Music Education

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Program TypeMajor
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Degrees OfferedB.S.
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SchoolLiffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences
Combine rigorous musical training with professional teaching preparation. Experience a wide range of classroom levels and music education areas.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll develop as an instrumental and/or vocal performer as you learn best practices in conducting, curriculum development, music methods, and classroom management. You’ll experience classroom, choral, and instrumental music teaching at all levels – giving you a strong foundation as an educator and expanding your career options.
- Gain hands-on teaching experience.
You’ll have opportunities to teach music through our practicum experiences, conducting, and music methods classes in addition to student teaching at elementary and secondary levels.
- Take your act on the road.
Tour regionally, nationally, and internationally with campus ensembles.
- Prepare for licensure.
The program prepares students for licensure in K-12 music, including elementary/classroom music and middle and secondary school vocal and instrumental music.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Accreditations
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North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
All the University of Mary education programs are fully accredited by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board and all CAEP national standards are fully met. -
National Association of Schools of Music
The University of Mary's music program is accredited as an Associate Member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Featured Faculty

Dennis Gowen, MM
Director of Bands and High Brass, Director of Music Education Program
I'm a native of Maine, with conducting, education, and performance degrees from Southern Maine and Western Michigan. My wife Rhonda (piano instructor at Mary and privately) and I have three wonderful children, Robin, Evan, and Jane. I’m fortunate to teach high brass lessons, conduct classes, and several academic classes, as well as to conduct and lead the University of Mary band program. Professionally, I've enjoyed performing as principal trumpet for the MVCO and BMSO and serving as conductor for these and many other ensembles. Outside of my profession, I enjoy hiking & photography.

Carmen Cain, PhD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Secondary Education Program, Director of Licensure Track Program
Having been an educator for over 20 years now, my first priority at the University of Mary is to facilitate student learning so teacher-candidates are prepared for the joys and challenges of their own classroom. I enjoy collaborating with an excellent faculty to provide our students with the best education possible.