Music Education, B.M.

Preparing adaptable music educators

Aims to develop teachers who are reflective, who acknowledge the connections music has to the child’s world and who seek to promote an understanding of those connections in a social context.

Program overview

Westminster’s music education program has a reputation for excellence in the field and a long track record for successful job placement. Our program aims to develop teachers who are reflective, who acknowledge the connections music has to the child’s world and who seek to promote an understanding of those connections in a social context.

Our innovative four-course Art of Teaching Music sequence integrates theoretical foundations of planning, teaching, assessing, and musicianship development with practical application through peer teaching and field-based music teaching. Students are in the classroom starting in their first year and benefit from longer and more intensive field experiences each subsequent year.

Audition Requirements

Admission options

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to begin or complete your college degree, prepare for an advanced degree or grow your knowledge for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Music educator sits in a circle of students with bongos giving a lecture

Program requirements

The music education program provides students the training necessary to become a certified music educator. Graduates earn New Jersey certification to teach vocal instrumental and general music at all levels.

Coursework includes elementary and secondary general music education, choral music education, instrumental studies, music technology and creativity.

Each year, students increasingly engage in field experiences, culminating with a semester of full-time student teaching in the last year.

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Grow as a music educator

Beginning their first year, music education students work with supervising teachers in area schools to gain field experience. Westminster’s active National Association for Music Education (NAfME) student chapter offers multiple volunteer and leadership opportunities, which include participation in regional and national professional conferences. Students also have opportunities to volunteer as conductors with the Westminster Neighborhood Youth Choir.

Resources

Payment Intention Form (PDF)

IRS Form W9 (PDF)

Evaluation Form for Elementary and Secondary Practicum (PDF)

Evaluation Form for Student Teachers (PDF)

Attendance Policy

Male student works with children to play a drum

Earn a master of music education

Develop your musicianship, music knowledge and skills as an educator in Westminster’s Master of Music Education program. Undergraduate students may be invited to join the BM-MME dual-degree program and earn a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education in 5 years.

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