Music Education
Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • Varies Credits
Music education is the study and practice of teaching music, combining musical knowledge, performance, and pedagogy to develop students' skills and appreciation for music.
Overview
Grand Valley’s music program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of practical performance and academic study. Prospective students must audition. Audition information can be found at gvsu.edu/music/ to apply. Ensemble participation is open to all university students. Some ensembles require auditions.
The Bachelor of Music Education enables students to meet certification requirements for teaching music in Michigan PK-12 settings. Substantial training in music combines with professional music education study and collaboration with the GVSU College of Education. The program enables students to meet certification requirements for teaching music in Michigan elementary and public schools. The program has two tracks, vocal/choral and instrumental, both of which result in K-12 Music Certification.
As an undergraduate-only program, you will enjoy greater opportunities for learning and performance. Small class sizes foster direct engagement with faculty members dedicated to nurturing each student's unique talents and needs. Professors who are accomplished performers, international competition winners, conductors, composers, theorists, scholars, and acclaimed teachers provide exceptional mentorship and ensure a high standard of education accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Admission Information
In addition to formal admission to Grand Valley, each applicant wanting to major or minor in music is required to arrange for a personal audition with the music department. When considerable geographical distance or extreme hardship prevents a personal audition, the applicant may, with the permission of the department, submit an audio recording of an appropriate performance. Entering freshmen and transfer students will be required to take a theory placement exam on audition day. A student with two or more years of piano experience will also be required to take a keyboard musicianship placement exam*. Audition appointments should be made at least one month in advance. Recommended audition repertoire and an application can be found at www.gvsu.edu/music/.
*Students transferring from GRCC with a completed associate degree in music will not need to complete the placement testing in theory or keyboard musicianship.
Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance
gvsu.edu/mtd
1300 Thomas J.
and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts
(616) 331-3484
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Top skills- Instructing
- Learning Strategies
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 44,572.09 | 10% |
| $ 47,890.62 | 25% |
| $ 61,254.73 | 50% |
| $ 77,716.90 | 75% |
| $ 95,011.04 | 90% |
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 26,467.69 | 10% |
| $ 33,434.25 | 25% |
| $ 41,135.20 | 50% |
| $ 66,086.67 | 75% |
| $103,987.73 | 90% |
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 22,663.17 | 10% |
| $ 33,961.19 | 25% |
| $ 50,033.98 | 50% |
| $ 94,225.39 | 75% |
| $158,799.35 | 90% |
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Top skills- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 45,756.01 | 10% |
| $ 49,502.69 | 25% |
| $ 62,102.74 | 50% |
| $ 77,951.83 | 75% |
| $ 91,660.87 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
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85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
Accreditation
Grand Valley State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
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