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B.Mus. Music Education

Major Teaching Endorsement
120 credit hours
98% career outcome rate1

13:1
Student-to-faculty ratio

Music teachers educate their students on more than just reading and performing music. They also teach responsibility, teamwork and creative thinking. Multiple studies have correlated learning music at a young age to increased math and reading skills and an improved IQ and memory.

A degree in music education from Concordia University, Nebraska prepares you to teach vocal and instrumental music to students K-12 in Lutheran, Christian, private or public schools. Some music teachers instruct students in a certain instrument, while others teach general music classes. If you choose to become an elementary music teacher, you would likely instruct students in singing, reading music, playing instruments or music appreciation. As a high school music teacher, you would have courses in more specific areas, such as choral groups or jazz and marching bands. College music professors usually teach specific subjects such as piano and voice. They might also give one-on-one lessons for specific instruments, such as piano or violin. As a music teacher, you can present a unique form of aesthetic expression as an integral component to the education of students of all ages.

Teachers of music are specially educated to guide creative, artistic development in their classroom or to students on an individual basis. Besides schools, many music education majors find careers in nonprofit organizations such as churches, community centers, daycare centers or through private tutoring. There are many opportunities to share your passion for music with others.

The music education degree at Concordia teaches the fundamentals of music theory, forms and analysis, as well as aural theory and choral and instrumental arranging. You’ll learn techniques of composing, arranging and analyzing music and educational principles to prepare you for teaching music to the next generation of musicians. Our contemporary curriculum develops musical knowledge and teaching skills by immersing students in field-based observations and teaching opportunities.

Pursue your passion for music and for teaching at Concordia University, Nebraska.

Music Education Courses

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Program Differentiators

Core Concepts

The music education program at Concordia University, Nebraska provides a dynamic learning environment that stimulates the highest standards of research, innovation and leadership in music teaching, performance, technology, education and advocacy for the sake of others and in service to God’s kingdom.

Dr. Joseph Herl - Music

Picking music apart and figuring out what makes it work is Dr. Joe Herl's favorite thing to do in class. Learn more about Dr. Herl in this Faculty 5 video.

Concordia University - Music Department

Learn More about Concordia Nebraska’s Music Department.

Testimonials

 

My favorite thing about being a music education major is sharing the gift of music with others. I know that my music classes are preparing me to teach and share the beauty of music.
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Grace Woelmer
Allen, Texas
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Concordia NebraskaMusic Education: Learning Objectives

Students in the music education program at Concordia University, Nebraska will learn about the profession of music education through the study of its history, philosophy and current methodology, climate and trends.

Students will learn techniques in instrumental and vocal music, acquiring sufficient facility in each instrument to be able to demonstrate the various techniques in teaching.

Students will be able to apply pedagogical knowledge and skills appropriate to the teaching of music.

Concordia NebraskaMusic Education: Program Goals

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Students in the music education program at Concordia University, Nebraska will gain the ability to inspire others and to excite the imagination of students, engendering a respect, appreciation and commitment for music.

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Students will be able to evaluate ideas, methods and policies in music, the humanities and music education for their impact on the musical and cultural development of their students.

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Students will be able to arrange and adapt music from a variety of sources to meet the needs and ability levels of individuals, school groups and in classroom situations.

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Students will gain the skills and knowledge sufficient to teach different levels of students on instrument or in voice as appropriate to their chosen areas of specialization.

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Music Education Faculty

As experts in music education, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.

Meet the faculty

Concordia NebraskaMusic Education: FAQs

Concordia Nebraska Music Education: Career Outcomes

Music Teacher

Music teachers teach children or adults to sing, play instruments and appreciate music theory and music history. As a music teacher, you might teach privately or in a school, to individuals, groups, ensembles or choirs.

4% Annual Growth Rate2
$36,360 Entry-Level Salary2
$69,960 Mid-Level Salary2
$146,290 Late-Level Salary2

Church Music Director

Church music directors are hired by churches to lead the choir and develop the church’s music-oriented activities. As a church music director, you would schedule and lead choir rehearsals, conduct and lead the choir in performance and recruit and audition new singers.

1% Annual Growth Rate2
$27,330 Entry-Level Salary2
$30,936 Mid-Level Salary2
$35,110 Late-Level Salary2

Private Music Instructor

Private music instructors teach students in a one-on-one setting, providing instruction in technique, performance, music notation and more. As a private music teacher, you would likely specialize in one or two specific instruments. Like all teachers, private music instructors spend plenty of time outside of lessons on related work, including maintaining or developing their own musical skills; studying new pedagogical methods; gathering materials relevant to their students' interests and stage of musical development; planning individual lessons; scheduling lessons; and managing the other administrative tasks associated with running a small business, such as marketing and finances.

1% Annual Growth Rate2
$30,873 Entry-Level Salary2
$46,744 Mid-Level Salary2
$72,331 Late-Level Salary2

Concordia NebraskaMusic Education: Related Programs

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Elementary Education

As an elementary educator, you are certified to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade. You will typically spend the day with the same group of students, teaching them foundational skills in a wide variety of subjects. The liberal arts education you will receive at Concordia University, Nebraska, along with subject-specific methodology courses in the education department, will prepare you to be an outstanding elementary school teacher.

Discover the Elementary Education Program

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Secondary Education

With a degree in secondary education from Concordia University, Nebraska, you will be equipped to teach grades 7-12, encouraging intellectual and emotional growth at a critical time in the lives of your students. You’ll engage in rich coursework, collaborate with faculty and gain invaluable experience first shadowing a professional teacher and then teaching in your own high school classroom.

Discover the Secondary Education Program

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Music

As a music major at Concordia University, Nebraska, you will participate in ensembles, either choral or instrumental or both, as part of the requirements for your major. Since ensemble participation doesn’t necessarily factor into your official course load, you may find that you have more opportunities within your schedule to take additional electives that interest you to help round out your career options.

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1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.

2 Career salary and wages sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.