music student educating a child on playing the cello

Music Education

Our music education program prepares you to become the music instructors of tomorrow, while providing significant performance, teaching, leadership and research opportunities.

What to Expect

The music education program encompasses three main elements:

  • Teacher education, including emphases in early childhood/elementary, choral, strings and winds/percussion.
  • Leadership programs, including the Children's Music Development Center, the Choirs of Carolina Mentoring Initiative, the Congaree New Horizon Band Program and the University of South Carolina String Project.
  • Research and creative activities, including a wide range of study options.

 

Undergraduate Degree

B  Bachelor of Music (B.M.) — Music Education with either a choral emphasis or instrumental emphasis

Offered by the School of Music, the Bachelor of Music program provides excellent general education combined with rigorous training in an area of emphasis (composition, jazz studies, music education, music theory or performance).

The following courses fulfill some of the requirements for a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in music education:

  • Music Theory I-IV
  • Aural Skills I-IV
  • History of Western Music I-III
  • Recital Class (and laboratory)
  • General Music in Elementary Schools
  • Learners and the Diversity of Learning
  • Issues and Trends in Teaching and Learning

 For choral music education, additional classes may include:

  • Basic Choral and Instrumental Conducting
  • Choral Conducting
  • Introduction to Singer’s Diction
  • Vocal Pedagogy

 For instrumental music education, classes may include:

  • Group Piano
  • Percussion Techniques
  • Strings
  • The Middle School Band (string or wind majors)
  • The High School Band (percussion majors)

Apply for Undergraduate Admission

Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.

I have been presented with many opportunities at UofSC that developed my musicianship and leadership skills, including performing in many different ensembles and getting involved to serve the band programs in a variety of roles.

AJ Johnston
Photo of AJ Johnston

Graduate Degrees

The School of Music, in partnership with the College of Education, offers the Master of Arts in Teaching music education program, with curricular options in choral/vocal, instrumental-strings and instrumental-winds/percussion. This program leads to initial teacher licensure or certification. 

The Master of Music Education and Ph.D. in Music Education are also available.

College of Education: email for more information

Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.

Graduate Director: Clifford Leaman, 803-576-5893, cleaman@mozart.sc.edu
Program Contact: Traci Hair, 803-777-4106, thair@mozart.sc.edu

Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.

Graduate Director: Clifford Leaman, 803-576-5893, cleaman@mozart.sc.edu

Program Contact: Traci Hair, 803-777-4106, thair@mozart.sc.edu

Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.

Apply to Graduate School 

Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.