Why Major in Music Education?
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree is designed for students who wish to share their passion for music through teaching others.
Students in this program receive extensive artistic training on their primary instrument or voice, including performances with our renowned ensembles and significant studies in conducting, and the opportunity to study both classical and commercial styles.
The artistic side is then merged with experiences in teaching and pedagogy, including focused instruction and mentorship, on-site visits to school music classrooms and real-world practice teaching opportunities.
All music majors choose a licensure track in:
- K-12 vocal/general music
- K-12 instrumental music
- or (with additional coursework) in both K-12 vocal and instrumental music.
This training culminates in an immersive semester-long teaching internship, with the ultimate result of certification and state licensure to teach K-12 music in public schools.
In addition to careers in school music, alumni in this program have also pursued advanced study in graduate programs such as Belmont’s Master of Music in Music Education.
What You'll Learn
Students pursuing the major in Music Education have the option of choosing a traditional or integrative applied track.
Private lessons in the traditional track are all classical.
Students choosing the integrative applied track take three semesters of commercial lessons in their principal applied area in addition to seven semesters of classical lessons.
Instruments of study within the Bachelor of Music in Music Education are: Voice, Viola, Violin, Cello, Classical Bass, Harp, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Organ, Piano, and Guitar.
Due to broad requirements of licensure, the program takes eight full semesters plus one summer for completion. Student teaching, a requirement of licensure, involves an entire semester with experiences on both elementary and secondary levels.
Career Possibilities
- High school band or choir director
- Elementary music teacher
- District fine arts supervisor
- University professor in music education
Program Details
Curriculum
Bachelor of Music in Music Education majors complete 132 hours of coursework over the course of their undergraduate career. This degree prepares students for licensure in either an Instrumental or Vocal track.
Instrumental License
- BELL Core Requirements: 38 Hours (minimum)
- Music Core Requirements: 39 Hours
- Major Area: 34 Hours
- Professional Education: 17 Hours
- General Electives: 3 Hours
Learn more about the degree requirements
Vocal License
- BELL Core Requirements: 38 Hours (minimum)
- Music Core Requirements: 39 Hours
- Major Area: 29-32 Hours
- Professional Education: 17 Hours
- General Electives: 9 Hours
Ensembles & Performance Opportunities
Belmont University's School of Music has a variety of ensembles that showcase the School of Music's incredible musical diversity. From classical chamber groups to popular music ensembles, students have access to many performance opportunities that support the development of their craft.
Explore Ensembles
Watch Live Streamed Performances
The Student Chapter of the National Association for Music Education is dedicated to advancing the Profession of Teaching Music. Belmont University Collegiate NAfME members have the opportunity to attend monthly meetings related to their future profession, to attend a music education workshop during the spring semester and to receive journals that enhance knowledge in their chosen field of study. The national NAfME organization also informs the public about the values of music education. NAfME sponsors a “Music in Our Schools” month and completes a variety of public relations work. The association encourages music teachers to see their work as vital to the development of young children and motivates and encourages teachers to approach music education as something to which every child needs exposure.
The Belmont University School of Music is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
All programs in the School of Music require an audition. The audition determines admission into the School of Music, which is separate from the University's admission decision.
After submitting the Application for Undergraduate Admission, applicants to the School of Music will receive an email prompting them to complete the Undergraduate School of Music Audition Registration Form in their BU4U account. They will choose their intended in-person audition date or the video audition option.
The School of Music does not prescreen for any of its programs.
You will be automatically considered for a School of Music talent-based scholarship when you audition. If you are chosen for a scholarship, you will receive an award letter.
Meet Dwan Hill
Dwan Hill, a two-time Belmont alumnus and Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, spearheaded The Choir Room movement.
What started as a casual gathering in Belmont's Columbia Studio A has blossomed into events drawing crowds of 700+. The project has expanded to other cities and even earned a Dove Award nomination.
Freddy Maresca
Music Education, Master’s Trumpet Pedagogy
Band Director, Professor, Teacher and Co-Founder of The Lakes Brass Quintet
“As a teacher, I enjoy the challenge of working with students of all ages and backgrounds, and I would not be able to step up to meet the needs of my students without all of the experiences I had through my undergraduate and graduate studies,” Maresca said. "Not only did Belmont prepare me for my career, but now Belmont is a small part of my career."
Request Information
Contact Us
College of Music & Performing Arts
Alex Routen
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8116
Email Alex