Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Interested in becoming a music teacher?

The School of Music offers the Music Education degree. Completion of the degree and passing PRAXIS certification exams leads to Kentucky certification in grades P-12. Music Education students may pursue a curriculum with vocal or instrumental emphasis.

While students are tracked in four areas of emphasis within the program (strings, vocal, keyboard, winds/percussion), all students have comprehensive core music and pedagogical training in teaching children of all types and instructional settings. The program aspires to have students develop strong musicianship and leadership.

Admission to the professional phase of the program is competitive. Teacher education candidates should read the "How to Apply" section for more information about admission to the professional phase of the program.

Accreditation: CEHD teacher education programs are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.

For information on program accreditation click here.

Related

Details about curriculum requirements may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Every University of Louisville School of Music student must complete the following degree requirements:

  • 2-4 semesters of Piano (individual to major)
  • 4 semesters of Theory
  • 4 semesters of Music Literature
  • Private Lessons
  • Principal Ensemble Performance
  • Recital Attendance (15 per semester for 6 semesters)
  • General Education Requirements (hours vary)

Who may apply to the Professional Phase of the Program?

Undergraduate teacher education candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the professional phase of the teacher education program. Admission is competitive. Candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission.

  1. Minimum scores on the required PRAXIS and/or ACT tests.
    Official test scores should be submitted to the Undergraduate Admissions Office prior to the application deadline.
  2. Minimum 2.75 cumulate grade point average (based on all college courses completed).
  3. Grade of "C+" or higher in MUS 116
  4. Minimum "C" or better in ENGL 102 and Oral Communication course (such as COMM 115)
  5. Minimum 45 degree applicable, credit hours completed. (These may be in progress at the time of application.)
  6. Positive dispositions for teaching as determined through Education course assessments and field evaluations.
  7. Positive classroom and extracurricular experiences which demonstrate creativity, collaboration, communication skills, critical thinking ability, and a disposition of respect for the uniqueness and dignity of all individuals.
  8. Professional Writing Requirements, three letters of recommendation and interview are required and evaluated as part of the overall disposition assessment.

This program is open to all eligible candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

Teacher education candidates should review the following which outline the expectations of the teaching profession:

  1. Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Personnel [PDF]
  2. CEHD Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement [PDF]
  3. Character and Fitness Questionnaire [PDF]
  4. Professional Dispositions Rubric [PDF]
  5. Diversity Rubric [PDF]
  6. Effective Written Communication Rubric [PDF]

How to apply to the Professional Phase of the Program

Online Application

Please submit the online application at least four weeks prior to the application deadline. Recommendation requests are automatically sent to the recommenders upon selecting the “Send to Recommender” button. (Applicants may check their application account to check the status of their recommendation requests.) Adequate time should be given to recommenders to respond to the request by the application deadline!

Official test scores and transcripts (from other institutions) should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admission prior to the application deadline!

Questions about the on-line application should be directed to teacher @ louisville.edu.

Application Deadline: February 1st by 5:00 p.m.

Please note: If the application deadline falls on a weekend, applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday immediately following the deadline.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding the admission decision no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are selected for admission will receive information about a mandatory orientation session for the program.

Contact Us

Michael Alsop
michael.alsop@louisville.edu
Office: 502-852-4542

Melissa Lloyd
melissa.lloyd@louisville.edu
Office: 502-852-0536

Career Pathways Certification

Graduates will earn Kentucky teacher certification in Music Education (Vocal or Instrument), grades P-12.

Music students are encouraged to check with the School of Music regarding opportunities for scholarships and other financial assistance, in addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University of Louisville's Financial Aid office.