Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Frequently Asked Questions

A Guide for Prospective Undergraduate Students Interested in Music Education at Michigan State University:

What are the employment prospects for music teachers?
Despite the present difficult economic climate, music teaching positions are available in many areas of the country, and several vacancies occur in Michigan yearly. A retiring generation of a significant number of teachers is resulting in opportunities for well-qualified new music educators. Two teaching specialties for which there is strong demand are strings and elementary general music.

What is MSU’s placement rate from the music education program?
Historically, the vast majority of graduates of MSU's program seeking teaching positions have found employment. More school districts across the country contact the music education faculty for job candidates every year, with the result that placement rates for MSU graduates have risen nationally in proportion to those in Michigan. This suggests that school administrators recognize the quality of MSU’s graduates. For the past several years 99% of music education students from MSU have passed the Michigan Test of Teacher Certification on the first attempt.

What offerings differentiate the Michigan State music education program from others?
While most schools offer band, orchestra, and vocal/general "tracks" in music education, MSU has one program with flexible options for students. Thus, if a student is interested in teaching strings and general music, he or she can plan coursework and student teaching to accommodate those specialties.  This can give potential candidates an advantage in the present job market, in which music teachers are often asked to teach more than one type of music class. It is also consistent with the state of Michigan's practice of certifying teachers to teach all music classes at the K-12 levels. MSU's program also contains a strong creativity component, in which students are required to take classes in such areas as jazz improvisation or songwriting. Students in our program also enroll in courses in the MSU College of Education, which has been ranked first in the nation in graduate teacher education by U.S. News and World Report for the last fifteen years.

When applying to MSU, do I apply to the College of Music or the College of Education?
Persons wishing to major in music education should apply to and audition for the College of Music and to the University as music education majors. Students typically apply to the College of Education’s teacher certification program in the sophomore year.

What kinds of courses do music education majors take?
All music majors receive individual performance lessons, perform in ensembles, and take courses in general education, conducting, music theory, ear training, piano, music history, and world music. In addition, music education majors take courses in music teaching methods (e.g., instrumental methods, general music methods), educational foundations, creative musicianship, and instrument classes (e.g., guitar, clarinet, voice). In the final semester music education students complete their student teaching, which is a full-time internship in an area school.

Are music education courses taught by faculty or graduate teaching assistants?
Music education courses are taught by full-time, nationally recognized faculty. The faculty is an active one, providing workshops for area teachers, presenting sessions at state, national, and international conferences, and authoring research and teaching materials for improving music education.

What kinds of real-world teaching experiences can I expect in music education classes?
Students in undergraduate music education courses begin observations in public schools in their freshman year. By the sophomore year students are practicing their teaching skills in front of elementary and secondary students. In subsequent methods classes, music education majors spend a significant proportion of their time working with children in school music classes and ensembles. Qualified students are also eligible to serve as paid teaching assistants in Michigan State's Community Music School.

How does teacher certification work?
Students who complete the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and who pass the Music Education portion of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification are eligible to apply for certification from the State of Michigan to teach music -- vocal, instrumental, strings, and general -- from kindergarten through twelfth grade in Michigan public schools.

If I am certified to teach music in Michigan, can I transfer the certification to another state?
Many states allow teachers certified in Michigan to transfer that certification without imposing additional course requirements. Some states require that persons seeking teacher certification take a state-mandated test or portions of the National Teachers Examination. The Department of Education in your state’s capital will be able to answer questions regarding transfer of certification.

Any further questions?
Contact Mitch Robinson, area chairperson of music education, at (517) 355-7555 or mrob@msu.edu.