The student is committed to a minimum of one 45-minute private lesson per week, and a minimum of 5 hours per week of practice. Teacher must teach at least 36 weeks in the school year.
- Student must perform in MAP two pieces of contrasting styles from memory.
- The teacher completes the Report in Applied Music Study to be returned to the student’s school counselor at the end of the semester or grading period.
Where do I get a High School Credit packet?
- Please contact WSMTA MAP Chair Jason Kuo.
My student got sick and couldn’t perform in MAP. What do I do?
- Try to organize another performance activity (student recital, enter a competition) and turn in the program/video and see if school counselor is fine with the substitution. School is the sole decision-maker in granting credit.
Does a student have to study advanced repertoire?
- No.