Music Education – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BME)

Study Music Education at the University of Montana

Share your passion for music by earning your degree in music education at UM, which includes Montana teacher certification as a general music specialist for grades K-12. Led by internationally recognized faculty, this in-depth music teaching program also prepares you to teach junior high and high school band, choir and orchestras.

Our music education degree features hands-on teaching opportunities that include teacher observation and a full semester of student teaching. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, our program also includes techniques and materials employed in effective general music and elementary and secondary school classrooms — as well as those used in conducting and rehearsing performance/educational ensembles at all levels.

Other degree options for music at UM

• Bachelor of Arts in Music
• Bachelor of Music
• Master of Music With an Emphasis in Music Education

What can you do with a music education degree?

When you earn your music education bachelor’s degree at UM, you can count on graduating with the skills and experience you need to succeed: 100% of our music education program alumni find jobs. Many go on to successful careers as K-12 music teachers, or directors of junior and senior high school band, choir and orchestra programs. Others pursue their master’s degree in music, which helps create even greater career flexibility and earning potential.

Music teacher jobs

A major in music education will prepare you for careers such as:

• K-12 music teacher
• Band director
• Choral director
• Orchestra director
• Private music teacher

Music teacher salary

Music education salaries will vary depending on where you work, your experience and level of education. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of earning potential:*

• Average salary for high school teachers in Montana: $52,680
• Average salary for music teachers in postsecondary schools in Montana: $65,450
• Estimated average salary of UM music bachelor’s degree program alumni: $79,732

Beyond the classroom: Experiential learning in the music education degree at UM

Diverse hands-on learning opportunities make UM one of the best colleges for music education majors. These educational experiences range from serving as aides to music teachers in area schools, to completing a full semester in the student teaching field experience, to working under the supervision of a qualified master teacher. The result is that our graduates develop the practical skills and knowledge to hit the ground running in their careers from day one.

Study abroad for music education majors

Experience a different culture and gain new perspectives studying overseas. Our Vienna program offers five weeks in the City of Music, giving students the chance to attend concerts, master classes and perform in a Baroque Palace. We also offer a four-week program in Bali, Indonesia, that offers an immersive experience in the island’s music, arts and culture. Learn more about study abroad opportunities for music education majors at UM.

Career development in the music education major

Get the real-world experience and personal mentorship to help you succeed when you graduate. Professional development opportunities are built into the music education curriculum at UM, and are one of the reasons that 100% of our bachelor’s program alumni find employment post-graduation.

Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized performing artists, educators, composers and scholars who specialize in classical, jazz and popular musical styles. They are also your advocates, here to connect you with opportunities and help get you on track for the career you want. Many of our majors in music education also get job offers and build their professional networks through student teaching assignments and other hands-on learning opportunities built into the program.

Music education scholarships

Our music program offers both merit-based talent scholarships and tuition waivers to help you with tuition and other costs. Learn more about scholarship opportunities for music majors.

Explore classes for the music education program

The degree in music education includes coursework in teaching methods, music theory, ear training, conducting, marching band, ensembles and applied study. To teach music in K-12 schools, you’ll also need to complete the Teacher Education Program through the Department of Teaching and Learning.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in music education.