Bachelor of Music Education
Meet the faculty
The undergraduate music education program at The Ohio State University School of Music is tailored to the needs of outstanding musicians who are considering a career as a school music teacher. The program is built on the strong musical foundation that the School of Music provides: private lessons, participation in ensembles, music theory and history, aural training and more. For the music teaching specialist, more classes are offered in conducting, in-depth study of instrumental and/or vocal teaching methods, the best repertoire for school ensembles, and preparation for life as a music teacher. The program culminates with student teaching, which is completed in one of the many excellent music programs in the Columbus area which offers urban, rural and suburban in-school experiences just minutes from campus.
Student teaching, however, is not the only time that Ohio State music education students are placed in a school environment. We offer a series of programs that place students in observation and teaching roles in schools throughout the degree program. The Early Field Experience, structured observation and tutoring, supervised field experience and finally student teaching ensure that students are able to take what they are learning in class and apply it directly in an active classroom setting.
The Bachelor of Music Education degree leads to an initial teaching license in the State of Ohio, enabling you to work as a music teacher in any setting from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Ohio is a part of the Interstate Agreement with many other states so that you can be employed almost anywhere. For the last many years, 100% of Ohio State BME graduates seeking a teaching job got one.
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 review state educational requirements for licensure and certification, and state licensing board contact information at OnGround.
Explore the appropriate curriculum information.
What does Ohio State offer prospective music teachers?
- A first-tier, Research 1 university with nationwide and worldwide name recognition
- A music community that offers a personal and supportive experience, with a close-knit student body
- A renowned, progressive and student-focused music education faculty with specialists in band, orchestra, choral and general music education — from early childhood through adulthood
- An outstanding applied voice and instrumental faculty who are deeply invested in teaching — in a school where all music majors study with a professor
- Exceptional ensemble experiences in choir, band, orchestra, jazz and marching band
- A vibrant campus community with opportunities to extend your education beyond music — to collaborate and engage with endless resources
- Engagement in the diversity of Columbus-area school districts from the earliest days of the program
- A wide range of music student organizations providing opportunities for personal connection and professional development
- Opportunities to work closely with a wide range of urban and suburban school districts right here in the Columbus area—many of which have some of the top music programs in the state and even the country. Additionally, some of these programs are led by Ohio State School of Music alumni, so students get to learn from and connect with educators who’ve been right where they are.
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.
Undergraduate Program
General Music Specialization
Students pursuing the general music education track take coursework covering the spectrum of musical engagement: piano, classroom instruments, band and orchestra instruments, and music technology. In addition to building your own musical skills through studying and performing, the curriculum will help you develop a comprehensive approach to musicianship for students of all ages, including performing, creating and responding to music.
Choral Music Specialization
The choral music education track thoroughly prepares students to teach and conduct singers of all ages. In addition to improving your own musicianship through voice lessons and choir, you will take coursework in vocal pedagogy, basic and advanced conducting, diction, piano skills, rehearsal techniques and more. The ever-expanding range of choral electives includes choral repertoire, music arranging and general music methods.
Instrumental Music Specialization
Instrumental music education students take a full program of courses covering all aspects of becoming an outstanding instrumental music educator. You will learn how to play and teach all of the woodwind, brass, percussion and string instruments as well as develop your conducting and rehearsal skills. Electives you might choose include repertoire classes, music arranging, marching band techniques, jazz pedagogy, and string instrument lab.
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 (often held in Columbus) contribute to exciting and enhanced learning opportunities in the field.