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Music Education

Bachelor of Music Education (BME)

Nine-semester comprehensive degree for students who want to be certified to teach Band, Choir, Orchestra, and General Music in elementary or secondary settings.  Job placement after graduation is very high.

Course Sequence - BME Even Freshman Year

Course Sequence - BME Odd Freshman Year

Master of Secondary Education with emphasis in Music Education

We have partnered with the College of Education to offer a Music "Cognate" of 12 credits to go within the Secondary Education degree.  This program is currently on hold due to low enrollment. (Fall 2024)

College of Education - Master of Secondary Education

Music Performance

ISU offers three types of Music Performance degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Music (BS)

Emphasizes the study of Music with additional electives in science and mathematics.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)

General Music degree with additional electives in the arts and humanities.

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Designed for students preparing for graduate study or careers in Music Performance.  Students may choose to specialize in voice, piano, guitar, strings, winds, or percussion.

Course Sequence - BA/BS

Course Sequence - BM Instrumental

Course Sequence - BM Piano

Course Sequence - BM Voice

Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music

New

The Commercial Music option is a performance degree which allows an instrumentalist / vocalist the opportunity to perform at a high level, while increasing their focus on more contemporary styles, techniques, and practices. Outcomes include audio recording and production, contemporary composition, marketing, promotion, and more, serving to develop the skills they need for a professional career as a modern musician. 

Click HERE for course information.

Please contact Professor Jon Armstrong for more information about this exciting new program!

Course Sequence - BM Commercial Music

Music Minor

Students may choose to add a Music Minor to their non-music degrees. The Music Minor consists of 24 credits of Music Theory, World of Music, Applied Lessons, Ensemble participation, and Music Electives.

Music Minor Requirements

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About ISU

Why Study Music at ISU?

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Music

  • Comprehensive liberal arts/science emphasis with music
  • Prepares for private studio instruction, graduate programs in Theory, Musicology, Library Science, Music Therapy, electronic arts

Bachelor of Music Education

  • Public school certification (K-12) in band, orchestra, and choir

Bachelor of Music Performance

  • Prepares for graduate study, orchestra/band auditions, and university-level teaching

Bachelor of Music Performance in Commercial Music (NEW!!)

  • Emphasis in classical and jazz applied studies, with audio/recording technology and composition components; create, produce, and record your own full album

Minor in Music

  • Supplements any other ISU major with creative expression and self-motivation

Ensemble Participation

  • Bands/choirs/orchestras are open to all ISU students, regardless of major/minor; continue to follow your passion for music WITH SCHOLARSHIPS!

Popular Career Options

  1. Accompanist
  2. Arts Administrator, Board Member, Manager
  3. Booking Agent
  4. Church Musician
  5. Composer, Lyricist
  6. Concert Management
  7. Copyist
  8. Copyright Lawyer
  9. Critic
  10. Community Arts 
  11. Director
  12. Film/Music Editor
  13. Instrument Design/Marketing
  14. Instrument Maker, Repair
  15. Marketing 
  16. Music Publishing, Retail
  17. Music Therapy
  18. Musicologist/Ethnomusicologist
  19. Museum Music Curator
  20. Notation Software Engineer
  21. Orchestra Conductor, Executive Director, Personnel Manager
  22. Orchestral Musician
  23. Performing Artist (Solo)
  24. Piano Tuner
  25. Producer
  26. Program Note Writer
  27. Radio D.J.
  28. Recording Artist/Agent, Recording Engineer, Sound Engineer
  29. Teacher/Professor
  30. Transcription Artist
  31. Venue Crew Manager/Operations