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Music Education
Major
Music education major at CMU
Do you love studying and performing music? Do you dream of sharing your passion for music with others as a teacher? Our music education major is designed to help you shine both as a musician and as a music teacher.
As a music education major, you'll explore how to teach music to kids and teens, preparing you for exciting careers in teaching from kindergarten through 12th grade or even entering competitive graduate programs. By becoming a music education major, you’ll grow your talents and learn how to inspire future generations with the joy of music.
Our program has a long history of preparing music educators and a 100% placement rate for students seeking teaching positions.
AT A GLANCE
Degree Type
Bachelor of Music Education (B.Mus.Ed.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
70 Credit Hours
Why our music education major?
Become a music teacher and a talented musician by choosing a music education major. You'll learn how to perform music, understand music theory, know the history of music, and master teaching skills. Plus, you get to pick your favorite area to focus on: Choral, General Music or Instrumental tracks. And the best part? You'll earn a certificate to teach music to kids from kindergarten through 12th grade right after you graduate.
When you're part of the School of Music Residential College, you live and breathe music alongside other passionate music students. It's a great way to make friends who share your passion and to network with future professionals.
Start your music education journey with us and join a network of amazing graduates! MSBOA recognizes our alumni for their teaching skills. They're out there inspiring students, leading school music programs and running community arts education initiatives. Our grads teach in K-12 schools across the country! Become a music education major and join our alumni community.
What should I expect as a music education major?
As a music education major, you'll:
- Immerse in expertise: Engage with faculty members who are seasoned professionals in the field, offering insights and mentorship honed from their extensive experience in music education.
- Perform in prestigious venues: Showcase your talent in our 500-seat concert hall featuring a magnificent 61-rank Casavant organ, or our intimate 100-seat recital hall, providing diverse performance opportunities.
- Use state-of-the-art equipment: Feel your most creative in the studio with access to innovative technology and comprehensive resources, including digital audio technology labs and recording studios tailored for music production, sound engineering, composition and performance enhancement.
- Experience a modern facility: Explore our 119,000-square-foot facility designed to foster musical growth and creativity, providing a conducive environment for your artistic development and expression.
Music education concentrations
Filter Music education concentrations by Location:
Choral
The Choral track is for students who want to primarily teach choir. Students take general courses in music education, theory, history, sight singing and ear training as well as specialized courses in voice or piano.
General Music
The General Music track is for students who want to focus in general music education. Students take general courses in music education, theory, history, sight singing and ear training as well as specialized courses in voice and/or their chosen instrument.
Instrumental
The Instrumental track is for students who want to primarily teach band and/or orchestra. Students take general courses in music education, theory, history, sight singing and ear training as well as several specialized courses on their chosen instrument.
How much can I make as a music education major?
Our music education graduates are equipped for a number of fulfilling careers in teaching, performance, music administration and more.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Music Teacher | $83,980 |
| Musician/Singer | $81,504 |
| Music Director | $63,670 |
| Self-Enrichment Teacher | $50,320 |
| Composer | $63,670 |
| Music Instructional Coordinator | $74,720 |
| Music Therapist | $60,280 |
Alumni spotlight
Dr. Jordan VanHemert, a Korean American saxophonist and composer known for his prowess in modern jazz improvisation, serves as Director of Jazz Studies at the Schwob School of Music, previously holding positions at Hope College and founding the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra.
Passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, he collaborates with various music organizations and holds degrees from Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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