Music Education Degrees


Music Education Degrees

For individuals who want a career that involves music, being a music teacher can provide both a steady income and a fulfilling career helping others develop their musical interests and talents. Graduates of a Music Education degree program can teach elementary or secondary school general music classes, bands and orchestras as well as provide group instrument lessons. Those who earn higher level degrees may want to teach at the college level. Private and group lesson instructors will also benefit from a Music Education degree.

Job prospects for music teachers are good, especially for those who are flexible or who can accept a part-time position. Music teachers may find they end up combining two part-time positions or one part-time position along with private lessons or performance fees to make up a full-time income.

Degree and Program Options

  • Associate's Degree – An associate's degree in music education will enable graduates to teach in private schools, preschools and private music schools.
  • Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor's degree in music education will prepare students to become licensed to teach band, orchestra, chorus or general music classes in public schools.
  • Post-Baccalaureate Program – For individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in music and do not intend to earn a master's degree, these programs meet requirements for state teacher licensing.
  • Master's Degree – Master level programs are available for those who have a bachelor's degree in an area of music other than education and want to teach. There are also programs for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in music education and want to teach at a school or college that requires a master's level degree.
  • Doctoral Degree – A graduate of a doctoral program in Music Education will be prepared to teach music at the college level.

Schools

Music Education degree programs can be found at specialized music colleges and at many universities. A limited number of courses and programs are offered online as well.

Coursework

Some examples of courses a Music Education student will take include the following:

  • Human Development and Learning
  • Principles of Music Education
  • Ensemble Conducting
  • Orchestration
  • Music Education and Concert Choir
  • Techniques and Methods in String Instruments
  • Methods and Materials for Marching Band
  • Teaching Elementary School Music
  • Teaching Secondary School Music

Interests and Aptitudes

Music teachers need to be patient, creative, upbeat and have good communication skills. They need to be able to inspire their students to participate in musical activities appropriate for their age. They themselves must be accomplished musicians and have thorough training in music theory and methods.

Career Options

Career options for a person who holds a degree in music education include teaching public or private elementary, middle or high school classes, bands, choruses and orchestras, teaching at private music schools, and teaching private students. Those who have earned higher level degrees may become college level instructors.

Related Majors

  • Music Performance
  • Musical Conducting
  • Musical Composition
  • Music Therapy
  • Elementary School Education
  • Middle School Education
  • Secondary School Education

How To Evaluate Music Education Degree Programs

Prospective Music Education students should consider the following factors when choosing a program:

  • Teacher Licensing - Public school teacher licensing differs by state so students need to verify that their selected program meets their state's requirements.
  • Program Focus - Some music education programs focus solely on a teaching curriculum while others emphasize the student's own musical development and performance abilities. Students should pick a program that matches their expectations.
  • Accreditation - Schools should be accredited by a regional accrediting agency as well as by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Free Online Courses

To get a better idea of what being a music teacher would be like, prospective students may want to browse these free music instruction activities that offer a glimpse into a music teacher's job.

Resources

Music Teacher's National Association

MENC: The National Association for Music Education

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

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