Are you curious about how people learn music and why people create music? Are you interested in finding ways to help others be successful at learning and creating music that interests them? In our program, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to help others participate in active music-making.
In the BMUS program in music learning and teaching, students develop skills to become a music educator in a variety of K-12 school and community settings. Coursework and lab participation develops strong pedagogical skills and flexible musicianship, to deepen and broaden student's music making in varied styles and contexts, including contemporary digital music making. They also develop the abilities to facilitate people's music engagement and learning in varied settings.
Upon completion, students can earn a K-12 teaching certification with multistate reciprocity.
At A Glance
Music Learning and Teaching, BMUS
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Admission requirements
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-steps-to-apply for details. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on an audition. Auditions take place in November (spring admission) and in January and February (fall admission) of each year. Applicants may review audition information at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-auditions.
Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an audition process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the audition before enrolling in music major courses. Upon admission to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major is changed to music. In the event a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student remains as a music audition major and needs to successfully pass the music audition milestone in the first semester in order to gain admission into the program.
Application Deadlines: Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-deadlines-fees for complete music deadlines.
Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.
Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
Career outlook
Graduates are prepared to teach in public and private school music programs that offer a variety of music classes, including general music, choir, band, orchestra, strings, guitar, jazz, music production, music technology and popular music.
Graduates work in various professional or entrepreneurial capacities, including:
- performing in community and professional ensembles in a variety of styles and traditions or as a freelance musician in venues, such as art galleries, churches, clubs, cruise ships, resorts, restaurants and theme parks
- presenting school and community programs as artist-in-residence
- teaching and directing in a private studio or community programs
- working in music-related fields such as media production, music business, publishing, marketing and education.
Many graduates pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in music learning and teaching, in music or the arts, or in another professional field.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6% | $69,690 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 3.5% | $60,940 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | ||
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | 3.2% | $62,320 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 3.8% | $62,870 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | 3.7% | $57,860 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 3.6% | $60,810 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 1.7% | $52,250 |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | -7.1% | $36,810 |
| Musicians and Singers | 0.9% | * |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation