Becoming a Music Educator: Considerations When Choosing a Music Education Program

by Dr. Tamara T. Thies, Music Education in Higher Education Representative

Guiding and empowering students through music is one of the most exciting and rewarding occupations for those wishing to become music education specialists. There are many programs in higher education that offer degrees for this wonderful profession, and each program provides differing opportunities and pathways to achieve this goal. It is beautiful to have so many options from which to choose, but it can be daunting to find the best fit for each individual. Below are a few considerations when researching and auditioning-interviewing for music education programs.

Auditioning-Interviewing

Higher education institutions require all music majors to audition for admittance into a program. However, several institutions also require a music education interview. Through this interview process, a future music education major can attain insight into the priorities and philosophy of the program, while the program is determining if the individual will likely be a good fit and succeed in the program. Having two or three important questions for the interviewers about the program will assist in guiding a decision.

Curriculum

All higher education institutions publish the coursework needed to complete a music education degree, and this coursework varies from program to program. Examine the coursework with which you would like to interact as an undergraduate. Are the required courses open to all music majors or tailored to music education majors? Which classes and how much pedagogical coursework does a program offer? Does the coursework provide opportunities for students to expand their knowledge, skill sets, and music making into more progressive and differing cultural spaces?

Program Size

The number of music education majors in a program varies by institution. Music education program sizes range from smaller programs (e.g., accepting 10-15 music education majors each year) to larger programs (e.g., 130-150 music education majors total each year). Consider how you learn best when considering program size. Smaller programs can potentially provide more individual attention with a smaller teacher-student ratio, while larger programs can possibly bring in more student diversity and assist with building a larger community of support and networking when entering the profession.

Credential Coursework

Higher education institutions in California generally require a music degree prior to completing a credential program, and these credential programs are housed in the College of Education at each institution. Depending on the institution, credential programs can add one or two years past the degree. That said, there are some institutions that integrate credential coursework alongside the undergraduate music education degree. Another variation is some institutions allow students to take coursework while student teaching, whereas other institutions do not offer this option. One other consideration is how long each institution expects you to student teach and what happens during your student teaching experience.

While this is not an exhaustive list of everything to consider when choosing a music education degree program, it is a starting place. Consider your goals for pursuing a music education degree, how you learn best, and how each program can assist you in this transformation to a successful music educator.