Bachelor of Music in Music Education

The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education degree in the Boyer College of Music and Dance at 51¶¯Âþ is designed for future educators with a desire to inspire artistic appreciation, instill knowledge and encourage skill building for future music students. Over four years, Music Education majors prepare to enter the teaching profession with a knowledge of music history, theory and application; teaching skills in several different music areas; and valuable experience earned both on campus and in Philadelphia's thriving music scene.

Through the interdisciplinary coursework, the Music Education BM gives you the foundation for music skill development, as well as hands-on professional experience in urban and suburban school settings.

Depending on which concentration you choose, the number of credit hours is between 126 and 128 hours.

Choose to concentrate in

  • Instrumental,
  • Piano with a band/orchestra emphasis,
  • Piano with a choral/general emphasis or
  • Voice.

Learn more about the Music Education BM concentration requirements. You can also pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a focus on jazz studies.

Upon graduation, you’ll have fulfilled one of the requirements necessary to apply for teaching certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Certification allows graduates to teach students in PreK through grade 12.

Classes & Curriculum

Courses in this degree program include

  • Collaboration & Creativity in the New Music Community,
  • Introduction to Teaching Students with Special Needs,
  • Keyboard Harmony,
  • Music in History,
  • Music Learning & Development,
  • Music Theory, and
  • Teaching Instrumental Music to Inclusive Populations.

Learn more about the required courses in the Music Education BM program.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $21,504.00 per year
Out-of-state: $37,752.00 per year

Program Fees

Music Education Major students incur additional fees in order to obtain required annual clearances for working with minors in pre-K through grade 12 music settings, and additional fees for required standardized testing registration, score submission and application fees for Level 1 pre-K through grade 12 music certification in Pennsylvania.

Concentrations

You can focus on Music Education or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Classical Guitar
  • Double Bass
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • French Horn
  • Harp
  • Harpsichord
  • Oboe
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice
BC-MUED-BMUS

Additional Program Information