Music Education

Program Information

The Bachelor of Music Education, BME is a nine-semester degree program designed to prepare candidates to obtain a teaching credential certificate to teach vocal and instrumental music in public or private schools. The comprehensive degree will prepare students to earn certification to teach Band, Choir, Orchestra, and General Music in elementary or secondary school settings. Job placement after graduation is very high. The Idaho State University College of Education works directly with the ISU College of Arts and Letters Music Department for candidate's Music Education Degree.

The Master of Education in K-12 Music Education is intended for current music teachers. The program is primarily online, with two summers of music classes and 12 credits of education coursework offered online during the school year.

For more information and to get started, please contact the Idaho State Music Department or call (208) 282-3636.

Support, Funding, and Application

Idaho State University Admissions Process

For Undergraduate Students:

Create an account with Idaho State University
Materials needed include:
- Transcripts or GED
- Official ACT or SAT scores
- $50 application fee
  
  (waived for graduates of Idaho high schools)

For Transfer Students:

Must have a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA in fourteen (14) or more credit hours to apply.

Fill out the application
$50 application fee (waived for graduates of Idaho high schools)
Submit final official transcript(s) from each college attended. If currently attending, in-progress transcripts are accepted, but a final official transcript must be sent upon completion of coursework.

ISU Course Catalog

Music Education, BME

Career Opportunities

A bachelor's degree in music education can lead to careers including:

Band Director
Choirmaster or Conductor
Composer
Music Education Elementary Teacher
Music Education Secondary Teacher
Music Education Consultant
Musician
Musical Performer

Job Placement and Salaries

Because early childhood education skills and knowledge are highly desirable in today’s job market, the job outlook includes:

Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) for a music director is $62,590 per year.
Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) for a kindergarten or elementary school teacher is $63,670 per year.
Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) for a secondary school teacher is $65,220 per year.