B.M. Music Education

Career Outlook

The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education provides students with the knowledge, skills, and musicianship to become a vital, contributing music educator. Within the music education major, students can choose a vocal music or instrumental music teaching emphasis, which prepares the student for many career possibilities: as a general music specialist in the elementary school, as a junior or senior high band, orchestra, or choral director in both public and parochial schools. With the addition of graduate study, our alumni have had great success in attaining teaching positions in colleges and universities.

Educational Preparation

Building upon a core curriculum in music which includes theory, history and literature, ensemble performance, and applied study, the student majoring in music education will also complete a a block of education courses which leads to Minnesota Licensure (K-12). Students are placed in area schools prior to student teaching to help them make certain a teaching career is for them. Specialized study in conducting, classroom methods and instrumental or choral techniques develops fundamental skills and leads students to a thorough understanding of the unique personal and teacher-qualities needed for a rewarding career as K-12 music educators.

Opportunities for Performance

Instrumental: UMD's bands include the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band, and the Bulldog Pep Bands. There is a full symphony orchestra as well as a chamber orchestra. The jazz bands include Jazz Ensemble I, which has won Midwest competitions, several other jazz ensembles, a guitar ensemble, and a number of jazz combos. Jazz ensemble 1 has a strong history of performance excellence, including several award winning efforts. The annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival provides the opportunity for students to perform and work with internationally renowned jazz artists. Past clinicians have included Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Foster, Rufus Reid, Bobby Shew, Jim McNeely, Freddie Hubbard, Steve Turre, Randy Brecker, Slide Hampton, and Claudio Roditi.

Vocal: UMD vocal ensembles include the University Singers, which tours internationally, Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Opera Workshop, which presents a full opera production in the spring with orchestra.

Other Performance Opportunities: Auditions are open for both vocal and instrumental performers in UMD Theatre's musical productions. Selected UMD music majors also perform in the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, the Twin Ports Wind Ensemble or the Big Time Jazz Orchestra. Vocal students often participate in the church choirs of the community.

Click here for course catalogue information:

• Instrumental K-12 Emphasis
• Vocal K-12 Emphasis

Click here for useful links for Music Education Majors