Are you ready to inspire others through music? We’ll show you how.
Music educators have the unique privilege of sharing both their knowledge of music and their passion for it. In the Bachelor of Music Education program, you’ll develop your teaching skills and your own musicianship by working with award-winning faculty whose experience spans every type of educational institution. It’s your chance to be the inspiration—to be the one who shows a student how music enhances every part of our lives. While courses focus on preparing you to teach in K–12 settings, the skills and experiences you gain can be transferred to a variety of teaching environments.
Is the Bachelor of Music Education right for you?
The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree prepares students for teaching in elementary and secondary schools, where they often serve as both personal and musical role models. Upon a successful Penn State application and audition, students enter the pre-major, where they typically spend two years completing the entrance-to-major requirements. Some of those requirements are a piano proficiency exam, select courses in music and educational psychology, and at least 80 hours of paid or volunteer work. Refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin for entrance to major criteria. The program culminates with a semester of student-teaching.
Graduates are prepared to receive the Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate for teaching music K–12. Teaching early childhood music classes; elementary school music; middle and high school band, orchestra, and choir; and adult community ensembles are just some of the ways music educators ply their trade.
Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map. (Available July 2020.)
Level Up
Take your degree to the next level, so you can help your students do the same.
Minors + Options
Recommended Minors
Pursue a minor in Music Performance, Music Technology, or Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
International Programs
IES Vienna
Music Summer Program. Select from English- and German-taught course options focusing on music and European culture and society.
One of the largest universities in Great Britain and located in a city known for its rich musical tradition and thriving local music scene.
Outreach
Community Outreach and Beyond
Performances in the community and on campus; musical presentations at conferences and schools throughout the region; teaching music lessons in public schools; participating in teaching mission trips abroad.
Considering the B.M.E.? Consider this.
100 percent placement rate for graduates in either teaching jobs or graduate school.
This degree prepares you to teach music in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Gain experience through student-teaching in schools and other environments.
Degree prepares you for Pennsylvania teacher certification.
Our music students contribute to and participate in the vibrant campus culture at Penn State.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Luke Nosal
B.M. in Music 2018Luke Nosal is the assistant conductor of the Queer Urban Orchestra in New York City. As a conductor and queer advocate, Nosal is known for leading ensembles with an eclectic style, dynamic interpretation, and deep passion while always using their platform to give visibility to issues in the LGBTQA community. In addition to a Bachelor of Music, Nosal earned a P.P.C. Orchestral Conducting in 2019.
News from A&A;
Arts and Architecture names college, academic unit marshals
Crystal Dahm, of Boalsburg, Pa., has been named spring 2021 student marshal for the College of Arts and Architecture. She will receive a B.F.A. in Theatre and B.S. in French
School of Music Welcomes Opera/Coach Blair Salter
