Music, BM Concentration
Music Education
Inspire the next generation through the power of music.
Program Overview
The Music Education concentration within the Bachelor of Music degree prepares you to become a dynamic, confident, and compassionate K–12 music educator. Whether you dream of leading a school band, conducting a choir, or creating engaging general music lessons for young learners, our program gives you the tools, mentorship, and experience to make it happen.
You’ll receive intensive musical training alongside practical teaching preparation. As a music education major, you’ll be placed in a studio with students who share your primary instrument or voice focus – benefiting from one-on-one instruction, ensemble participation, and performance opportunities that strengthen your artistry.
In the classroom, you’ll build core teaching skills through courses in pedagogy, conducting, and music education methods. From early observations to hands-on peer teaching, you’ll gradually grow into the role of educator. Your journey culminates in a semester of student teaching in a public school, preparing you for licensure and leadership.
- Traditional Program: Complete seven semesters of coursework and a full semester of student teaching in your eighth semester. Upon graduation, you’ll earn your Bachelor of Music in Music Education and be prepared to apply for licensure.
- 5-Year Program: This extended option includes eight semesters of undergraduate coursework followed by a full-year, graduate-level internship in public schools. In Tennessee, this internship counts as one year of teaching experience and includes 24 hours of graduate credit. After a sixth year of study, you’ll graduate with a Master of Music in Music Education—enhancing your credentials and giving you a head start in your teaching career.
Whether you choose the traditional or 5-year route, our program is grounded in the National Core Music Standards and aligned with Tennessee Department of Education licensure requirements.
Your Studio, Your Home Sweet Home
Whether your focus is voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, or keyboard, your studio becomes your musical home throughout your degree. You’ll receive personalized instruction, close mentorship, and support from a community of peers who share your passion and drive.
Each studio is led by expert faculty and enhanced by opportunities to work with visiting guest artists, professional coaches, and collaborative performers. This close-knit environment helps you refine your technique, shape your artistic voice, and prepare for what’s next.
Why study Music Education?
- Train with experienced faculty who are both accomplished musicians and certified educators
- Join a supportive studio community that hones both performance and pedagogical skills
- Gain early and consistent field experience in local K–12 schools
- Complete a semester (or full year) of student teaching in a real classroom
- Graduate prepared to apply for Tennessee teaching licensure
- Explore a wide range of teaching environments, from elementary music rooms to high school ensembles
What can you do with a Music Education concentration after graduation?
Graduates with this concentration pursue a variety of paths, including:
- K–12 Music Teacher (general music, band, choir, orchestra)
- Elementary Music Specialist
- Middle or High School Band Director
- Choral Director
- Orchestra Director
Featured Courses
Specific courses are dependent on the student’s vocal or instrumental emphasis. Visit the undergraduate catalog for more information.
MUED 400 Student Teaching in Music
Complete a full-time teaching practicum in an approved public school. Designed to provide tools for the workforce and cultivate your passion for teaching.
MUED 420 Music Methods for Middle School
Methods and materials for teaching vocal, instrumental, and general music at the junior high school or middle school level.
MUED 430 Music Methods for High School
Methods and materials for vocal and instrumental music at the high school level, including charting for the marching band.
EDPY 210
Psychoeducational Issues in Human Development
Content and course activities involve application of critical thinking to contemporary research and practice issues in physical, cognitive, social, psychological, and values development.
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue a music degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
Questions? We’re here to help. Contact our admissions team at [email protected].
