The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Education is a professional degree designed for students who are passionate about teaching music in K–12 schools. This fully accredited program combines intensive musical training with extensive field experiences, preparing graduate to become knowledgeable, reflective, and effective music educators.
Students develop comprehensive skills performance, music theory, history, arranging, conducting, improvisation, and pedagogy while completing a carefully sequenced curriculum that integrates academic study, critical thinking, and hands-on teaching experiences.
The intensive four-year degree program leads to Ohio teacher licensure and prepares graduates to complete the Ohio Assessments for Educators and meet state requirements for certification.
Students are encouraged to declare the Music Education major early to allow enough time to complete the degree requirements and prepare for student teaching in the final semester.
We also offer competitive performance-based scholarships, including full and partial tuition awards, for incoming undergraduate music students.
Program Highlights
Practical Classroom Experience
Gain classroom experience early in the program through supervised field placements beginning in introductory coursework and continuing throughout your degree, culminating in student teaching.
Joint Music Program (JMP)
Receive conservatory-level training in performance, music theory, eurhythmics, and chamber music through our JMP with the internationally renowned Cleveland Institute of Music while experiencing the breadth of a liberal arts education at CWRU.
Outstanding Ensemble Opportunities
Develop your musicianship through participation in a variety of ensembles, including band, choir, orchestra, jazz, chamber music, and contemporary ensembles.
Personalized Faculty Mentorship
Learn from experienced faculty specializing in instrumental, choral, and general music education who are dedicated to your development as both a musician and educator.
Active Professional Organizations
Build leadership skills and expand your professional network through student chapters of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME Collegiate) and the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA).
Specialized Teaching Resources
Prepare for today's classrooms using dedicated instructional technology and specialized teaching resources designed for future educators.
Professional Licensure & Portability
Graduate eligible to apply for Ohio Multi-Age (K–12) Music Licensure, with reciprocity agreements in more than 40 states.
Nationally Recognized Accreditation
Earn your degree from a program approved by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Admission
Ready to inspire the next generation of musicians?
To declare the BS in Music Education, students must:
- Submit the CWRU Application and a Music Arts Supplement, which includes a digital questionnaire and recorded audition on the student's primary instrument or voice.
- Complete a live interview.
Application and audition requirements are available on the Undergraduate Applications & Auditions page.
Program Requirements
The BS in Music Education requires 125 total credit hours and combines comprehensive musical training with professional preparation for K–12 teaching licensure.
The curriculum includes:
- Music Core: Sequential coursework in music theory, musicianship, eurhythmics, music history and culture, world music in education, music technology, and upper-level music electives.
- Applied Music: Private instruction, recital classes, and performance juries on your primary instrument or voice.
- Ensembles: Participation in Department of Music ensembles appropriate to your primary performance area.
- Music Education Preparation: Coursework in music education foundations, general, instrumental, and choral teaching methods, conducting, score analysis, arranging, technology-assisted instruction, vernacular music, and pedagogy across all instrument families.
- Professional Education: Coursework in psychology, educational foundations, literacy, classroom practices, and teaching diverse learners.
- Field Experience & Student Teaching: Progressive classroom observations and field experiences leading to a full-time student teaching placement and seminar.
- General Education: Completion of the University's Unified General Education Requirements (UGER), providing a strong liberal arts foundation.
Additional graduation and licensure requirements include:
- Demonstrated piano proficiency
- Successful completion of the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE)
- Completion of required state workshops and field experiences
- Criminal background checks required for teacher licensure
Complete curriculum requirements, course descriptions, and a sample plan of study are available in the General Bulletin.
Teacher Education
Licensure programs at Case Western Reserve University are coordinated through Teacher Education Program, which serves as the academic home for educator preparation.
Students pursuing teacher licensure in music education must follow the policies and requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook, which provides guidance throughout the licensure process.
The handbook includes information on:
- Admission & Retention Requirements
GPA standards, interviews, ePortfolio benchmarks, field experiences, and progression through key program milestones. - Program Outcomes
Competencies aligned with Ohio's Standards for the Teaching Profession (OSTP) and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards. - Professional Conduct
Expectations for ethical behavior, professionalism, and good moral character required for teacher licensure. - Student Teaching
Application procedures, placement processes, timelines, evaluation criteria, responsibilities, and required documentation. - Background Checks & Licensure Assessments
Requirements for BCI and FBI background checks and the Ohio Assessments for Educator (OAE). - ePortfolio & Performance Assessment
Development of a professional teaching ePortfolio and completion of the edTPA performance assessment as part of the licensure process.
Note: Students are expected to consult the Teacher Education Handbook regularly and work closely with their academic advisor and the Coordinator of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies in Music Education to ensure timely progress toward degree completion and Ohio teacher licensure.
Advising & Student Resources
BS in Music Education students have access to a variety of advising and academic resources throughout their undergraduate experience:
- Undergraduate Music Handbook
A comprehensive guide to Department of Music policies, procedures, and deadlines. - Teacher Education Handbook
Primary resource for understanding licensure requirements and key milestones. - Current Undergraduate Students Page
Access advising forms, checklists, and links to academic support services. - General Bulletin – Undergraduate Academics
University-wide academic policies, degree requirements, and course descriptions.