B.M. in Music Education

The Elmhurst University Department of Music endorses the ideals and subject areas that are traditionally listed in liberal arts curricula.

Further, the Department of Music recognizes preparation of well-qualified teachers of music as a legitimate aspect of the liberal arts program. This commitment to a special program in the context of a liberal arts setting is a major strength in our preparation of music teachers.

Our total program is intended to prepare teachers who are able to assist students in making sound aesthetic judgments. Music education students will have numerous “live teaching” experiences in the public schools in preparation for student teaching. Graduates are certified to teach grades pre-kindergarten through 12 in Illinois and most other states.

Major Requirements

Music education majors are required to participate in a major performing ensemble (concert band, choir or orchestra) for every term of full-time enrollment. MUS 369 Conducting I must be taken in residence at Elmhurst University.

Procedures and requirements for admission to teacher education, admission to student teaching, state licensure testing, and course sequence may be obtained from the director of music education. Students are required to pass the appropriate content area test prior to the student teaching semester and the edTPA prior to program completion. See Admission to Teacher Education.

Required Courses

Major Core Courses

• Concert Attendance: MUS 100 each term, with or without credit
• Music Theory: MUS 135, 136, 235, 236
• Music History: MUS 343, 344
• Conducting: MUS 369, 370, 389
• Applied music: six terms for credit on same instrument or voice
• Band, Orchestra, or Choir: one each term, with or without credit on major instrument or voice

A minimum of 16 full course credits are required in music.

Education and Psychology

• EDU 104 Cultural Foundations of Education in the United States
• SEC 100 Introductory Seminar to Teaching as a Caring Profession
• SEC 223 Education of PK-12 Learners with Exceptionalities
• SEC 300 Intermediate Seminar for Teaching Diverse and Inclusive Schools
• SEC 311 Educational Psychology
• SEC 421 Theory and Practice for Building Academic Literacies in K-12 Classrooms
• SEC 450 Advanced Seminar in Teacher Collaboration and Professional Practice

Music Education

• MUS 150 Introduction to Music Education
• MUS 222 Functional Class Piano II, or a “pass” on the Keyboard Proficiency Exam must be completed in residence at Elmhurst University prior to student teaching
• MUS 251, 252, 253, 254, 255; two from MUS 250, 256, 257, 260, 336, 353 technique courses
• MUS 258 Technology for Music Educators (.50 credit)
• MUS 362 Instrumental and Choral Ensembles
• MUS 366 Teaching of K-12 Classroom Music
• MUS 457 Student Teaching in Music (100 hours of clinical experience are required prior to student teaching)

A student must earn at least a 2.75 general grade-point average and a 3.00 grade-point average in the music major.