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Earn a music education degree with a BA in Music that prepares you for K–12 licensure.
At Western Colorado University, our music education degree is built for students who want to grow as both musicians and educators. We combine performance, music theory, and hands-on teaching experience so you graduate ready to step into the classroom with confidence.
Whether you’re leading an ensemble, teaching your first lesson, or developing your own musical voice, our program gives you the tools to do it well. If you’re passionate about sharing music with others, we’ll help you turn that into a meaningful career.
What Is a Music Education Degree?
A music education degree prepares you to become both a skilled musician and an effective teacher. It blends technical training in music with the teaching methods needed to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
At Western, we focus on building both sides of that experience. You won’t just study music, you’ll learn how to teach it in real classrooms, connect with students, and adapt to different learning environments.
Why Study Music Education at Western
Our music education degree is designed to give you a balanced, hands-on experience from day one. We keep class sizes small, prioritize mentorship, and make sure you’re actively applying what you learn.
You’ll work closely with faculty and participate in music ensembles, giving you regular performance experience while training in spaces like the Kincaid Concert Hall. We also build in consistent one-on-one instruction, including weekly lessons on your primary instrument or voice, so you continue developing as a musician while learning to teach.
What You’ll Learn in Our Music Education Degree Program
In our program, you’ll develop your musicianship while building the skills needed to lead and teach effectively.
Your coursework combines:
- Music theory, history, and performance
- Instrumental and vocal pedagogy
- Ensemble participation
- Classroom teaching strategies
You’ll also gain experience performing in music concerts, helping you build confidence and real-world performance skills. We emphasize real-world preparation throughout the program. It all comes together in a year-long education residency, where you step into the classroom and gain hands-on teaching experience before you graduate.
