Music Education

Degree Overview

music instrumentsThe Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music or Vocal Music leads to certification in K-12th grades in the state of Missouri.

The program encompasses four phases:






Phase I: Freshman - Sophomore Year

Students take required music theory, history, performance, ensemble, conducting and techniques courses and work on completing their general education requirements. They become immersed in the discipline and culture of teaching and learning, before they focus on the methods of teaching music during Phase II.

Courses explore the teacher's roles in facilitating learning at all levels of development, diversity, the role of schools, and career exploration. Work with students of varying ages through field experiences.

Phase II: Junior Year - First Semester Senior Year

Provides students with experience in the methods of teaching music with a corresponding field experience. Education courses include methodology for teaching music, and inquiry courses focusing on how problems of schools, family, community, and society affect educators, classroom management, and special needs learners.

Phase III: Second Semester Senior Year

This phase includes a semester-long, full-time student teaching internship. Candidates are assigned to both elementary and secondary music classrooms for a 16-week period under the mentorship of experienced master teachers.

Phase IV: Induction

Faculty continue to support graduates into their first two years of teaching.

Course Work

Program of Study for Instrumental Music

Program of Study in Vocal Music

Admission Requirements

  • Students who wish to be music education majors are admitted to MU as “pre-music education” majors. They must take and pass a performance audition with the School of Music faculty in their major performance area, after which they are reclassified as “music education” majors. All prospective students should contact the School of Music for more information and to schedule the audition (http://music.missouri.edu/prospective.html). Students who do not pass the audition will remain “pre-music education” majors until they do, and should be aware that this could delay their graduation date.
  • Application for Phase II occurs in the spring of the Sophomore year. Criteria for admission include:
    • Overall MU GPA (at least 2.75 with 60+ credits completed)
    • Acceptable grades in selected general education, education, and music classes (see advising materials for complete list)
    • Passing scores on the College Base Exam

Degree Requirements

Program of Study for Instrumental Music

Program of Study in Vocal Music

How to Apply

New to MU or Changing Your Major to Education:

  • Students new to MU can find information on applying to the University here.
  • All potential music education majors must pass a performance audition with the School of Music faculty in their major performance area, after which they are reclassified as “music education” majors (prior to this they will be classified “pre-music education). All prospective students should contact the School of Music for more information and to schedule the audition (http://music.missouri.edu/prospective.html).
  • Current MU students should meet with a music education faculty member and then with an Academic Advisor in the College of Education in 102 Hill Hall to determine their eligibility for transferring divisions
  • Information regarding application to Phase II is provided through email when enrolled in TDP 2000 and/or 2040.

Fees and Financial Aid

MU is an affordable place for all students ­ there are a variety of federal financial aid programs, along with assistance from the University. The College of Education also offers scholarships for its undergraduate students.