Inspire others with the gift of music.

A degree in music education prepares students to inspire the next generation of musicians. Graduates with music degrees understand that self-discipline, collaboration, creativity and adaptability are central to the work of musicians.

 

Program type:

Major, BM

Format:

On-Campus

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music-ed
Overview

Bachelor of Music -

Emphasis in Music Education, Instrumental or Vocal

The Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Music Education, Instrumental or Vocal, balances performing, academic, educational and technological aspects of music to prepare 21st century teachers. Students work with dynamic music education faculty and professional musicians drawn from the St. Louis area including members of the St. Louis Symphony and the Arianna String Quartet to engage, inspire and challenge.

The Music Department at UMSL is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Music students have access to studios, rehearsal space, a recital hall and a dedicated computer lab. More so, students and faculty have opportunities to display their talents in the world-class Touhill Performing Arts Center that also serves as a cultural classroom for the community.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the BM with an emphasis in Music Education, Instrumental or Vocal, graduates will have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression; understand the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction; have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music; have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time; be able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/ improvisation, history and repertory; and develop requisite knowledge base, skill sets and the professional dispositions needed to pass initial State of Missouri Teacher Licensure Exams (MOGEA, MOCA and MEES, "Candidate Level").

Employment of Music Educators is projected to grow up to 6% to 2030, with a median annual salary of $75,940, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.



75,940

Median annual salary

6

Employment growth by 2030

Career Opportunities

  • Accompanist
  • Artistic Director or Manager
  • Educator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Music Therapist
  • Performer
  • Song Producer
  • Sound Design
  • Vocal/Instrumental Coaching

 

Plan of study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

Download 4-Year Academic Map (Instrumental) Download 4-Year Academic Map (Vocal)

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the NC-SARA state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a music education major:

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.