Why Study Music Education?

Prepare to inspire the next generation of musicians. Trinity's Music Education program combines intensive musical training, teaching preparation, and classroom experience on the path to teacher certification.

Build Classroom Confidence Early

Students gain experience working with learners through service-learning, observation, and educational engagement that connects theory with practice.

Prepare for Teacher Certification

The program combines a Bachelor of Music curriculum with a structured pathway toward teacher certification, helping students move confidently into music education.

Develop Conducting and Ensemble Leadership Skills

Through conducting study and ensemble participation, students learn how to guide musicians, shape performances, and foster collaborative learning environments.

It’s a good fit for you if you:

  • Enjoy sharing your passion for music with others
  • Want to combine performance and teaching
  • Are interested in conducting and ensemble leadership
  • Are considering a career in music education

What You’ll Study

The curriculum combines comprehensive musical training with preparation for educational practice. Students develop performance, conducting, and musicianship skills while studying how people learn and how effective music instruction is designed.

This program is a good fit for students who want to combine serious musical training with a clear pathway into music education and teacher certification.

In Demand-Skills:

  • Music teaching and instructional design
  • Conducting and ensemble leadership
  • Musical performance and interpretation
  • Classroom communication and management

Comprehensive Curriculum

Students complete 64 credit hours. First, they complete the Bachelor of Music through coursework in music theory, aural skills, composition, applied music, conducting, pedagogy, and history and literature, then they continue into a summer graduate program and student-teaching internship to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and all-level music certification.

View major requirements in the course catalog →

Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin. 
 

Meet Your Faculty Mentors

Get to know the faculty in Music who are here to inspire, challenge, and support you every step of the way.

Program Highlights

Conducting and Podium Experience

Students gain hands-on conducting experience, building leadership skills through regular podium time with ensembles.

Ensemble Performance

Students perform in a range of ensembles, developing musicianship through collaboration and live performance.

Teaching in Schools

Through service-learning and student teaching, students gain real classroom experience working with elementary and secondary learners.

Recent Graduate Careers

Music Education graduates leave Trinity with strong musicianship, leadership experience, and preparation for teacher certification. They pursue careers in education while contributing to music programs and learning communities.

Elementary and Secondary Music Education

Graduates teach music in school settings, drawing on preparation in musicianship, pedagogy, classroom instruction, and educational leadership.

Ensemble Direction and Conducting

Students develop leadership skills that support work directing choirs, bands, orchestras, and other performance ensembles.

Educational Leadership and Community Arts

Music educators often contribute to arts organizations, community programs, and outreach initiatives that expand access to music learning.

Advanced Study in Music and Education

Graduates may pursue advanced degrees in music education, conducting, curriculum development, educational leadership, and related fields.

Get Your Questions Answered

Students interested in the Music Education major should:

Explore introductory courses in music theory, performance, or ensembles, or review the course catalog for detailed requirements.

Department of Music

Carlos Alvarez School of Arts and Humanities

Location

Campbell and Eloise Smith Music Building

Phone

Fax

Emails

Chair

Gary Seighman, D.M.A.