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Subject · 1125 verified programs

Music Education: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs that study and prepare for teaching music, combining musicianship, pedagogy and school or community practice.

Also called: Music Teaching, Music Pedagogy, Instrumental and Vocal Teaching, Music Teacher Education, Musikpädagogik, Instrumentalpädagogik, Didattica della musica, Pédagogie musicale.

269 BM / BMus · 193 BA / BA (Hons) · 166 Other bachelor’s award · 148 MM / MMus · 126 MA · 78 Other master’s award · 50 PhD · 34 BS / BSc · 15 Other diploma · 15 Certificate · 9 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 7 MS / MSc · 7 DMA · 4 Other research doctorate · 2 Other practice doctorate · 1 Graduate Diploma · 1 BFA · 863 dedicated degree, 125 official concentration, 120 named major, 17 documented pathway

1125 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About music education study

Music education is the study of how music is taught and learned. Degree programs combine musical skills with the theory and practice of teaching, covering topics such as classroom methods, ensemble direction, instrumental and vocal teaching, curriculum design, child and adolescent development, and assessment. Students usually learn several instruments or voice types so that they can teach in varied settings.

Programs commonly include supervised teaching practice in schools or community settings, and courses on teaching approaches such as Kodaly, Orff, Dalcroze or Suzuki-inspired methods, depending on the institution. Others focus on instrumental teaching in studios, or on community music and early childhood. At graduate level, study may turn to research on learning, curriculum and policy.

It is important to separate academic study from professional qualification. A music education degree is an academic award, while the right to teach in a state school is normally governed by a separate teacher licensure, certification or registration system. Some degrees include the teacher qualification, while others require an additional program or exam, and the rules differ by country, region and school type. Anyone planning to teach should check the relevant education authority.

What study typically involves

  • Teaching methods for general, choral, instrumental and ensemble music
  • Principal instrument or voice and secondary instruments
  • Conducting and rehearsal techniques for school ensembles
  • Child and adolescent development and learning theory
  • Curriculum planning, assessment and inclusive practice
  • Supervised teaching practice or placements
  • Music theory, aural skills and music history
  • Research in music education at graduate level

Award titles. Music education is commonly recognized through awards such as the Bachelor of Music Education (BME or BMusEd), BM, BA or BEd at undergraduate level, and the MM, MA, MEd or MMus at master's level. Doctoral study includes the PhD and, in some countries, the EdD. Postgraduate teaching certificates exist in some systems. Titles vary by country, and an academic degree does not by itself confer a license to teach in schools. Awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program is listed under Music Education only when it is a dedicated music education degree, a named music education major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single pedagogy course does not count. Listing does not imply that a program leads to teacher licensure, which must be checked separately.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Music education programs generally require an audition on a principal instrument or voice, as for other music degrees, plus an interview that explores motivation for teaching. Applicants may be asked about experience working with children or groups, and to complete theory and aural tests.

Some programs add education-specific requirements, such as background checks for working with young people, references or a personal statement on teaching. Graduate applicants typically need prior teaching experience or a first degree in music or education, and research-focused routes may ask for a writing sample and a research proposal.

Requirements vary by institution and country, and teacher qualification rules are separate from admission to the degree. Check the official admissions page and the education authority's rules. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include scholarships, tuition waivers, graduate assistantships and, in some countries, targeted grants or loan forgiveness schemes for people who go on to teach in particular settings. Professional associations and foundations also offer awards.

Availability and terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check directly with each program, education authority and funding body.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include instruments for secondary study, teaching materials, background-check or registration fees, travel to placement schools, licensing exams, and professional association membership.