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How do I get a Music Education Degree?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four steps required to get a music education degree: locate a school, qualify for admission, pass the audition and complete the course work. A music education degree combines musical skill and education together at a high level of knowledge. A graduate of this program can find employment as a music teacher or educator. A music education degree is also known as a bachelor's of musical education and is available from select universities. This degree is not widely available and is offered through a joint program between the faculties of fine arts and education.

When looking for a suitable school, it is important to check the quality of both the music program in the fine arts faculty and the education program. Look at the biographies for the music professors, and their areas of expertise. Invest the time to review the education theories of the education professors and their view of musical education. Pay special attention to the work placement sessions, as these are critical to becoming a qualified teacher.

Music education students are required to perform at recitals.
Music education students are required to perform at recitals.

In order to qualify for admission to this degree program, you must have a combination of good grades in high school, training in musical theory and playing expertise with at least one instrument. In addition to the academic qualifications, all education related programs required experience in leadership. This may include camp counselor, sport coaches or musical program leadership roles.

A music education degree is also known as a bachelor's of musical education and is available from select universities.
A music education degree is also known as a bachelor's of musical education and is available from select universities.

An audition is required for admission to any program offered through the faculty of fine arts. There are very specific requirements for the audition process, which vary by school. Review the details carefully and select a musical piece from the approved list. Arrange for an accompanist if required and be sure to prepare at least six months in advance.

It is important to check the quality of both the music program in the fine arts faculty and the education program.
It is important to check the quality of both the music program in the fine arts faculty and the education program.

The coursework combines the advanced musical theory and composition with teacher training. A music education degree is typically an intensive four-year program. The workload is quite heavy, as musicians are required to complete master classes with an instructor in their primary instrument, perform at recitals and practice daily. These requirements are in addition to the academic courses in psychology, education theory and classroom management.

The role of a music teacher is very important in the school system. For many students, music programs offered in school provide the only musical instruction they ever receive. Learning music has proven connections to improved mathematical skill development, and an overall enrichment to the students’ daily life.

Discussion Comments

mittenwalrus

All of these are wonderful tips for succeeding in a music education major! To be more specific, there are quite a few schools that are renowned for their music education programs.

Two of these are the University of North Colorado (UNC) and Ithaca college. Some highlights of the UNC programs are their very large list of degrees and concentrations available in music, and the guarantee that upon successful major completion, graduates receive their Colorado music teacher licensure along with the Bachelor degree.

Ithaca college boasts one-on-one teacher-to-student education for music majors and world-renowned music professors.

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    • Music education students are required to perform at recitals.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Music education students are required to perform at recitals.
    • A music education degree is also known as a bachelor's of musical education and is available from select universities.
      By: michaeljung
      A music education degree is also known as a bachelor's of musical education and is available from select universities.
    • It is important to check the quality of both the music program in the fine arts faculty and the education program.
      By: Monkey Business
      It is important to check the quality of both the music program in the fine arts faculty and the education program.