a mansfield music education student stands in a Commonwealth University classroom with chairs in the background

Music Education

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. Music Education

The Mansfield and Bloomsburg campuses of Commonwealth University have a rich tradition of training and preparing music educators and comprehensive musicians for leadership positions in diverse educational communities in the belief that educators lead the field through inquiry, musicianship and scholarship.

Degrees & Offerings
  • B.M.
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Co-Assistant Chair / Music Education Coordinator - Mansfield, Professor
Music Education Coordinator - Bloomsburg, Assistant Professor
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As you pursue a degree in Music Education, you will participate in a vast array of coursework and experiences designed to prepare you to be the best musician and music teacher you can be. In addition to the range of music courses, ensembles and applied private lessons required of all undergraduate music majors, you will work with music education faculty members every semester. As you become a stronger musician, you will also develop into a stronger teacher through teaching PreK–12 aged students on campus and in the field.

Our undergraduate music education program is fun, rigorous and will prepare you to enter the teaching profession with a diverse arsenal of knowledge and skills.

Find your rhythm in the classroom

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is designed to develop public school music teachers with a passion for the arts. Our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be reflective teachers who believe all students can learn and help them to do so.

Completion of the Music Education Program prepares students to teach both vocal and instrumental music at the kindergarten through high school levels, and is designed to meet the certification requirements set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Course Delivery Format

  Bloomsburg

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Lock Haven

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Mansfield

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

Courses and Curriculum

Our program provides a balance between a broad general education, the intensive training necessary to develop as a professional musician, and the background of professional study and experience necessary for entering the field of education in today's society.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

All music majors complete coursework in music theory and aural skills, music history (including the study of music from a variety of cultures), class piano, music ensembles, and applied study on primary and secondary instruments, including voice.

Music education majors choose either the instrumental or vocal track, which determine areas of emphasis with regards to applied music study, required participation in ensembles, instrument techniques, advanced conducting, and performance-based teaching methods coursework.

Music education majors also complete coursework in orchestration, general psychology, child or adolescent development, and teaching methods for a variety of PreK-12 musical settings, including methods for teaching students with a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional, and cultural exceptionalities.

In all teaching techniques and methods settings, emphasis is placed on providing students with ample opportunities to observe experienced teachers in field settings, and provide practice teaching experiences in appropriate settings. Additionally, music education majors complete a series of pre-professional observation requirements that account for 40+ hours of pre-student teaching classroom observation.

The degree culminates with a semester of student teaching in two seven-week placements, one at the elementary level, the other at the secondary level. 

Upon successful completion of the Music (BM) in Music Education, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a professional disposition necessary to function as an effective professional music teacher
  2. Demonstrate basic conducting skills in a variety of classroom and ensemble settings
  3. Demonstrate proficiency on secondary instruments (or voice)
  4. Plan and prepare effective music instruction leading to student learning
  5. Deliver effective and appropriate music instruction leading to student learning
Commonwealth University

Music Education

 Our dedicated practice spaces, performance venues, and cutting-edge technology empower you to refine your skills, collaborate with peers, and share your musical talents.

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Auditions

Passionate and talented musicians are invited to audition for a place in our esteemed music programs.

We are excited to hear from talented musicians like you! Auditions are a vital part of our application process for incoming music students. A successful audition showcases your musical skills and helps us determine your fit within our vibrant music community.

Learn more about Music Program Auditions

Spend-A-Day

Any high school junior and senior who wishes to be a music major, music minor, or just wants to continue to be involved in music during college, Spend-A-Day is a great way to imagine your future in the CU Music program!

Spend-A-Day gives you a first-hand experience of the exciting world of music at CU-Mansfield. Meet current students and faculty, attend classes and rehearsals, and get a feel for what CU-Mansfield Music has to offer.

Learn more about Spend-A-Day at CU-Mansfield

Spend-A-Day gives you a first-hand experience in the exciting world of music at CU-Bloomsburg. On Oct. 20, you'll meet current students and faculty, attend classes and rehearsals, and get a feel for what CU-Bloomsburg Music has to offer. 

Learn more about Spend-A-Day at CU-Bloomsburg

Scholarships

We understand the importance of financial aid in pursuing your passion for music and are proud to offer a variety of scholarships to talented and dedicated music students.

We encourage you to visit our scholarship webpage for detailed information on available scholarships and eligibility requirements.

Learn more about Music Scholarships

Facilities

Music facilities at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg and Mansfield provide the perfect space to practice, collaborate, and perform, empowering you to reach your full musical potential.

Explore our music facilities and resources available to support your academic and musical success.

Learn more about Music, Theatre and Dance Facilities

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Practical Learning

Enriching Curriculum

The Commonwealth University of PA (CU) Department of Music, Theatre & Dance provides an environment that promotes academic, artistic, and personal growth as well as intellectual, professional, ethical, and aesthetic values across campuses in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. The department serves the regional, national, and international communities by developing human and material resources. The department is committed to stimulating a continuous pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and skills by students and faculty.

Field Experiences

Music education majors choose either the instrumental or vocal track, which determine areas of emphasis with regards to applied music study, required participation in ensembles, instrument techniques, advanced conducting, and performance-based teaching methods coursework. Music education majors also complete coursework in orchestration, general psychology, child or adolescent development, and teaching methods for a variety of PreK-12 musical settings, including methods for teaching students with a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional, and cultural exceptionalities. In all teaching techniques and methods settings, emphasis is placed on providing students with ample opportunities to observe experienced teachers in field settings, and provide practice teaching experiences in appropriate settings. Additionally, music education majors complete a series of pre-professional observation requirements that account for 40+ hours of pre-student teaching classroom observation. The degree culminates with a semester of student teaching in two seven-week placements, one at the elementary level, the other at the secondary level. 

The Commonwealth Music Difference

Academic Camps
Discover the transformative power of music this summer with Commonwealth University's immersive academic camps.
Accreditation
Music programs at Commonwealth University are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Louis Setzer smiling at the camera.

The music department gave me the chance to pursue my dream. In high school, music was more of a hobby than a career path. I'd never had as much as a trombone lesson until my first week at Mansfield, and I certainly didn't realize how competitive the process was to become a music education major. There were definitely some growing pains adjusting to the demands of my new musical pursuit. But I was invested in my musical pursuit, and Mansfield, I learned, was invested in me. As an education major, I learned the value of hard work, which has helped me succeed in both the classroom and the practice room. As I matured both musically and as a young adult, I grew from the incredible faculty that constantly guided me down the right path.

Louis Setzer '11
Music Education
Louis Setzer smiling at the camera.

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