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B.Mus. in Music EducationCombine Your Passions
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Music Education Major

You have a passion for music and for teaching the next generation. Through our music education major, you can bring both to life. By taking courses in both music and education, you will prepare to teach both in a classroom and private lesson setting.

All music degrees require an audition for entrance into the program and scholarship eligibility. The audition occurs in the spring semester of the high school senior year or at the conclusion of the freshman fall semester.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Music

Format

  • On-Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Steward Your
God-Given Gifts

By developing your skills in both music and education, the music education major provides a well-rounded education that covers all aspects of music theory, methods of teaching and instrument proficiencies. For example, students in this program are involved in a Cornerstone University music ensemble such as University Chorale or Symphonic Winds to put what they’ve learned in the classroom into practice.

Students also take part in a student teaching practicum toward the end of their program. This gives them the opportunity to adapt to classroom situations, develop their teaching style and apply both their music and education training while being mentored by seasoned teachers.

Music education students are required to audition for entrance into the music program and upon acceptance, have the ability to design their program to meet their goals. Students can choose from instrumental or vocal instruction or even a combination of both to prepare them for work in the classroom.

Careers

According to Career Explorer, careers in music education are expected to grow 12% by 2026 across the United States. Graduates from Cornerstone’s music education program are prepared for the classroom the day they graduate. Here are some career opportunities available for music education graduates.

Opportunities

  • Elementary school music teacher
  • Middle school music teacher
  • High school band or choir director
  • Choral director
  • Private instrumental teacher

Internships

Music education teachers get classroom experience as part of their student teaching practicum. Here are some of the schools our students get placed.

Opportunities

  • Jenison Public Schools
  • Grand Rapids Public Schools
  • Forest Hills Public School District
  • Grand Rapids Christian Schools

100%

Of 2019 music education graduates were employed within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Program Features and
Learning Outcomes

The music education program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.

Music education students can tailor some aspects of their program to meet their career goals by choosing a small ensemble to participate in and which instrument group to concentrate their studies on.

Degree Planning Guide

From caring professors to one-on-one advising appointments, we have resources to support you in reaching your goals and being successful in your classes.

Select the degree planning guide to see a list of the classes you’ll take as a student with a major in music education.

Four-Year Degree Plan (PDF)

Program Learning Outcomes

At Cornerstone University, a major in music education prepares students seeking careers in areas associated with K-12 music teaching and students who desire to continue their studies at the graduate level.

Specialized Knowledge

Music education students will demonstrate a strong knowledge of musical form, function, performance and pedagogy.

  • Understanding of basic instrumental/vocal skills.
  • Sufficient understanding and capability of form and analysis.
  • Place music in historical and cultural context.
  • Use technology within their area of specialization.
  • Broad understanding and philosophy of musical pedagogy.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Music education students will demonstrate performance and pedagogical competency in an educational setting.

  • Technical skills requisite for artistic expression.
  • Understanding of repertory and ability to perform cross section.
  • Knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader.
  • Keyboard accompaniment competency.
  • Conducting competency.
  • Collaborative competence through ensemble experience.
  • Classroom planning and management ability.

Intellectual Skills

Cornerstone students will demonstrate their ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Engagement

Cornerstone students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Cornerstone students will be able to articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

Want to Learn More About CU?

Music at Cornerstone

As a music major at Cornerstone, you have the incredible opportunity to perform in ensembles, take lessons in your instrument and even travel the country and the world. Studying music immerses you into your passions and cultivates your God-given gifts. Not only that, but it also opens the door to ceaseless possibilities.

Related Programs

Our Communication, Media & Music Division has several programs that are flexible and diverse. Take a look at some of the other degree programs we offer.

Admissions Office

Contact

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616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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