Bachelor of Music Education in Music Education
Department
Department of Music and Dramatic Arts
College
College of Education and Human Development
Overview of the program
The Bachelor of Music Education degree is the initial professional degree for students electing to pursue a career in public-school (K-12) teaching. In addition to the standard core of musicianship and general studies, the student pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education degree must develop competencies in professional education and in specific areas of musicianship. The course of study may also serve as a foundation leading to advanced graduate study. Its primary emphasis is on development of the skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional life of musicians and their ability to educate future generations of musicians and citizens.
Successful Bachelor of Music Education students will be committed to developing both their musical abilities and the pedagogical skills necessary to succeed as a music educator. Degree candidates must also be thoroughly dedicated to encouraging the artistic and intellectual growth of their students. In any of several possible roles, the successful professional music educator should exhibit technical competence, a broad knowledge of music and musical literature, the ability to integrate musical knowledge and skills, sensitivity in musical style, and insight into the role of music in our culture.
The Bachelor of Music Education degree is the best option for students at Southeastern who wish to prepare for later study in music therapy programs. Those interested in music therapy should consult with the Department Head for special course recommendations.
The Department of Music and Dramatic Arts is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education degree should view audition requirements located on the department's Web pages.Students interested in a more performance-oriented degree should view information on the Bachelor of Music degree program.
Concentrations
- Instrumental
- Vocal
Strengths of the program
- Our highly qualified faculty of twenty-three full-time and twenty-one part-time teachers and scholars is devoted to teaching and providing a positive and supportive learning environment for all of their students. Our faculty members are leaders in their fields, holding offices in state and national professional organizations and receiving national and university awards in teaching, research, and creative activity. They can be heard performing nationally and internationally in live concerts and on compact discs.
- The quality of performance teaching is reflected through the accomplishments of our students in competitions, placements, audition results, grad school placements, fellowship awards, etc.
- Our student body is diverse -- our students come from throughout the United States and several foreign countries, including Honduras, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Germany, the Republic of Moldova, and Mexico.
- Graduates continue to distinguish themselves in a variety of ways, as successful on-stage performers and as educators in public schools, colleges, and universities.
- The Community Music School (CMS) at Southeastern Louisiana University provides the northshore region with a vital community-based program of music education. The CMS provides an opportunity for Southeastern music students to teach students and have their teaching evaluated by Southeastern faculty members.
Preparing for a job in the program
- Have substantial pre-college experience singing or playing an instrument.
- Develop written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Develop computer skills.
- Seek opportunities to perform (alone or in local ensembles) or work in local music stores.
- Volunteer to work with local area music educators.
- Network with professionals in arts related fields.
Careers in the program
A Major in Music Education prepares students for work in the following fields:
- Elementary/secondary music teacher
- College/university teacher
- Studio/private teaching
- Instrumentalist, classical
- Instrumentalist, pop/rock/jazz
- Vocalist, classical
- Vocalist, pop/rock/jazz
- Church musician
- Studio musician
- Conductor/director
- Composer/arranger/orchestrator
- Staged musical/theatre
- Music therapy
- Music librarian
- Musicologist
- Music editing & publishing
- Computer software industry
- Instrument repair & design
- Retail music sales
Some occupations may require graduate or professional education. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific occupations you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the University.
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Performing Arts, $23,000 - $34,000
Elementary Teacher Education, $27,000 - $34,500
Secondary Education, $27,000 - $31,500
Specific Academic/Vocational Teacher, $26,650 - $33,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Music Educators' National Conference (MENC)
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Honorary Music Fraternity)
- Kappa Kappa Psi (KKY, National Band Fraternity)
- Delta Omicron (Honorary Music Fraternity)
- American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
Related fields that might interest you
- Attorney (music business)
- School teacher
- Television, movie and radio industries
- Entertainment industry
- Military bands & choruses
- Film score composer/editor
- Ethnomusicology
- Library arts
- Piano tuning
- Disc jockeys and announcers
- Music programming (radio)
- Arts management/administration
- Community development specialist
- Music reporter or critic
- Sound & recording engineering
- Audio/visual equipment technician
- Producer
- Music promoter
- Advertising
- Government agencies such as U. S. State Department - Cultural Affairs
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Necessary qualities for the music education major include:
- Previous musical training, including the ability to perform - either vocally or on a musical instrument.
- Self-motivation, discipline, persistence & perseverance are all necessary in order to effectively practice, study and learn about music.
- An interest in teaching others
- Knowledge of music history and/or music theory
- An interest in learning about diverse types of music
- Intellectual curiosity about the creative arts
- Knowledge of the music business
- Foreign language experience can be helpful
Notable Alumni
William J. "Bill" Evans, BMEd., 1950 - Grammy-winning Jazz Pianist and Composer
Ralph R. Pottle, Jr., BA & BM, 1949 - Hornist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Fulbright Fellow
Donald George Smith, BM, 1969 - International opera soloist
Alvin Duain Wolfe, BM, 1966 - Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Contact Information
Department of Music and Dramatic Arts
College of Education and Human Development
SLU Box 10815
Hammond, Louisiana 70402-0815
On Campus: Pottle Music Building, Room 102
Telephone: (985) 549-2184
Fax: (985) 549-2892 fax
Email: devenson@selu.edu
