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Music Education, K-12

Find Your Musical Voice at SAU!

Music can speak beyond words. Spring Arbor University’s Department of Music is equipped to help you succeed in the world of music. Whether you want to be a professional musician, teacher, composer, or just love making music, you’ll learn from seasoned professionals who are master teachers and musicians actively working in the industry. In addition, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice your craft and creativity in a variety music ensembles, performances, and opportunities on campus.

As a Music Education major, SAU’s music program offers broad musical preparation for the student who wishes to major in music in partnership with the School of Education to be certified to teach music in public schools. The B.A. in Music Education prepares students for many different career possibilities including K-12 public school teaching, private music teaching, composing, songwriting, music directing, church music directing, working in the music business, and producing digital music. The B.A. in Music Education is an intense degree with specialized focuses in Vocal and/or Instrumental Music Education. The degree also allows the flexibility to add endorsements to further enhance the degree and support various career paths including social media managing, personal branding, marketing, business, audio production, and many others. This degree culminates in a semester of student teaching. Upon passing the required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, SAU Music Education students are eligible for Michigan teaching certification in K-12 Music Education.

Throughout the degree program, you’ll have opportunities to create your own music, hone your musicianship skill sets, and prepare for a career in the music business through our wonderful lab facilities, internships, off-campus experiences, and daily engagement with our faculty.

For more information about ensembles and musical opportunities, our faculty, scholarships, and upcoming events, visit our Department of Music page.

Music Education Career Pathways

  • K-12 Music Educator (Choral and/or Instrumental)
  • Professional Musician
  • Music Business Professional
  • Music Director
  • Church Music Director
  • Private Music Teacher
  • Composer
  • Digital Music Producer
  • Singer/Songwriter
  • Accompanist
  • Vocal/Instrumental Coach

Program Highlights

  • One-on-One Faculty Interaction
  • Student Teaching Semester
  • Digital Music Production Lab
  • Music Recording Lab
  • Off-Campus Nashville/Los Angeles Experiences
  • Weekly Performance Opportunities
  • Variety of Performing Ensembles
  • Digital Portfolio Development

Music Education Courses

Music Education Program Total Credit Hours: 54

  • MUS 105: Music Theory I: Literacy
  • MUS 106: Music Theory II: Harmony
  • MUS 205: Music Theory III: Orchestration
  • MUS 206: Music Theory IV: Advanced Harmony
  • MUS 212: Music Production I
  • MUS 230: Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, String Ensemble, Jazz Combo
  • MUS 240: Chamber Choir, University Singers
  • MUS 313: The History of Music Literature Before 1750
  • MUS 314: The History of Music Literature since 1750
  • MUS 319: Elementary Methods
  • MUS 323: World Music
  • MUS 349: Secondary Methods
  • MUS 363: Conducting
  • MUS 386: Junior Recital
  • MUS 461: Rehearsal Strategies
  • MUS 486: Professional Recital
  • MUS 487: Piano Proficiency
  • MUS 480: Theory Seminar

Instrumental Concentration (choosing a concentration is required for this program)

  • MUS 311: Vocal Pedagogy
  • MUS 332: Brass Methods
  • MUS 333: Percussion Methods
  • MUS 336: String Methods
  • MUS 337: Woodwind Methods
  • MUS 341: Marching Band Materials/Methods

Vocal Concentration (choosing a concentration is required for this program)

  • MUS 311: Vocal Pedagogy
  • MUS 312: Diction
  • MUS 338: Survey of Instrumental Techniques

Enhance Your Music Education Degree

Take your Music Education degree to the next level by pairing it with one of the following minors or endorsements.

Minors

  • Freelance & Personal Branding
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Business Administration
  • Accounting
  • Christian Ministry
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Psychology

Concentrations

  • Advertising & Public Relations
  • Audio Production
  • Business Administration
  • Digital Influence
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Freelance and Personal Branding
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Video Production
  • Web Development