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Music Education

Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree 

Inspire the future with a Bachelor of Music (B.M) in music education degree at Mount Union.  Our major and licensure program prepares you to work with children from grades K-12. As a music education major, you will study the history, theory, basic musicianship, and practical skills in the field. You will also have the chance to create music by choosing from many musical ensembles and groups to join.  


About the Program
 

Our CAEP-accredited music education major program gives you many opportunities to perfect the craft of musical teaching including classroom preparation and field experiences at nearby schools. As an emerging educator, you will write original music plans, create a welcoming classroom environment, and share your passion for music with the younger generation. 

Music educators play a vital role in today’s schools, providing students with skills that last a lifetime – discipline, teamwork and creativity. Yet, music education is so much more important than that. According to the National Association for Music Education, studies show that students who participate in school music programs tend to score higher on standardized tests, are more likely to stay in school and graduate, are more likely to stay away from drugs and alcohol and experience higher earnings in their professional life. Imagine the impact that you can make on these future students. 


Music Quick Facts
 

The University of Mount Union Bachelor of Music in music education degree allows you to also explore areas of study outside of your field of interest. This, along with essential leadership and communication skills, will prepare you to directly impact your future employment. 

  • 97.5-103 credit hours within the music education program 
  • 32 credit hours in the well-rounded Integrative Core 
  • Student Showcases give students the chance to perform in front of an audience filled with faculty members, students, and other members of the Mount Union community. 
  • Join more than 15 performance groups including the Alliance Symphony Orchestra, the marching band, jazz band, five choirs, repertory strings, and many more. 


Performing Arts Auditions
 

Visual and Performing Arts scholarships are available to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in art, media, music or theatre. Scholarship amounts are based on an audition or portfolio review and interested students should schedule an audition and/or portfolio review or contact the Department of Performing Arts or the Department of Visual Arts and Media. 


Learn more about the Degree in Music Education
 

The faculty at the University of Mount Union are dedicated instructors who foster student growth through caring and collaborative one-on-one relationships.  The supportive family-like atmosphere nurtures students and allows them to find where they belong. It is relationships like this, combined with in-class curriculum and excellent experiential learning opportunities, that prepare our graduates to make an impact on their world post-graduation. 

  • Curriculum

    Music Curriculum 

    As a music major at the University of Mount Union, you will study the history, theory, basic musicianship and practical skills in music. As you pursue your Bachelor's of Music degree in music education, will have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of music courses as well as participate in a variety of music performing groups. In addition, you will be required to take education courses that will provide you with the foundations of the teaching profession. 

    Review the Undergraduate Catalog to learn more. 

  • Learning Objectives


    Our degree in music education prepares you to:
     

    • Demonstrate the ability to select the best methods and materials for meeting the objectives of the learning experience. 
    • Acquire the ability to compose and/or improvise at a basic level in one or more musical languages. 
    • Build a conducive learning environment. 
    • Become aware of diverse cultures, develop curiosity about American society and about other societies and art, and will acquire the ability to place music, including the music of various cultures of the world, repertoires beyond the area of specialization, and music of their own time, in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts. 
    • Understand the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction, and the ability to demonstrate this understanding in aural, verbal, and visual analysis. 
    • Have a working knowledge of appropriate historical and stylistic performance practices. 
    • Work independently and cooperatively on various musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance; aural, verbal, and visual analysis; composition and improvisation; and history and repertoire. 
    • Demonstrate keyboard competency. 
    • Understand the basic interrelationships and interdependencies among the various professions and activities that constitute the musical enterprise. 
    • Grow knowledge and skills sufficient to work as leaders and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation, including rehearsal and conducting skills as appropriate to the particular music specialization and degree program. 
    • Write and carry out lesson plans that clearly articulate the purpose and objective of each lesson. 
    • Develop skills to become lifelong learners in musical art, both as participants and as audience members. 
    • Demonstrate sufficient understanding of musical forms, processes, and structures to use this knowledge in compositional, performance, scholarly, pedagogical, and historical contexts, as appropriate to their specialization and degree program. 
    • Form and defend value judgments about music. 
    • Acquire experience in a secondary performance area. 
    • Learn and use technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one primary performance area at a level appropriate for the particular music specialization and degree program, including an overview understanding of the repertoire in the primary performance area, an ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertoire, the ability to read at sight with fluency, and the ability to perform in a variety of solo and ensemble settings. 
    • Acquire a basic overview understanding of how technology serves music and a working knowledge of technological developments applicable to their specialization and degree program. 
  • Experiential Learning


    Prepared for the Future
     

    If you choose to major in music education at Mount Union, you will have ample opportunities to observe and teach in the classroom within a variety of educational settings. Also, getting involved in extracurricular opportunities and student organizations will better prepare you for education. Whether you want to be a teacher, administrator or professor, Mount Union will put you on the fast track to find a rewarding career, equipped with all the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. 

  • Careers


    Common Careers
     

    Music teacher  
    Band director 


    Recent Employers
     

    Kinder Care Learning Center  
    Tri-County North Elementary Schools  
    Youngstown City Schools 
    Lake Local Schools  
    United Local Schools  
    Green Local Schools  
    North Canton City Schools  
    University of Cincinnati