Welcome to the Music Education area!
The Music Education area at the University of Tennessee prepares future educators to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact through music. With a strong foundation in musicianship, pedagogy, and real-world teaching experience, our students graduate ready to thrive in classrooms, rehearsal halls, and communities across the country.
Our Programs
UT offers comprehensive Music Education degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For curriculum details and licensure information, click on our degree pages below.
Meet the Music Education Faculty
Fuller Lyon
Teaching Professor, Assistant Director of Bands, Associate Director of Marching and Athletic Bands
Emmett O’Leary
Associate Professor of Music Education, Area Coordinator of Music Education
Laura Leigh Spillane
Associate Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education
Michael Stewart
Director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, WJ Julian Professor of Bands
Jessica Rae Wiseman
Teaching Assistant Professor of Elementary/General Music Education
Students in Music Education benefit from:
- Early field placements in local K–12 schools
- Diverse student teaching experiences
- Preparation for state licensure
- Supportive mentorship from faculty and local educators
- Access to a strong alumni network of music teachers across Tennessee and beyond
Interested in Music Education at UT?
Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!
Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with studio and music education professors, and tour our beautiful facilities.
Learn How To Apply
Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.
Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.