Music Education Department

School of Music

Our Mission

The IU Department of Music Education, one of the preeminent programs in the nation, is committed to excellence in teaching, musicianship, and scholarship at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department’s goal is to prepare outstanding music educators who will serve as positive role models for their students and who will assume leadership positions in the field. Faculty members in the department define music education broadly to include traditional public school music and, moreover, all aspects of music pedagogy. The department works to maintain close associations with music teachers in the state of Indiana, as well as nationally and internationally. Bachelor of Music Education students can choose from four different areas of emphasis: choral, general, band or orchestra. Depending on their instrument or voice, students can choose from a broad range of performance opportunities offered by the School of Music that includes more than 30 orchestras, bands, choral ensembles, and specialty ensembles. Undergraduate students develop as music teachers and professionals through interactions with renowned university professors and expert public school music teachers, as well as through involvement in state and national music education associations. Graduates of the program have enjoyed an outstanding job placement rate (close to 100 percent) for many years. Graduate music education programs at Indiana University place a strong emphasis on the integration of research and practice. The MME, MAT, DME and PHD curricula are individualized according to the student’s desire for specialization within the major and minor fields. Alumni of the graduate music education program have made significant contributions to music pedagogy and are among the most productive scholars in the field.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Music Education (BME)

Master of Science in Music Education (MS)

Master of Music Education (MME)

Specialist Diploma in Music Education

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

BME (Bachelor of Music Education)
(High School Diploma or Equivalency Required)
This degree leads to Indiana state music teaching certification K-12 in instrumental teaching - band, choral teaching, general music teaching, or instrumental teaching - string. Indiana state certification can be applied in most states in the US. This degree provides a well-rounded preparation in musical performance, theory, history, piano skills, conducting, instrumental techniques, music education methods, general education, field observation and student teaching field experience. Students participate in a music ensemble each semester. Indiana University offers a wide range of ensemble experiences, including the Marching Hundred marching band, Singing Hoosiers show and jazz choir, five symphony orchestras, three concert bands, four jazz bands, numerous choirs, new and early music ensembles, and the International Vocal Ensemble. A classical audition and music education interview are required for admission.

MS (Master of Science)
(Undergraduate degree in music or equivalency required)
The MS in music education is designed for graduates of Bachelor's degree programs in an area of music other than music education. It provides a foundation of understanding the principles and processes of both teaching and learning music while supplementing previous study with those competencies necessary for teaching certification.

MME (Master of Music Education)
(Undergraduate degree in music or equivalency required)
The Master of Music Education degree makes it possible for individuals with previous teaching experience in schools or private settings to enhance their musical and methodological techniques. The MME student may also design the curriculum to prepare for further study at the doctoral level. This degree is available with an emphasis in band conducting and literature, choral methods, general music, instrumental methods, Kodály and Orff, or individualized studies.

Specialist Diploma in Music Education
The Specialist's Certificate in Music Education is designed to provide a flexible program of study beyond the Master's degree for students whose interests are in public school teaching or supervision. Courses may be chosen from music education theory and practice, performance, conducting, music theory and history, techniques, methods, and from areas outside music. The applicant must have a master’s degree in music or music education and at least three years of teaching experience.

DME (Doctor of Music Education)
The Doctor of Music Education degree prepares an individual for college music teaching. Each student selects a primary emphasis such as instrumental, choral or general music teaching methodology, as well as studying current research in the field. A firm foundation of research techniques prepares the student for writing the dissertation and courses in two minor fields broadens teaching expertise beyond music education. This degree is offered with an emphasis in wind conducting and literature, choral methodology, college music teaching or supervision and administration.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
The Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree, conferred by the Graduate School, focuses on the thorough preparation of future scholars in music education by providing courses in philosophical, historical, and quantitative research methodologies. The program includes a public lecture requirement, demonstration of language skills, and study in two minor fields in addition to dissertation research.