traditional undergraduate on campus

Music Education

The Bachelor of Science in music education prepares students with a passion for music to teach instrumental and vocal music to students in Tennessee in grades K-12. The music education program is connected to one of the most productive education schools in the state.

Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in music education prepares you to be an effective and engaging instrumental or vocal music teacher in grades K-12. This interdisciplinary program gives you a broad understanding of music, accredited education training and valuable hands-on student teaching experience.

Program Benefits

  • Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
  • Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
  • Gain valuable student teaching experience.
  • Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities available in the diverse and exciting Nashville market. 

What to Expect

If you love music and want to teach and inspire students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, a degree in music education is perfect for you. This program combines the best of our highly acclaimed music department and our NCATE-accredited School of Education, giving you a strong and well-balanced foundation for success. You’ll be able to choose a vocal or instrumental endorsement so you can tailor your coursework to match your passions and goals. 

In addition to a broad base of coursework, you’ll gain valuable student teaching experience. Studying music education in Nashville’s music industry hub presents you with unique and exciting opportunities. You’ll observe and teach in local classrooms in diverse school settings to enhance your learning and prepare you for success. You’ll also be able to participate in Trevecca’s strong musical community with opportunities to use your talents in our worship bands, summer ministry teams and chapel bands.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pass the National Praxis test required for licensure in the state of Tennessee which currently has reciprocity with all other states. 

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your music education degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.

icon-course-description-group

Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

Read More
Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

Learn More

Career Opportunities

With a degree in music education, you’ll be ready to teach music in grades K-12 or to continue your education in graduate school. More specifically, your music education degree from Trevecca equips you to excel in roles such as:

    • K-12 public school music teacher
    • Private school/academy music teacher
    • Online music teacher/tutor
    • Performing musician
    • Researcher in music education and peripheral disciplines 

 

"I believe small class sizes, supportive and involved faculty and practicum experiences make Trevecca's music education program personalized and valuable."

Spencer Stevens Trevecca graduate

Faculty

icon-course-description-group

Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*


Life, Calling, and Purpose
INT 1100
Students will begin a journey of self-awareness where they can identify their individual gifts and talents while considering how God can use their uniqueness within their field of interest. Goals of the course include building community, understanding leadership and service, and evaluating God's calling. Required of all first-time freshmen (those enrolling with less than 24 hours) who are younger than 24 years of age and have not taken a similar course at another accredited institution.
English Composition I
ENG 1020

Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.

English Composition II: Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking
ENG 1080

Emphasizes intellectual and analytical reasoning through reading and writing assignments. Includes instruction in library and research technologies and the writing of a research project.

Speech Communication
COM 1010

A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.

Financial Stewardship
BUS 2010

Provides the student with a basic understanding of his or her economic environment and the basic principles and tools of personal financial management. Emphasis will be placed on personal financial planning, including budgeting, managing personal debt, insurance, taxes, investments, and real estate. When possible, topics will be analyzed and discussed from a Christian perspective.

General Psychology
PSY 2010

General introduction to major areas of psychology with emphasis on the psychological bases for understanding human behavior. A recommended prerequisite to other psychology courses except PSY 2175.

Issues in Science
SCI 2600

An introduction to themes in the natural sciences that have significantly impacted our world. Among the themes discussed are relativity, modern cosmology, evolutionary thought, biotechnology, advances in modern medicine, biodiversity, and the use of natural resources. Scientific discoveries will be approached with both a historical perspective and a consideration of current and future applications. Interactions of scientific thought and the Christian worldview are considered. Lecture.

World Literature
ENG 2000

Designed to engage students in dialogue with a variety of Western and Non-Western world literature, past and present. ENG 2000 is a recommended prerequisite for all upper-level literature courses.

Introduction to Biblical Faith
REL 2000

An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.

Christian Tradition
REL 3000

An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.

Christian Life and Ministry
REL 4000

An integration of Christian spirituality, life, and ministry. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is given to evaluate the spiritual structure of the student and to understand spiritual gifts, disciplines, and what it means for each individual to be a constructive influence in the Church and society.

English Acquisition (FE-10)
ESL 3150

Current approaches, methodologies, techniques, and materials for teaching English language learners primarily in K-12 setting. Designed to provide theoretical and practical experience in language acquisition. Fee charged. Course includes 10 hours of field experience in ESL classrooms, which must include a 6-12 setting.

World Music and Culture
MUS 2440

A study of the development of indigenous music of Eastern and Western cultures and how that music is both a product of and a contributor to those cultures. The class will be taught with an anthropological approach that views each particular culture through the lens of the music that each culture produces.

Human Growth and Cognition
PSY 2500

Explores human growth and development over the life span to understand the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels: physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally. Designed to provide the developmental approach to cognition in children and adolescents within the context of major learning theories. Brain research, learning modalities, and metacognition are also examined.

Introduction to the Exceptional Learner
PSY 3411

An overview of the issues related to the characteristics of the exceptional learner. Concepts of learning and classroom management in the public school are considered.

Becoming a Teacher (FE-20)
EDU 1020

Provides observation and participation in a public school. Field study is completed in the following areas: classroom observation, classroom material preparation, and classroom interactions to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required of educators. The requirements for entering the Teacher Education Program are part of the course. Graded S-U.

Foundations of Education
EDU 1500

Surveys the historical, social, philosophical, and psychological foundations of the American school system with emphasis on an introduction to the teaching profession. Designed to be the first course taken in the teacher education program. Taken in conjunction with EDU 1020.

Secondary Curriculum and Instruction (FE-20)
EDU 2300

Focuses on effective instructional methods and curriculum models for 6-12 teachers. Common Core Standards and best practices in creating enthusiastic learning environments and writing learning plans are explored. Using data to inform instruction is addressed as part of the planning component. A 20 hour field experience is required.

Effective Classroom Environments
EDU 3556

Focuses on the major traditional and current behavior management theorists and strategies. Prepares the candidate to use effective strategies for developing a safe but invigorating classroom climate. The creation of a Classroom Management Plan and its implementation in a classroom is included within this course. Only juniors or seniors scheduled to student teach within two semesters of taking EDU 3556 are permitted to enroll in the course.

Student Teaching Seminar
EDU 4600

Focuses on the application and analysis of knowledge and teaching skills in the classroom, lesson and unit planning, classroom management, discipline models, and current professional issues. Taken in conjunction with enhanced student teaching. Permission required.

Enhanced Student Teaching Secondary School
EDU 4670

Provides the culminating fifteen-week, semester-long experience for all who are seeking a secondary license. Consists of full-day classroom observation and practice teaching in the major curricular area in two different school settings: one 7 1/2-week placement in a middle school in grades 6-8 and one 7 1/2-week placement in a secondary school in grades 9-12. Physical Education majors seeking a K-12 license will have placements in early elementary grades K-4 and middle/secondary grades 5-12. Music majors seeking a K-12 license will have placements in elementary grades K-5 and secondary grades 6-12. Graded S-U. Permission required.

edTPA Seminar
EDU 4730

A prerequisite for Enhanced Student Teaching. This course provides the candidate with experiences in preparation, procedures, implementation, and submittal of required edTPA documentation for initial licensure. Permission required. Graded S/U.

Theory I
MUS 2010

The study of music from Medieval Period to 1700. Students will be expected to compose and analyze music appropriate to the styles studied within the context of the era under investigation. Music notation software will be used to complete the requirements of this class; training on this software will be embedded in the class.

Theory II
MUS 2020

Continuation of Theory I. The study of music from 1700 to 1800.

Theory III
MUS 3010

Continuation of Theory II. The study of music from 1800 to 1900.

Aural Theory III
MUS 3060
Continuation of Aural Theory II. Further development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.
Elementary Conducting
MUS 3100

A study of the fundamentals of conducting. Emphasis on beat patterns and methods of indicating meter, tempo, volume and style. Material drawn from sacred and secular choral music. Open to all students. Required of all majors and minors.

History I
MUS 2410

Study of the development of Western music from ancient civilization through the Renaissance.

History II
MUS 2420

Study of the development of Western music during the Baroque and Classical periods.

History III
MUS 3410

Study of the development of Western music during the Romantic period.

History IV
MUS 3420

Study of the development of Western music during the 20th century and beyond.

Art for the Music Major
MUS 1515

Designed to give students a historical perspective of art, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.

Aural Theory IV
MUS 3070

Continuation of Aural Theory III. Further development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.

Orchestration
MUS 4010

A practical study of the techniques of arranging for various types of instrumental groups.

Secondary Methods Clinical Field Experience
MUS 4550

Provides forty (40) hours of field experience in these areas: classroom observation, classroom material preparation, and small and large group instruction. Permission required. Graded S/U.

Elementary and Preschool Music Teaching Methodology
MUS 2800

Examines the dominant music teaching methods for young children including Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Gordon's "Music Learning Theory" and introduces students to the basic elements of teaching music to children.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Introduction to Health and Wellness
HPE 1500

Designed to assist the student in their understanding and development of a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on the components and behaviors that promote lifelong, positive outcomes in the five dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Includes a fitness laboratory component. Fee charged.

Marching Band
MUS 1860

Provides instrumental students with an opportunity to participate in the Vanderbilt Marching Band. Permission of the instrumental instructor is required. At least one hour is required of all instrumental music education majors.

 
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Problem Solving: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach
MAT 1080

This course is designed to promote students' understanding and appreciation of mathematics and to develop quantitative and problem solving skills. The course will further introduce students to a wide range of applications of mathematics to modern life. Topics will be selected from linear and non-linear models, logic, sets, probability, counting techniques, statistics, matrices, and game theory.

Concepts of Mathematics
MAT 1040

Considers the realm of mathematics as some of the greatest ideas of humankind-ideas comparable to the works of Shakespeare, Plato, and Michelangelo. This course will introduce students to several of these ideas, selected from topics in numerical patterns, infinity, geometry, topology, chaos, probability, and statistics. Study of these topics will not only demonstrate the beauty of mathematics but will also develop critical thinking skills. This course is designed for liberal arts majors to satisfy the general education requirement.

 
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Introduction to Philosophy
PHL 2010

A general introduction to the study of philosophy, both Western and non-Western. The course is organized around three domains of philosophical reflection: metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Representative philosophers from Socrates to Confucius will be used to illuminate the philosophical task. The course also includes discussion of world religions as representatives of non-Western philosophy.

Ethics
PHL 3070

A philosophical analysis of the narratives and principles that have contributed to moral and ethical norms for human action.

 
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
The Physics of Sound
PHY 1040

A practical introduction to the basic principles of physics that govern the production, perception, recording and reproduction of music and sound. Topics discussed include simple harmonic motion, waves, resonance, spectral analysis, audio electronics, auditorium acoustics and hearing. The laboratory component of this course provides hands-on experiments that illustrate many of the topics covered in the class. Lecture and Lab. Fee charged.

Or any other lab science
Credit Hours: 3-4

 

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Early Grades Clinical Field Experience
EDU 2011

Provides observation, participation, and teaching in a public school kindergarten setting. Ten to forty (10- 40) hours in a classroom are required. Graded S/U. Permission required.

Middle Grades Clinical Field Experience
EDU 2012

Provides observation, participation, and teaching in Grade 6, 7, or 8 in a public school setting. Ten to forty (10- 40) hours in a classroom are required. Graded S-U. Permission required.

 
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
The Family in Society
SOC 2500

A study of the functions of the institution of family and the inter-relationship of family and other major institutions in society including the ways in which current social conditions and cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity influence this relationship. Current sociological research on family behavior will be examined and a Christian perspective on family emphasized.

Social Problems
SOC 3200

A sociological description and analysis of some of the contemporary social problems in American Society with an emphasis on programs designed to help remedy these problems.

Urban Sociology
SOC 3300

An examination of urban lifestyles, problems, development, and change from a historical perspective, providing both theoretical and practical background for analysis of various urban conditions, and seeking to identify and apply practical solutions to these problems. A major experiential learning component is field work and ethnographic research in core urban Nashville neighborhoods. A section on urban planning and urban ministry is included.

*This program also requires an Applied Study.
For Vocal/General endorsement, Applied Study will be Voice; for Instrumental/General endorsement, Applied Study will be Instrumental.

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.