Bachelor of Music in Music Education

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education with a Minor in All-Level Education in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS), at the University of the Incarnate Word is designed specifically to shape, prepare and certify music educators to teach at the K-12 level in public or private school systems.

 

Why Music Education? 

Music classes in elementary and secondary schools are an integral part of learning that are not only enjoyable to many students but can also enrich their lives and education. Studies have repeatedly shown that music education has a wide array of academic and wellness benefits beyond classroom instruction. Music educators can help students improve their work, master memorization and increase coordination. Educators also provide a creative outlet that helps their young students stay engaged in school and provides a sense of achievement, while also building imagination and intellectual curiosity. In addition to working in a classroom setting, music educators have pursued entrepreneurship or private coaching, using their skills and love of music to help people in a more individualized setting. UIW’s program boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate immediately after successful completion of the program.

Music Education Curriculum

The B.M. in Music Education degree at UIW is a 146-credit hour program that combines a music degree with educational requirements needed to apply for the Teacher Certification Program* (TCP). This degree program requires a minor in All-Level Education through an interdisciplinary partnership with UIW’s Dreeben School of Education. With a focus on developing exceptional musicians and exceptional educators, the program integrates musicianship, performance and ensemble work, and study in music history and culture. Students learn directly from faculty with deep experience as educators, ensemble directors and program heads at the university and K-12 levels.

UIW students in the Music Education program must declare a performance focus of voice or a traditional band or orchestral instrument, with a degree track that follows that focus. UIW students will take 40 credit hours of Musicianship, 22 credit hours of Applied Music, Recital and Ensemble, including 14 credit hours of lessons in voice or principal instrument and eight credit hours of major ensembles, and 14 credit hours of music education, in addition to 40 credit hours of general studies.

As part of their studies, Music Education students also have the opportunity for pre-clinical teaching instruction as interns or section leaders with the marching or concert ensembles.

Minor in Education

To receive a minor in education, UIW students must take six credit hours of pre-professional requirements in Foundations of Education and Critical Concepts in Secondary Education with an application to the Teacher Certification Program. Students also take part in a Professional Development Sequence in the minor designed to prepare them for classroom or individual teaching. Courses in this sequence include Learning Theories, Classroom Management, Instructional Technology and Clinical Teaching, where students gain valuable real-world experience in approved educational settings.

*To apply for the Teacher Certification Program (TCP):

  • EDUC 2305 Foundations of Education must be in progress or completed with a grade of C or higher.
  • Completion of the THEA test with a grade of at least 230 on all sections. This test is administered once a month at the UIW Testing Center (210) 829-3876.
  • Applications to the TCP are accepted once a semester during a two-week application period (Sept., Feb. and May). The application form may be picked up at (Gorman Building) GB 124. Call (210) 829-3878 for specific application dates. Please note that a GPA of 2.75 is required for acceptance into the program.

The UIW Department of Music is housed in a new, state-of-the-art building, featuring: 

  • 500-seat Diane Bennack Concert Hall* with a Steinway D grand piano featuring performances by UIW ensembles, guest artists and performers from the civic community 
  • Ingrid Seddon Recital Hall*, a 101-seat venue with a Steinway B grand piano 
  • Choir* and Band* rehearsal halls 
  • A state-of-the-art recording studio* that includes a 7-foot Yamaha Disklavier grand piano 
  • A music therapy suite, including a services center for offering clinical sessions to the community 
  • Piano lab with 17 new Clavinova digital pianos 
  • A computer lab with 17 iMacs 
  • 18 Wenger modular practice rooms 
  • 7 teaching studios* and 2 general classrooms* 
  • A 45-seat lecture hall 
  • A percussion studio* 
  • A listening library 

*Acoustics by Russ Berger Design Group 
  
The Choir Room, Band Hall, Concert Hall and Recital Hall are wired to the recording studio, allowing for remote recording of rehearsals and performances throughout the building.

Careers in Music Education 

UIW’s B.M. in Music Education provides a direct path for students to become teachers at the K-12 level, or to continue their education to become teachers at the postsecondary level. Upon completion of the degree program and the Teacher Certification Program, they are well prepared for roles in the classroom, as private coaches, ensemble directors, music program coordinators, and other music education careers.

Accreditation

The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).