Program Overview
Asbury University’s music degrees are uniquely designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in music and music education and certification as music educators.
Whether you are a performer, composer, or you venture to teach a future generation of musicians, Asbury’s Music Department offers a degree path that is personalized to your interests and goals with opportunities to refine your talent and gain hands-on experience in your field.
Music majors can choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education. In both programs, students acquire high proficiency in their chosen medium or instrument through private lessons, gain a base of knowledge in music theory, history and practice and learn how their faith can fuel their musical careers.
The music education degree is designed for students who have a great interest in teaching music in the public schools. This program will thoroughly prepare you for the music teaching area of your choice; instrumental, vocal/choral, general music, or combined instrumental/choral. This program includes much time spent in area public school music programs through practicum and student teaching opportunities.
Asbury’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education is designed for students interested in teaching music or directing musical ensembles in public and private educational settings.
This four-year degree program constitutes a balance of core music coursework, courses in your chosen instrument emphasis and education and teaching methods courses. Requirements include:
Ensemble and performance requirements include one ensemble per semester and the senior recital.
Choosing the music education degree pathway at Asbury ensures you complete the coursework needed for music teacher certification in preschool through grade 12 and gain field hours through in-person experiences called field placements.
Students in the General Music Education track of the B.S. in Music Education will work to become experts in non-ensemble-specific music education. As a General Music Education major, you’ll be exposed to the standard methodologies in music pedagogy like Orff Schulwerk, Kodaly and Modern Band and complete a field placement in preparation for music teacher certification for grades P (preschool)-12.
This broad emphasis area helps students start their careers as music educators or pursue graduate degrees that open opportunities for advanced professorial careers or leadership positions in educational institutions.
In the Instrumental Music Education major concentration, you’ll combine your passion for playing music and your interest in working with students. In addition to developing your musical skills and knowledge, you will learn how to teach all band and orchestra instruments, ensemble leadership skills and practices of music program administration.
As an Instrumental Music Education major, you will have many practical experiences in the area’s schools that will prepare you for leadership in this exciting and fulfilling field. As a music educator, you will influence both the music development and the personal growth of your students.
Courses in the Vocal/Choral Education emphasis area of the B.S. in Music Education encompass the story of choral literature, choral pedagogy and choral rehearsal technique. You’ll learn how to expertly teach choir students of all ages, from elementary to adult.
In addition to preparing for teacher certification for grades P-12 through field placements, in the Vocal Education emphasis, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with choirs on campus in the Asbury music program.
The music degree emphasis in Combined Instrumental/Vocal Education allows you to explore teaching careers in both choral and instrumental fields. You’ll pursue teacher certification allowing you to work broadly with choirs, bands, orchestras and general music.
If you’re excited about a future role in music education, the Combined Instrumental/Vocal Education degree emphasis fulfills the educational and experiential requirements for certification grades P-12, opening doors to careers teaching music or directing music programs.
Asbury University music faculty members are trained in nationally recognized programs and keep on top of their fields with active involvement in professional organizations and off-campus local and regional performing groups. All full-time faculty members hold earned doctorates (the highest percentages of any music department in Kentucky). While they continually sharpen their professional and academic skills, their primary focus is on their students and they become mentors and friends. Small classes are taught by experienced faculty members — not graduate students.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in music is key to beginning or advancing a career in playing, composing and teaching. A degree in music also prepares students to pursue the graduate study needed for advanced roles like music therapist or professor of music.
Asbury University’s bachelor’s degree in music, as well as the bachelor’s degree in music education, offers multiple tailored areas of emphasis, allowing you to follow the career path that speaks to your personal and professional goals.
Asbury music program alumni have found success in such varied career paths as:
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