Music is a global language, and as a music educator, you’ll shape lives and strengthen the bonds of understanding between others, whether you choose a career as an elementary music specialist, as a band, choir or orchestra director at the middle or high school level, as a music director at a church or as a private instructor. Or consider a master’s degree in music education for advanced specialization.
As you earn your degree from the TCU College of Fine Arts and School of Music — one of the top fine arts educational centers in the nation — you’ll soak up knowledge from and collaborate with world-class faculty members and guest artists from around the globe. Learn in the classroom and still enjoy time to explore your own interests as an artist.
TCU School of Music offers the following degrees in music education:
The School of Music is a university-designated Center of Excellence and our undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Students pursing a degree in music education take courses in music theory, music history, piano and performing ensembles, in addition to music teaching methods, conducting, instrumental or vocal techniques and private lessons. Before student teaching, which occurs during the last semester of senior year, students must pass proficiencies in their performance concentration (instrumental or vocal) and piano.
Students need to pass all music and School of Education proficiencies and meet grade point average requirements before applying for student teaching. Student teachers are assigned a 14-week student teaching experience combining elementary and secondary levels in area schools. Cooperating teachers and a university supervisor help direct and promote teaching skills. In order to complete the Texas teacher certification, students must pass the pre-music content and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) tests during student teaching.
Scholarship support is available for talented undergraduate and graduate music majors. Assistantships that include full-tuition remission plus a stipend are available for graduate students.
Laura Singletary, BM, BME, MS, PhD – Division Chair of Music Education, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education
Matthew Garrett, BM, MM – Assistant Director of Bands, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Music
Brian Youngblood, BME, MM – Associate Director of Bands, Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Music
Patrick Leaverton, BME, MME – Adjunct Professor in String Music Education
Marla Ringel, BME, MMEd, DMA – Assistant Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of Music Education
Get teaching experiences in actual school settings before you begin your student teaching. As an introduction to the degree program, you’ll observe various area school music programs to help you determine your career goals. Classroom teaching is part of three different methods classes, and these teaching experiences will develop you into well-prepared student teachers and music educators. You may also assist with the early childhood Music Prep program.
You’ll also discover innovative ways of passing your knowledge on to others: 100 percent of our music education majors find positions after graduation. We’ll be with you throughout your journey.
A music education faculty member will work with you to choose the right combination of courses, internships, and service projects to achieve your dreams.
Career Preparation
