Music Learning and Teaching, BMUS

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If you have ever wondered why people make music, how people learn music or what are the best ways to help people be successful making music they want to make, then the BMus program is for you. You will develop the ability to think deeply about such questions.

The BMus program in music learning and teaching is an innovative 120 credit hour degree program designed to prepare students for successful careers as leaders in music learning and teaching in a variety of K-12 school and community settings. Upon completion, students earn a K-12 teaching certification with multi-state reciprocity. More information on licensing is available at https://asuonline.asu.edu/about-us/licensure/.

Coursework and lab participation help students develop strong pedagogical skills and flexible musicianship, and to deepen and broaden their music making in varied styles and contexts, including contemporary digital music making. Students also develop the abilities skills to facilitate peoples' music engagement and learning in varied settings.

At A Glance

Music Learning and Teaching, BMUS

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

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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 will be 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.

Career examples include but are not limited to those shown in the following list. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

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
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 7.4%$57,160
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education7.5%$59,170
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education7.9%$54,230
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education7.5%$57,720
Music Directors5.7%$50,590
Musicians, Instrumental6%*
Singers6%*

* 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