About this Program
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. A degree program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and musicianship to become a vital, contributing music educator.
The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Music Education (Instrumental or Vocal) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and musicianship to become vital music educators. Building on a core curriculum that includes music theory, history, and literature, as well as extensive ensemble performance and applied study, Music Education majors complete education courses that fulfill Minnesota Licensure requirements (K-12).
UMD hits all the high notes
- Specialized study in conducting, classroom methods, and instrumental or choral techniques develops the fundamental skills and sensitivity needed for K-12 music educators.
- Moreover, a layered system of devoted faculty in partnership with local educational organizations supports students as they transition from UMD’s coursework to becoming leaders in their own classrooms, studios, and stages.
- Learn, practice, and perform with students from many different states and multiple continents in beautiful Weber Music Hall, a dedicated Department of Music facility that is recognized across the country for its top-tier acoustics.
- Our exceptional faculty are specialists on their instruments and in their fields and continue to record and to travel internationally to perform on the world’s stages, yet they are also passionate about teaching and about your education and development as musicians and people.
- The Department of Music at the University of Minnesota Duluth is proud to be a fully accredited member of NASM, the National Association of Schools of Music.
Acquired Skills
Music training hones the following skills that are applicable to any career:
- Self-discipline & persistence
- Problem-solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Confidence
- Research techniques
Ability to synthesize feedback/constructive criticism
The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which accredits UMD’s Music programs, ensures that our program addresses specific Music Education competencies.
Graduates of the baccalaureate degree program in Music Education satisfy Minnesota educator Standards of Effective Practice, leading to k-12 licensure in music.
Career Possibilities
UMD Music graduates continue on to graduate school to further their research or enjoy many different careers as music educators, professional performers, composers, conductors, music therapists, instrument repair technicians, music librarians, and sound editors, to name just a few.
Additionally, as a complement to any other field of work, a study in music opens the pathways to creative thinking, sharpens skills in collaboration and the ability to listen, and develops a way of thinking that weaves together disparate ideas.
Playing music also trains individuals to focus on the present and the future simultaneously. For these reasons and more, music is highly regarded as a complementary background for students pursuing careers in many other areas.
Admissions and Scholarships
Admission to Music programs is based upon standard UMD admission guidelines, as well as an audition (see details below in Requirements).
Music majors can compete for several different talent-based scholarships at the time of their initial audition, and several of the music scholarships are renewable each year for continuing students.
Student Clubs
Student clubs in the Department of Music vary each year according to interests but may include Mu Phi Epsilon, Music Student Association, and the National Association for Music Education.
Requirements
All Music majors at UMD are required to audition for admission to the program. Auditions are typically held on several Saturdays each spring prior to fall admission but may also be arranged at other times. Current information about the audition process and preparation is found on the Music website.
Music Education majors must also pass the NES Essential Academic Skills Tests, must be admitted to UMD Department of Education’s STEP program, must pass a background check, and must complete student teaching in their final semester of the program.
Students must maintain grades of C- or better in all required courses for the major.
All UMD Music majors are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop as specified under Technology Requirements.