Education: Music Education K-12 (BME)

The Music Education K-12 degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and musicianship to become successful music educators in their intended career path (instrumental, vocal/choral, elementary music). Based on area of specialization, a student will choose Option 1: Instrumental and Keyboard Focus, or Option 2: Vocal Focus. Within these options, students take specific courses appropriate to their specialization in literature, instrumental techniques, advanced conducting, and teaching special ensembles. In addition to instrumental methods and two instrumental techniques courses, vocal majors take two courses in diction and vocal pedagogy to strengthen their knowledge and skill in the vocal/choral area of specialization.

Studies in music theory, history, literature, ensemble performance, and applied study give students a strong foundation on which to build a successful teaching career. Regardless of the student’s area of specialization, all music education majors take classes in beginning conducting and instrumental, choral, and elementary techniques to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career as a K-12 music educator.  The combined skills and knowledge from these courses, in addition to the courses in the area of specialization, are applied during field experiences and the student teaching internship.

As a student, you will gradually accumulate over 200 hours of classroom experience before beginning student teaching. School districts throughout western Colorado provide opportunities to gain experience with children of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of school settings.

A minimum of 75 credit hours of Essential Learning and content area coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.80 before a candidate may apply for admission to the Center for Teacher Education secondary licensure program.  Please see the Teacher Education Admission Packet for further information on admissions criteria.