concentration in

Music Education

Music

McNeese State University boasts one of the best music education programs in Louisiana. With a degree in music and initial teacher certification, you’ll be highly competitive in the job market upon graduation.

Program Highlights

Music Education Program Highlights

McNeese has a long-standing tradition of teaching musical excellence with a personal touch. As a music major, you will have a variety of opportunities for one-on-one training and personal attention through mentorships, small class sizes and world-class instruction, led by well-established and internationally recognized faculty with diverse talents and expertise.

A high-value teaching degree in music education

The bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in music education is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Successfully complete the undergraduate program course work, praxis exams, performance requirements, field experiences and residency and you will qualify for initial teacher certification.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Music (B.M.)

Degree Program: Music

Program Length: 4 years (132 credit hours)

Availability: in person

Request Information

Program overview

Explore More for Music Education Majors

To prepare you for teaching in a classroom or instructional setting, you will have access to these features of the music education degree program at McNeese:

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Offering a high-value, affordable education, McNeese has one of the lowest costs of attendance in Louisiana, Southeast Texas and the U.S. Plus, you may be able to get additional help paying for college from band and choral service awards, the departmental scholarships and the University Special Achievement Award in Music. Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid.

Applied Learning:

Experience teaching music for an entire year in a student-teaching residency, which allows you to survey the full range of classroom operations from the introduction of instruments to concert performances. Other opportunities for hands-on learning include field experiences in pedagogy courses as well as student-staff roles in schools throughout the region.

Performance Opportunities:

Audition for one or several of the more than two dozen McNeese music groups to practice and perform with. Performance ensembles include the Pride of McNeese Marching Band, the Zyde-Pokes, West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Alpine Horn Ensemble, Steel Band, Concert Chorale and Opera Workshop. Enjoy the spotlight in one of the on-campus performance venues: F.G. Bulber Auditorium, Tritico Theatre, Squires Recital Hall and the recently renovated Band Hall, home to the University Bands Program.

Modern Programming:

With one of the most impressive and expansive collections of professional-quality band and orchestral instruments in Louisiana, McNeese continues to modernize its music program to keep up with changes in the industry and ensure your teaching degree is highly valuable and marketable. Our curriculum features new course work in relevant topics such as commercial music and entrepreneurship, upgraded digital technology and software, local partnerships with casinos and other venues that produce musical performances and instruction from guest artists who teach individual lessons and virtual and on-campus clinics.

Take the Next Step!

Apply Here

Learn More

Areas of Study

The concentration in music education offers two areas that you can pursue. With each program, you will have the chance to participate in student teaching and graduate with initial teacher certification.

Vocal Grades K-12

Vocal Grades K-12 Curriculum

Instrumental Grades K-12

Instrumental Grades K-12 Curriculum

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with this Degree?

Music education majors most often start off their careers as teachers, band directors and private instructors. McNeese graduates are also highly successful in graduate music programs specializing in fields of study such as music theory, composition and history. For example, alumni have furthered their studies at the following institutions:

Graduate Schools or Programs

Louisiana State University
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Lamar University
University of Arizona
University of North Texas
University of Missouri – Kansas City

Potential Job Titles or Employers

Public and Private Schools
Children’s Music Programs
Studios and Conservatories
Daycare and Recreation Centers

Banners Series

As part of the Banners Cultural Season, McNeese showcases a variety of performances by popular and critically acclaimed musicians and performers. As a music major, you have the chance to study with a number of visiting artists.

Professional Networking

Student organizations and activities provide opportunities on and off campus to make connections with the local artistic community. Join other instrumental music education majors in Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi or the Student Music Composition Society.

Modern Facilities

The bachelor’s degree in music education is part of the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts. Housed in the Shearman Fine Arts Addition, one of the newest buildings on campus, the department provides music majors with a variety of practice and performance space as well as top-of-the-line technology and equipment.