Major in Music Education
Become an educator • Observe and teach music lessons in local schools • Impact students
Music education inspires students. JBU gives you the tools you need.
In the music education major, you will learn foundational history and principles of music and how to teach them to students. At JBU you will have numerous opportunities to observe and teach in classrooms alongside mentor teachers, giving you the experience you need to succeed.
What to expect as a Music Education student at JBU
Experience a Clinical-Style Education
Students spend a lot of time observing and teaching alongside teachers so that students are confident in classroom management and lesson planning.
Practice On-Campus
Music education majors conduct and present sample lesson plans in a simulation elementary classroom on campus to experience firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of their lesson plans.
Make Great Music
Join one of the many JBU music groups on campus: Cathedral Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Red Steps, Women’s Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, or a chapel band.
Get More Teaching Time
JBU students often teach double the amount of time that other student teachers do. Mentor teachers trust that JBU students’ education has prepared them to handle their classroom.
Take Cool Classes
Classes like educational psychology, human growth and development, conducting, public school music methods, and more help students gain an understanding of real classroom challenges and teaching pedagogy.
Join National Clubs
Meet and learn from fellow music educators across the nation through clubs like MTNA (Music Teacher’s National Association) and the CMENC (Collegiate Music Educators National Conference).
Enjoy Fantastic Facilities
Students have access to labs, practice rooms, and performance areas in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
What our alumni have to say
Alec Warn '16
"I'm currently teaching 6th-8th grade Choir in Washington state. I have five choirs and around 155 choir students! JBU's Music Ed program really prepared me in every aspect of being an experienced and equipped musician and teacher. The biggest asset to the program is that it is high quality yet small, so you are really able to be mentored throughout the program with smaller classes. I also received way more hands-on experience conducting Cathedral Choir, so my first day on the job felt like my third year conducting."
Jenna Henry '15
"I will be starting my fourth year of teaching high school choir and group piano at Montrose High School in Montrose, CO. The training I received in music theory, musicianship, and music history at JBU was excellent, and I didn't feel that I was lacking in knowledge in these areas when I jumped into my first year of teaching. The most significant influence, however, is actually a close friend that I made during my time at JBU. We call each other often to discuss our jobs, share in some of the crazy things we deal with (and the successes too!), bounce ideas off of each other, share strategies that have worked for us, and encourage each other to keep trying new things, to keep learning, and to keep finding the joy in teaching vocal music!"
What could you do with a Music Education degree?
Work in Private or Public Schools
Educational institutions are always seeking quality teachers.
Choral Director
Schools, music groups and activity/education centers often seek out people who not only know music but also know how to teach music.
Become a Music Therapist
Grad school is required to become a music therapist, and many hospitals, schools, retirement homes, therapy centers, teen outreach, and mental institutions seek out music therapists.
Teach Overseas
Many international and missionary based schools look for qualified teachers to serve.
Graduate School
Many graduates choose to pursue a degree in higher education to teach collegiate coursework in education.
