Degree in Music Education for Military and Veterans
What is a Music Education Degree?
With a Music Education Degree, graduates prepare for careers as music educators and leaders in arts education. Through their coursework, they gain knowledge in instrumentation, pedagogy, instrumental music (via various ensembles, such as those in band, orchestra and jazz), and choral or vocal music.At the same time, they learn how to teach music to students of different ages, backgrounds and abilities. This allows students to not only develop their musical skills and knowledge but also encourages their love and appreciation for music.
What can you do with a Music Education Degree?
According to The National Associations for Music Education, students can find work as music teachers in grade schools, high schools and universities. Some may become private instructors, teaching people of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, they may find employment in arts administration, curriculum development, or as music therapists.Is a Music Education Degree Hard?
A Music Education Degree is as challenging as any other degree. It typically combines music theory, history, performance and pedagogy with coursework in education principles, teaching methods, and classroom management.Ear training, conducting, tech as it applies to music and ensemble participation are also part of the equation. For students planning on teaching, certification may be required on top of the degree.
Is a Music Education Degree worth it?
For those who have a love of music and want to put their musical passion to good use, there are many ways they can do so through Music Education. There are many well-paying jobs for graduates holding this degree.According to Northwestern State University, aside from teaching in a secondary or post-secondary setting, graduates can get jobs in choreography, composing, music arrangement, music therapy, and private instruction.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Education is mainly for students interested in teaching music or music-related topics. Students may gain real world experience working with musicians and faculty and with public schools in their area while attaining the degree.Jobs you can obtain with a Bachelor’s in Music Education include:
- Music Teacher- Music teachers teach music theory, history, performance, and appreciation. Average annual salary: $54,366.
- Private Music Instructor- Instructors offer private lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. Average annual salary: $58,726.
- Music Program Coordinator—This role coordinates musical performances, events, and community services. The average annual salary is $48,336.
Master’s or Doctorate in Music Education
These graduate programs focus on furthering musical knowledge and education skills. They also involve the study of people, places, and cultures and how they have defined music. Students may go into teaching at an undergraduate or graduate level, conducting academic research or serving in an administrative role.Jobs you can obtain with a Master’s or Doctorate in Music Education include:
- Music Director/Composer-This role oversees performances, collaborates with musicians and production teams, and creates original compositions or arrangements. The average annual salary is $62,940.
- Music Education Administrator-Graduates holding this degree support music department heads to ensure efficient day-to-day operations. Average annual salary: $55,047.
- Professor-Those holding a graduate degree in music education can teach courses at the undergraduate or graduate level, publish books or papers, and conduct research. Average annual salary: $99,541.
Select VA-Approved Colleges with Music Education Programs
Mount St. Joseph University- Mount St. Joseph University offers a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Education. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Mount St. Joseph University is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.Concordia University-Ann Arbor- Concordia University-Ann Arbor offers a Bachelor Degree in Music Education and has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP and DSST exams and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa is a Yellow Ribbon school.
Viterbo University- Viterbo University offers Bachelor’s in Music Education. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for CLEP and DSST exams. Viterbo University is a MyCAA-approved school and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.
University of Colorado Boulder- Offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Education. The University of Colorado Boulder has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP exam, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Colorado Boulder is a Yellow Ribbon school and MyCAA-approved school. *Average annual salaries adapted and calculated from sources including Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.