Music Education

Bachelor of Music Education at Ohio State

Also visit the Music Education pages.

The study of music education provides the training and tools to teach music in public and private schools. Ohio State music education students select one or more teaching specializations from among the following: choral, general, instrumental (band, orchestra). Ohio State's particular strength is the thorough preparation of practitioners, and intensive course offerings in music education methods and techniques help to ensure competence and confidence at the start of the student-teaching semester. Students who complete degree requirements and pass all required State teaching licensure examinations receive a provisional teaching license (Multiage PK–12 Music) from the State of Ohio.

NOTE: Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please reviedw state educational requirements for licensure and certification, and state licensing board contact information at go.osu.edu/onground.

Pursuing Music Education at Ohio State

Students interested in music education should develop performance skills in preparation for the entrance audition. Facility at the piano is also recommended. Like other students planning to pursue a major in music, music education applicants complete an entrance audition and the Theory Placement Exam (TPE), normally on a scheduled Audition Day during the senior year in high school. Transfer students and students already at Ohio State also complete an audition and the TPE.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

The Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association (OCMEA) is the professional organization at the state level associated with music education, and OCMEA is the state's affiliate of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). The campus chapter is led by an elective body of undergraduate music education students. Regular informative workshops and attendance at state conferences (held in Columbus) contribute to exciting and enhanced learning opportunities in the field.

Career Prospects in Music Education

Music educators have teaching careers available in preschool through high school settings, adult learning centers and private studios. Beginning salaries for music teachers vary depending on the school district; high school teachers and some junior high/middle school teachers receive supplementary stipends for extra duties (e.g., marching band and musical theatre productions).

Students who wish to teach music education at the college level should teach music in grades preK–12 for at least three years, as most graduate programs require at least that much experience. Graduate study in music education, often to the PhD level, is required for college teaching positions.

See Undergraduate Curriculum information