student teaching music to kids in a class room
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.S.
  • School
    Liffrig Family School of Education & 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

Professor and Chair of Music Dr. Tom Porter and students share what it’s like to study music at Mary. 

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 103,800 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers by 2034. Employment opportunities for qualified teachers will increase as elementary school enrollment increases.

Career Paths

  • Elementary School Music Teacher
  • Secondary School Music Teacher
  • School or Community Band Director
  • School, Community, or Church Choir Director
  • Private Music Teacher
  • School or Community Orchestra Director

I feel very equipped and confident about entering the job field soon. The University of Mary has done an excellent job preparing me for the future, ensuring I feel confident and eager to begin my first degree-centered job.

AnnaMarie Ingalls, ’23

Featured Faculty

Brian Lydeen, DMA

Director of Music Education and Music Performance, Director of Woodwind and Jazz Studies, Professor of Music

At the University of Mary, I teach applied lessons for saxophone, clarinet, and flute, as well as coach chamber groups in those areas. I remain active as a performer and enjoy working with students of all levels and abilities. In addition to woodwind studies, I am also the director for the jazz studies offerings at Mary, including directing the jazz ensembles and combos, teaching jazz improvisation, and coordinating our annual UMary Jazz Festival.

Alexander Mains, MEd

Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Secondary Education

As the director of the secondary education program, I have the opportunity to work with prospective middle school and high school educators to help them grow in their skills and develop a love of learning for their future students. I work within seven different subject areas for my program, teaching various methods courses and education courses, and visiting practicum schools where my future educators observe classroom teachers and practice teaching their lessons to real students.

Take Your Next Step in Music Education