BMus in Music Education
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is an intensive, professional preparatory degree program which readies students for K-12 teaching licensure as classroom choral or instrumental music educators. The program is designed for active work in schools.
From the first day in "Intro to Music Education" through the final semester of the student-teaching practicum, music education majors prepare themselves in the arts of teaching and musicianship that will allow graduates--and their students--to thrive in the classroom.
Learn more about music education at the University of Minnesota.
Program highlights include:
- Active participation in music teaching begins in the Introduction to Music Teaching and Learning course
- Fieldwork from the beginning and throughout the degree program observing and working with teachers in the Greater Twin Cities area
- Music education faculty that supports undergraduate teacher preparation through the career and job-seeking process
- Opportunities to student teach abroad, through Global Student Teaching
- An active chapter of NAfME Collegiate, a student-led organization dedicated to professional development for preservice educators
Completion of a BMus in music education results in eligibility for state licensure in a student's chosen concentration area.
Learn more about music education at the University of Minnesota.
In order to be recommended for your Minnesota k-12 instrumental and Classroom Music License or Vocal and Classroom Music License, you must successfully complete these licensure requirements mandated by the state of Minnesota.
Tracks
Instrumental
The instrumental sub-plan is for students interested in teaching band, orchestra, or general classroom music for K–12 students in the state of Minnesota. Students in this major will pursue coursework in instrumental techniques, methods and conducting, applied instrumental courses, and will participate in band or orchestra and a jazz or similar ensemble. View instrumental major requirements.
Choral (Piano Emphasis)
This sub-plan is for students who want to teach choral and classroom music at the elementary and secondary level. Completion of this degree program meets licensure requirements for teaching choral and general classroom music for K–12 in the state of Minnesota. Students will take courses in applied piano, general music, basic and choral conducting, pedagogy, style and diction, and voice. Music education majors will also participate in a choral ensemble. View choral (piano emphasis) major requirements.
Choral (Vocal Emphasis)
This sub-plan is for students who want to teach choral and classroom music at the elementary and secondary level. Completion of this degree program meets licensure requirements for teaching choral and general classroom music for K–12 in the state of Minnesota. Vocal emphasis students will pusure coursework in voice, general music, basic and choral conducting, pedagogy, style and diction, and piano. Music education majors will also participate in a choral ensemble. View choral (vocal emphasis) major requirements.
We also offer a music education post baccalaureate licensure certificate for students with who have already earned a bachelor's degree in music.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and music majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include the ability to work independently and collaboratively, creative problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "ASI" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Entertainment Careers Net
- Hypbot’s Music Industry Jobs
- Music Jobs USA
- Berklee Careers in Music
- Careers in Music
- Majoring in Music
- Performing Arts Career Guide
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
Student Groups
- Music Sharing Club
- Music Therapy Student Association
- Basses Wild
- 7Days A Cappella
- Tau Beta Sigma
- Radio K - KUOM
- Urban Sound
- The Enchantments
Professional Organizations
- American Federation of Musicians
- American Guild of Musical Artists
- American Music Therapy Association
- Conductors Guild
- League of American Orchestras
- Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association
- Music Teachers National Association
- National Association for Music Education – Careers in Music
- Society for Ethnomusicology
- Women in Music
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern - Guthrie Theatre
- Intern, 113 Composers
- Intern, West Music
- Liquid Music Social Media Intern, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- Marketing Student Ambassador, Minnesota Orchestra
- Administrative Assistant, Bach Society of Minnesota
- Piano Intern, Eastern US Music Camp
Entry-Level
- Owner/Designer - Baked Goods
- Flute Instructor - HERO
- Wind Conducting Associate
- Concert Pianist - John Gingrich Management
- Guitar/Ukulele Instructor
- Music Therapist - Topeka VAMC
- Interim Activities Director - The Claridge House
- Music Director - Speak the Word Church
- Technical Support/Notation Product Specialist - MakeMusic
Experienced
- Owner - Film Agency
- Flute Player - Die Zauberflöte
- Flute Professor - Rutgers University
- Composer, Guitarist - Orchestra for Ants
- Harpist - O'Meara Music
- Neurologic Music Therapy Consultant - Creative Leaps
Graduate Programs
- Instrumental Conducting - Rutgers University
- DMA - Rice University
- MM, Studio/Jazz Guitar Studies - University of South California
- MM, Music Therapy
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Music Therapy Intern - Allina Health
Experienced
- Crisis Counselor*
- Director of Healthy Living - YMCA Midway
- Music Therapist - Guardian Angels Elim Hospice*
- Mental Health Practitioner - Beechwood Inc.
- Psychotherapist - Spirit of Hope Counseling*
Graduate Programs
- MA, Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Music Therapy Intern, Fraser Academy
- Student Teaching Assistant, ComMusication
Entry-Level
- Assessment Supervisor - Bethel University
- String Educator - Eden Prairie School District
- Teacher - Fair School Crystal
- Director of Admission for the School of Music - University of Louisville
Experienced
- Executive Director and Principal - Kids 'R' Kids International Inc.*
- Fire and Life Safety Educator - St. Paul Fire Department*
- VP of Enrollment Management - Chatham University*
- Director, MSc in Relational Leading - Taos Institute
Graduate Programs
- Counseling Psychology - Bethel University
- MA, K-12 Education
- PhD, Educational Leadership
- MS, Organizational Leadership and Administration
- PhD, Social and Behavioral Science
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Special Events Intern - Basilica of Saint Mary
Entry-Level
- Web/WordPress Developer - Long Run Marketing
- Program Manager - American Protective Services
- Event Coordinator - RedBrick Health
- Outside Sales - Schweber Electronics
- Property Management Bookkeeper - The Gavzy Group
- Financial Advisor - Wealth Management Solutions
- Accounts Receivable Supervisor - ABRA Auto Body & Glass
Experienced
- Director, Front-end Engineering & Operations - Ameriprise Financial Services
- President, Aerospace/Defense - Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services*
- Lead Planner - Startup Event Solutions
- Regional Business Coordinator - Digi-Key Corporation
- Accounting Manager - Sharper Management
- Associate Director, Human Resources - MECLABS Institute *
Graduate Programs
- MBA - University of Phoenix