Learn to teach vocal or instrumental music to students in grades K–12 in public or private school settings.
Auditions
Entrance auditions are required for this major. You must be admitted to both Northwestern and the Department of Music & Theatre to major in music. Please refer to the Music Admissions & Scholarships for audition requirements and dates.
Music education may be the right degree for you if you
- Enjoy vocal or instrumental music
- Are eager to serve
- Are passionate about teaching
- Are interested in a career in education
Why study music education at Northwestern?
You’ll learn the subject matter and how to create a supportive learning environment for students of all backgrounds. Our faculty believe in equipping you with the expertise and cultural competence needed to stand out from your peers.
This program normally takes 4.5 years to complete, which includes a semester of student teaching. You will select one of the following specializations for your major:
- Vocal and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: vocal
- Vocal and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: vocal with primary instrument piano
- Instrumental and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: instrumental
- Instrumental and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: instrumental with primary instrument piano
Northwestern’s Department of Teacher Educaiton provides four levels of classroom practicum experience:
- The first level allows you to find your personal “fit” within the teaching profession.
- The second focuses on developing theory and skills related to diversity.
- The third engages you to apply methodologies within your chosen field by creating, teaching, and evaluating lessons in a school classroom.
- The final level is full-time student teaching in a chosen licensure field.
The Department of Teacher Education provides teacher education programs approved by the MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and as a result, meet the state standards adopted for licensure programs as defined in state rule 8710.2000 through 8710.8080. All licensure programs are aligned with INTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards and the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice.
The University of Northwestern – St. Paul is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1986.
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median pay in 2024
jobs in 2024
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for High School Teachers. Retreived May 2025.
Careers in music education
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in music education.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Teaching in your area of specialty
- Private tutoring
- Creating/directing educational programs
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design (technology training may be required)
- Textbook editing
- Online education
- Corporate or business training and development
- Private instructor
- Music librarian
- Administrative positions in music/fine arts
What will I learn?
You will develop your abilities in music performance and analysis and learn to teach music to students in grades K-12.
MUS2176
Fundamentals of Conducting
Technique, practices and principles of conducting, including hand and baton technique, metric patterns, tempo, style, dynamics, terminology study and preparation of the score. Practical experience with performing organizations is stressed.
MUH3106
Music in World Cultures
An introductory study of cultural traditions, belief systems and practices of world cultures as approached through the study and analysis of the music of ethnic groups. Various worldviews are examined through comparison with biblical and theological concepts.
MTC1007
Music Theory Foundations
A study of the foundational concepts of music: pitch, rhythm, scales, modes, intervals, chords, and harmony with an introduction to notation software, piano, and singing.
MUE4355
Elementary and Middle School Music Methods(Grades K–8)
A practical exposure to elementary and junior high/middle school music through study, observation and participation. Students become involved as aides and instructors in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on the application of these teaching skills to vocal and general music teaching situations.
MUE4385
Secondary Music Ensemble Methods
A course designed to acquaint students with the role of ensemble leadership in secondary education and to provide a foundation for teaching secondary music ensembles. This course provides a study of essential musical and extra-musical aspects of administering the secondary ensemble music program. Methods and repertoire for secondary music ensembles are included.
MUP4695
Senior Recital – Half
Half recital for seniors in a Bachelor of Music Education major.
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