Music education
Bachelor of Music
Inspire classrooms through song
If you're passionate about sharing your love of music, a degree in music education could be the perfect fit. Most students in this program pursue certification to teach music in public schools. To get started, you’ll audition on your primary instrument or voice. Throughout your studies, you’ll be expected to perform with confidence.
You’ll choose a focus in instrumental or vocal music for grades K-12 — or follow an instrumental track that includes some vocal experience. With just 25-40 additional credits per subject area, you can also qualify to teach music at the secondary level.
Your journey will wrap up with a one-semester, off-campus student teaching experience, supported by the Teacher Intern Handbook.
Keep in mind: Certification isn’t always required for teaching music at the college level or in private or parochial schools, so your options are wide open.
Overview
Turn your talent into teaching
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Love to play, perform or create music
- Have training in an instrument or voice
- Want to combine music with another major
- Have an artistic personality
- Are disciplined and hardworking
- Want to help others develop their skills
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,610 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Elementary School Teachers
$53,111 - Secondary School Teachers
$51,531 - Middle School Teachers
$52,900 - Music Directors and Composers
$37,103
* Career data provided by
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Teach as an undergraduate teaching assistant in music theory, aural skills, music history and applied instruction.
- Teach and develop your pedagogy skills through our Preparatory Division, which offers exceptional pre-college music instruction to the community.
- Perform in master classes with renowned musicians, including artists from the Auditorium Chamber Music Series, a series that presents some of the world's finest chamber ensembles on campus.
- Perform with one of our 20-plus large and small ensembles.
- Participate as a performer, listener, intern or volunteer in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, a four-day event which draws hundreds of top jazz artists and spectators from around the world to ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ each year.
Internships
- Disney All-American College Band
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Dynamix Academy of Music and Dance (Shanghai)
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
School of Music Internships include arts management, choral administration, jazz festival audio technician, jazz festival site management and production management.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September, and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.