Quick Highlights:
- Our top ranked school for a bachelor’s in music education is University of Florida, followed by University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- A music education degree may offer diverse specializations including performance, music technology, and music business.
- Students will gain practical experience through internships, student teaching, and study abroad opportunities.
- Graduates are prepared for various careers in the music industry, including teaching, production, and sound design.
You live and breathe music and cannot imagine not incorporating your passion into a career; if this sounds like you, a bachelor’s in music education may be a smart move.
The music field is a huge industry, and the average person may not realize all that goes into it. We listen to our music as we drive, study, exercise, or anytime really. However, rarely do we think about the hours and hours of work it takes to produce one song. While singers and musicians are seen and heard, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes for music to reach its audience.
Whether you want to write music, perform instrumental music, work on the technical side of music, or teach music, check out our top 20 best bachelor’s degrees in music education.
See Also: The Best Music Schools Online
What Is the Best Music Education Degree?
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Related Article: Top Programs for Performing Arts Degrees
University of Florida
Florida Gators are strong achievers, and currently, the average incoming GPA for freshmen is 4.5 (Yes, you read that right!) According to UF, its “students utilize more than 200 research, service and education centers, bureaus and institutes.” If you’re thinking of UF for a Bachelor of Arts in music, be ready to work hard and get involved!
One reason why UF made our #1 music education degree is the option to tailor your music education degree program. Along with a BA in music, you will choose a concentration in entrepreneurship, event management, music, music history and literature, music history and literature: ethnomusicology, or music theory and composition. You can also choose to minor in other subjects such as English, history, or psychology.
Through this 120-credit hour music education degree, you will take critical tracking courses, including:
- Music Theory I, II, III, and IV
- Recital Attendance
- Music History Survey
Because this music education degree includes so many options, your courses will vary, but the end result is a music concentration degree from a top-ranked college, which will surely get you to your career dreams.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
You probably know that UM-Ann Arbor boasts many rankings, including #3 in National Undergraduate Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Now, let’s check out UM’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance bachelor, a highly ranked school offering more than 40 undergraduate programs, including the bachelor’s of music in music and technology.
According to UM-Ann Arbor, the bachelor’s program prepares you for “creative use of music technology” relating to “performance, production, recording, composition, studio and live sound engineering, and music and sound for film, television, or video games.”
Coursework includes core music courses like:
- Computer Music Composition and Arranging
- Creative Coding
- Sound Recording and Production
In this music education degree, you will be a part of a close-knit group of your classmates and faculty. Since an average of only 20 students are admitted each year, you can expect one-on-one guidance and a small student-to-faculty ratio through your entire program. To apply, you need a live or recorded audition on your instrument or voice and submit an artistic profile.
Indiana University
Being #IUSTRONG means joining the Hoosier community at Indiana University and getting top-ranked education amidst inspiring faculty and peers. As one of America’s top research universities, IU boasts over 700K graduates, and you could be one of them.
Future music teachers: this one is for you! If you want to share your love of music with others, IU’s Jacobs School of Music offers a highly ranked bachelor’s of music education.
Teaching music may seem overwhelming, but thank goodness for concentrations to narrow down your goals based on your interests. In this program, you will choose an area of emphasis, including:
- Choral
- General
- Band
- Orchestra
After taking general education courses, you will apply for the teacher education program during your sophomore year.
Along with general education requirements and electives, you will complete 27 credit hours in core music classes and 52 credit hours in music education classes. During your last semester, you will, you guessed it, student teach in your own classroom. Interested in IU’s music education program? Apply to the college with a maintain at least a 2.5 GPA so you can apply for this music education degree.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
UW-Madison has a long history of faculty and alumni Nobel Prize awards dating back to 1944 when Joseph Erlanger and Herbert Gasser won the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine. From UW-Madison, you will find 9,000+ courses offered throughout 450+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. One of these is the BA in music from the Mead Witter School of Music.
The program’s website states that the greatest strength of this program is its people “staff, faculty, and students”- who are daily immersed in learning, building, researching, writing and making music.” Mentoring is a key part of the music education degree program, and you will receive one-on-one and small group instruction while being a part of the music culture at UW-Madison.
Your specific music education degree will be created with a School of Music faculty member and will include:
- Performance courses with a specific instrument
- Music Theory
- Music History
- Piano Skills
- Music Emphasis courses that serve as electives
To get into the music education program, you must first be accepted to UW – Madison and then apply and audition during your second year.
Rowan University
Rowan University, a highly-ranked public research institution, aims to become “a new model for higher education by being inclusive, agile, and responsive,” while meeting the needs of all students. If your niche is within music technology, join RU’s vibrant, diverse student body and choose the Bachelor of Science in music industry.
In this program, you can choose between two specializations: music technology or music business. If you are interested in music production, go for music technology. However, if you’re interested in the management and marketing side, choose music business.
Major requirements of both specializations include courses like:
- Survey of Record Production
- Music Fundamentals
- History of Popular Music
You will complete two summer internships where you can gain hands-on experience in the production industry. An in-depth capstone project is required during your last two semesters. Because of this music education degree’s relevance, graduates can pursue a plethora of careers such as:
- Record producers
- Recording artists
- Sound designers
You could even start or join a business in the music industry.
New York University
What better place to study music education than New York City, the capital of the music industry? NYU Steinhardt is one of innovation and culture and also one where talented graduates achieve great things, like Grammy Awards, for example! NYU Steinhardt more than 200 degree programs, including our #6 ranking, the Bachelor of music in music technology.
Along with core liberal arts classes, you will take core music and technology courses in:
- Music Theory
- Keyboard Harmony and Improvisation
- Electronic Technology
Also, mandatory traveling abroad? Yes, please. You will spend a semester in Prague or Paris, not to mention the countless opportunities to immerse yourself in New York City performance venues like Sony Music and the Metropolitan Opera!
With this music education degree, you will be ready to explore careers such as “sound recording and engineering, music production, electronic music, sound and music computing, hardware development, game audio, film and video sound post-production, and XR (AR/VR) systems”.
To apply to this program, you will need to submit an artistic portfolio.
SUNY Potsdam
The oldest institution in the State University of New York system, SUNY Potsdam is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, surrounded by natural beauty which contributes to the school’s warm, close-knit culture. The Crane School of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in music, a comprehensive program that you can tailor to your interests or combine with another field of study.
The great aspect of this BA in music is that you can shape your degree any way you want with at least 43 electives. For example, some students have graduated with a focus on:
- Music technology
- Music education
- Music therapy
- Music history
- Music business
Minors outside of the music department can also be included, like psychology or art history, for example.
SUNY Potsdam is one of the best music education colleges because of the tight-knit group of students and faculty. With just a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you will benefit from personalized attention and collaborative learning.
To become a part of the “Crane tradition,” as a music education major, you have three steps to complete, and they can be in any order:
- Apply for undergraduate admission
- Complete an audition
- Submit letters of recommendation
SUNY Fredonia
Another branch of the State University of New York system, SUNY Fredonia, spans across its beautiful, 256-acre campus in Chautauqua County. Highly ranked by Money Magazine, Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report for academic excellence and affordability, SUNY Fredonia’s 80+ majors include the Bachelor of Arts in music – a top choice!
The BA in music offers five tracks to choose from:
- General
- Jazz Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology
- History and Literature
You can customize your music education program to meet your interests and goals; for example, you can combine arts, sciences, education, and business courses. Sample courses include:
- Conducting
- Aural Skills
- Music History in Western Civilization
As a music education major at SUNY Fredonia, you will take part in field experiences, internships, and tours, as well as rehearse and perform in the state-of-the-art facilities on campus. You can also get involved in student clubs, ranging from music therapy to music education. You will seriously become immersed in your love of music during your time at SUNY Fredonia!
University of Southern California
A top-ranked private university in Los Angeles, USC houses the Thornton School of Music, which is not only the oldest in Los Angeles. It also ranks “among the top one percent of the nation’s music and conservatories”. If you want to pursue a career in performing music, check out the school’s Music’s Bachelor of music – popular music performance.
The music education degree entails 132 units, which, along with general education courses, include program intensive courses like:
- Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician
- Songwriting
- Careers in Music
Along with 22 units of electives to choose from, you will complete a capstone project during your final semester. To apply for this music education degree, first apply to USC and once accepted, complete and submit a USC Thorton SlideRoom Portfolio.
Northwestern University
Ranked among the best national and global universities by both U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education, Northwestern University continually lives up to its reputation as a top-tier research school. Founded in 1895, NU’s Bienen School of Music is one of the oldest music schools in the country. Here, you can pursue a non-performance Bachelor of Arts in music.
Within the BA in music, you will choose one of the four specializations:
- Music theory
- Music cognition
- Music composition
- Musicology
You can also petition for a concentration that combines areas in your specialization, such as music and film. Notable courses include:
- Music Theory
- Aural Skills
- The Classical Canon
As a music education major, you will have access to the Northwestern University Music Library – one of the nation’s largest! To apply, NU requires that you include:
- Proof of the ability to read music
- A video or recording of yourself playing your primary instrument
- A five-page essay on a musical topic
- A one-page statement of purpose on the specialization you wish to pursue
Boston University
Among the notable alumni from Boston University is none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who earned his doctorate in 1955. BU is truly a “community unlike any other,” and among this community are over 34,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff, 17 schools and colleges, and over 300 degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in music.
Within the 132-credit bachelor’s in music education, you can choose:
- A general program
- A concentration in musicology and ethnomusicology
- A concentration in music theory
All three tracks begin with the BU Hub Requirements, and by the second year, you will begin the other three categories:
- Musicianship
- Applied studies and ensembles
- Major requirements
Additionally you will take courses in music theory, aural skills, group piano, conducting, as well as study an instrument and perform in a music organization every semester.
BU also features an impressive study abroad program that you will want to explore! You can apply to BU through the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
Rider University
Rider University is a smaller, private university with big opportunities. In 1992, Rider merged with the Westminster Choir College that offers five program degrees with customizable concentrations. If your goal is teaching music, check out the reputable Bachelor of music in music education, accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The bachelor’s in music education will prepare you to teach music at the elementary or secondary level and includes courses in:
- General music education
- Choral music education
- Instrumental studies
- Music technology and creativity
- Students with special needs
In this music education degree, you complete field experience right away: 50 hours within your first four semesters, which will prepare you for 175 hours of student teaching.
To graduate with a music education degree, you must complete the requirements for the New Jersey teacher certification for certified educator with advanced standing (CEAS), which includes passing the Praxis Music Content Exam and the performance-based edTPA exam.
Super motivated students can check out the dual degree program, a combined bachelor’s/master’s in music education.
Johns Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is a familiar name in education, and that’s because it was America’s very first research university, started by Daniel Coit Gilman in 1876. As you can imagine, the list of notable alumni is long, but includes CEOs, scientists, authors, Grammy and Oscar award winners, and even a past American president: Woodrow Wilson.
Through the John Hopkins Peabody Institute, you will find a Bachelor of Music, a program designed to train musically gifted students for performance, composition, teaching, or other careers in the music industry.
The bachelor’s of music is narrowed into seven concentrations:
- Performance
- Jazz performance
- Composition
- Computer music
- Recording arts and sciences
- Music education
- Music for new media
All tracks include the “Breakthrough Curriculum,” which includes:
- Music theory
- Ear training
- Keyboard studies
- Musicology
- Ensembles
Students are tested and advanced to the next level every year with departmental lessons and exams called “juries,” ranging from meeting with an advisor to assess progress to recitals. Similar to most music education programs, you will audition to be accepted into JHU.
Vanderbilt University
What better location for a music program than Nashville, Tennessee, the city built on music?
Check out Vanderbilt: a private research university globally known for its innovative academics and intense research, especially for its music education programs. Blair School of Music offers a Bachelor of Musical Arts that you can tailor to your interests and goals with a stunningly low student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1.
This musical arts program is perfect for those who want to either focus on an instrument and/or combine music with a second focus, like art history or music education, for example.
As a music education major, you will complete coursework in “music theory, musicianship and keyboard harmony, musicology/ethnomusicology, and conducting while participating in ensembles, chamber music and individual performance instruction”.
At this music education college, you will be able to participate in a variety of orchestras and ensembles, such as the Vanderbilt Orchestra and the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony. Opportunities for internships include the Nashville recording studios and the National Music Festival, among others. The first step for admission into this program is to apply to Vanderbilt and then to the Blair School of Music.
Ithaca College
In 1892, Ithaca College started as a music conservatory, and while it has evolved into more than a music school, the musical foundations hold strong today. Highly ranked in various categories including #9 Best University in the North (U.S. News & World Report), IC includes five schools and 90 majors including the Bachelor of Arts in music.
IC’s music education program website states that approximately sixty percent of your coursework is from liberal arts areas outside of music. However, you will study your instrument and music topics such as:
- Music history and theory
- Aural skills
- Ensembles
- Repertoire
You will complete a senior seminar in music, liberal arts, and outside fields, the capstone project, during your final semester of this music education degree.
What do music education majors do with this degree? The School of Music says you will find them “in almost every music field imaginable—performance, teaching, arts administration, music therapy, instrument manufacturing, music publishing, sound recording, and the entertainment industry.”
You can apply to Ithaca through the Common App, and note that SAT/ACT scores have been optional since 2012!
University of Miami
Known for its vibrant and diverse community, the University of Miami is a private research academic institution made up of 11 schools and colleges with over 180 majors. One of UM’s schools, the Frost School of Music, uses the “groundbreaking Frost Method® curriculum” which includes “artistic, technological, and entrepreneurial skills” needed to thrive in the music industry.
While Frost offers many programs in all things music, we are focusing on the Bachelor of Arts in music for our #16 ranking. The BA entails a liberal arts curriculum emphasizing music and a required minor outside the field of music, like medicine or legal studies. This music education program is perfect for those who want to study music in addition to another subject.
Along with general education requirements, required music education courses include:
- Music of the Classical, Romantic, and Modern Periods
- Experiential Musicianship
- Keyboard Studies
This music education degree program is also a good pathway for students who want to pursue future studies at the graduate level.
University of Rochester – Eastman School of Music
As one of the nation’s top research institutions, the University of Rochester is home to more than 12,000 students from all over the world. Now, let’s talk about the Eastman School of Music (ESM). This school lives and breathes music, and among many music programs, offers a Bachelor of Music with several choices of concentrations.
Within the bachelor’s of music program, you can choose from the following majors:
- Applied music
- Composition
- Jazz studies and contemporary media
- Music education
- Theory
- Double majors
ESM states that the BM is to prepare students to “become a performing musician, music educator, composer, theorist, musicologist, or a professional in another musical field”.
Within the major you choose, you will also choose a concentration. For example, if you pursue music education, you will choose between a vocal track or an instrumental track. You can also double major within this program; for example, you could choose applied music and music education. No matter what type of music you want to study, ESM has it covered!
Berklee College of Music
A private music college, Berklee College of Music, offers both undergraduate and graduate programs at its Boston, MA campus, Valencia, Spain campus, and its incredible online school. With students from over 100 countries, Berklee is in the business of “forging new connections among art forms, musical traditions, and technologies to build a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative global arts community”.
Among Berklee’s many music programs, you will find the Bachelor of Music in music education that prepares future K-12 music educators for the classroom. As a student, you will receive a strong background in music content and teaching practices that are “innovative, contemporary, and relevant,” which is important for today’s classrooms.
Among the 50 required credits for this program are:
- Multimedia for the Educator
- Keyboard Class for Music Education Majors
- Elementary Classroom Method
Like all music education degrees, you will complete fieldwork and student teaching. Remember how we mentioned that Berklee has a campus in Valencia, Spain? Well, you have the option of studying there, too!
Wright State University
A highly ranked academic institution in more categories than we can count, Wright State University is a public university in Dayton, Ohio. At WSU, you will find six colleges and three schools, including the School of Music, where our #19 ranking resides. The largest program in Wright State’s School of Music is the Bachelor of Music in music education, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
This music education degree program includes three concentrations:
- Instrumental/band
- Instrumental/orchestra
- Vocal/choral
The music education degree requires:
- 38 hours of Wright State Core classes
- 47 hours of departmental requirements
- 11 hours of concentration courses
- 20 hours of professional education courses
- Two field experiences
- Student teaching
Music education majors are also required to participate in at least one ensemble related to their concentration each semester. To be eligible for this program, you need a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all required music classes and an overall 2.7 minimum GPA.
Graduates work as music teachers, band directors, voice teachers, and more all over the world.
Western Carolina University
If you’ve seen the 500-member Pride of the Mountains Marching Band on the Macy’s Day or Rose parade, you have seen one of Western Carolina University’s points of pride in action! Part of the University of North Carolina system, the highly ranked WCU is nestled in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains.
At WCU, you can earn either a B.M. or a B.S.Ed. in music education that will prepare you to teach music in the K-12 setting, but at an affordable cost. You can choose between a choral/general music or instrumental concentration, depending on your goals. Along with foundational courses in music history, music theory, and aural skills, you will take teaching/pedagogy courses.
During your final year, you will complete student teaching and present a public recital. Don’t worry – you’ll be ready for it! During your music education program, you will attend and participate in ensembles, concert choirs, and recitals presented by the School of Music. WCU states that their graduates “enjoy an excellent rate of placement into teaching positions,” and many also pursue graduate studies.
How to Choose a School for Music Education
Choosing the right music education program is crucial for developing the specialized skills needed to be an effective educator in music classrooms. Key factors like alignment with certification requirements, exposure to diverse teaching methods, practical experience in conducting ensembles, integration of music technology, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration will provide a solid foundation for aspiring music teachers.
These considerations ensure students not only receive top-tier training but also gain the versatility and adaptability needed to thrive in a variety of educational settings:
Alignment with Certification Requirements: Different states have varying certification requirements for music educators. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with the specific state or national certification requirements, especially for K-12 music education. Programs should offer a clear pathway to obtaining teaching credentials, including preparation for licensure exams and state-required assessments.
Diversity of Music Teaching Methods: A strong music education program should expose students to a variety of teaching methods and philosophies, from Orff and Kodály to Suzuki and Dalcroze. Understanding diverse teaching methodologies allows students to become versatile educators, capable of teaching students with different learning styles and needs in both general music and instrumental/vocal settings.
Focus on Ensemble Direction and Conducting: In addition to teaching music theory and history, prospective music educators need hands-on experience in directing ensembles (e.g., band, choir, orchestra). Look for programs that offer specialized training in ensemble conducting, as this will be a core aspect of a future educator’s job—whether in K-12 schools, community programs, or private tutoring.
Integration of Music Technology in Education: As technology becomes more integral to music classrooms, music education programs should include instruction in music technology and how to incorporate it into teaching. This includes using software for music composition, digital recording, and integrating music apps and online learning platforms in the classroom.
Opportunities for Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Music education students should seek programs that offer opportunities for collaboration with other departments, such as theater, dance, or the visual arts. These interdisciplinary opportunities help build well-rounded educators who can integrate music with other forms of art, making their teaching more dynamic and relevant to a diverse student population.
Frequently Asked Questions
A music education degree is worth it for many different reasons. As a teacher, you can help your students develop an appreciation for the musical arts. You can also help them build the skills needed to become better musical performers. Music teachers are often in demand because of the niche nature of teaching in this field. A degree in music education also allows you to do something you’re passionate about, which can lead to a highly satisfying career. The many different types of music education jobs you can pursue is another advantage of having this degree.
According to our rankings, the University of Florida has the best undergraduate music education program. The University of Michigan, the University of Indiana, and the University of Wisconsin also rank highly.
The average cost for all undergraduate degrees in the U.S. is around $36,500 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative. This figure includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board. The cost of your education may vary widely, though. Public colleges are often less expensive than private colleges. The amount of financial aid you receive also affects the overall expense of your degree. Other factors like the number of college credits you earned in high school can significantly alter how much you have to pay for your music education.
There are many scholarships for music education majors. You can find scholarships from public and private organizations and at the local, state, and national levels. There are merit-based and need-based scholarships, too, for students with high grades and financial need, respectively. Many music competitions have a scholarship component for the winners as well. Check resources like your school’s guidance counseling or financial aid offices for information about scholarships. You can also search online using resources like the National Association for Music Education.
A bachelor’s in music education is not hard, provided you have the required musical skills and abilities. You’ll need vocal and/or instrumental music expertise and must be able to read music. Music education is not just about performance, though. You’ll also study music history, music theory, and music composition. A music education program also focuses on pedagogy, curriculum development, developing assessments, and other teaching-related duties.
A BA in music differs from a BS in music. BA degrees are liberal arts programs that often focus on music performance or education. A BS degree usually focuses on the technicalities of music, like music production, music management, or music marketing. However, both degrees usually require about 120 credits to graduate, which takes about four years to complete if you study full-time.
Majoring in music education typically leads to a career as a music teacher. Music teachers work with all levels of students and in different types of schools (e.g., public, private, and charter). Some music education majors specialize in a specific field, such as vocal music education or instrumental music education. You can work as a private vocal or instrument coach, too. A bachelor’s degree in this field is also good preparation for a graduate program in music education or a related area.
A bachelor’s degree in music education pays around $61,690 per year if you work at the elementary school level, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. High school teachers earn about the same – $62,360 per year. These are the median salaries, though. The pay range typically extends from the mid-$40,000 range to more than $100,000 per year. How much you earn as a music educator depends on factors like your level of education, your experience, the school district where you teach, and the geographic area in which you live. As a self-employed music teacher, you might earn around $58,000 per year, according to Salary.com, though the salary for private teachers and tutors varies as much if not more than public school teachers.
You can maximize your salary as a music educator by gaining experience and getting a higher degree. For example, the more years you teach in a public school system, the more money you will make. Likewise, if you get a master’s degree, your salary will increase. The same is generally true for self-employed music educators – the more experience and education you have, the higher the premium you can charge for your services.
A masters in music education is a good idea. With a graduate degree, you are not only likely to make more money, but you can also advance your career. While music teachers at elementary and secondary schools usually have a bachelor’s degree, music teachers at colleges and universities usually have at least a masters degree, if not a doctorate. Getting a masters degree also helps you refine your skills and gain new knowledge that will make you a better educator and an improved performer, too.
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