Excel as a Musician and a Teacher
More than 50 percent of the music teachers in Colorado graduated from UNC. Our Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) program has an outstanding reputation as a training ground for music teachers. You’ll develop your potential as a musician while you train as an educator, graduating with marketable job skills and a strong foundation for your artistic growth.
UNC’s music education program is led by distinguished faculty who have years of teaching experience. You’ll enjoy broad opportunities to perform and refine your musical talent. Beginning in your sophomore year, you’ll gain extensive hands-on teaching experience, spending more than 150 hours in educational settings prior to your student-teaching assignment. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to earn your teacher’s license—and you’ll be highly qualified to teach music in in public schools, conservatories, private lessons and other venues.
Degree Option
B.M.E. in Music Education
The music education bachelor’s program includes the same core courses as the performance-oriented majors such as music theory, music history and private instruction. You'll also receive specialized education instruction in lesson planning and classroom management. The program culminates in a semester-long student-teaching placement. UNC's B.M.E. fulfills all prerequisites for professional licensure, making you eligible for the state certification exam.
Your Future in Music Education
No Colorado school offers better career preparation for music teachers than UNC. You’ll get the best of both worlds—a superior teaching background from Colorado’s number-one university for future educators and exceptional musical training from a nationally recognized program. Employers actively recruit graduates of UNC’s music education program, giving you an edge as you enter the work force. You’ll also be well-positioned to pursue graduate studies—our alumni have an excellent placement record in master’s and doctoral programs.
Consider UNC's B.M.E. if you are:
- Develop your musicianship and your teaching ability
- Get hands-on experience in music education
- Pursue a career as a K-12 music teacher
- Offer private lessons, after-school instruction or other forms of music education
You’ll learn:
- Teaching techniques, lesson planning and classroom management
- Instruction for individuals and groups
- Music history and theory
- Individual and ensemble performance
Sample courses:
- History of Music
- Music Theory
- Educational Psychology
- Methods classes for Music Educators
Beyond the Classroom
Like all students in the School of Music, you’ll have extensive opportunities to perform at UNC. You can participate in a wide array of ensembles, keeping an active performance schedule on campus and in the community. Additionally, students who choose the Music Education emphasis will start acquiring hands-on teaching experience in the sophomore year. You’ll spend more than 165 hours in real-world teaching environments prior to your student-teaching placement, with opportunities to work in K-12 classrooms, after-school programs, community arts centers and other settings.
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