Music Education, B.S.

Be an impactful, antiracist, and inclusive musician and educator who advocates for the arts and inspires a passion for music in all learners.

Cultivate your musicianship with classes in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, while gaining the professional skills to become an effective, inclusive, and culturally responsive educator in the School of Education.

The Syracuse Advantage

• Earn New York State initial teacher certification in Music (All Grades).
• Two careers in one! Majors in both Music Education and a Music performance area give graduates an advantage in both fields.
• Take part in short-term study abroad trips or a semester-long programs in London, England. SOE students are eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad.
• Get a small school feel at a dynamic R1 research university through personalized academic and career advising; the opportunity to work closely with internationally recognized faculty, including on research projects; and with a cohort that takes many of its classes together.

Hands-on Learning

• Engage in at least four field placements beginning in your second year—you’ll get multiple field opportunities that meet the New York State requirements, providing a multi-stage introduction to classroom teaching at various levels.
• Experience our groundbreaking work in clinical simulations (SIMs) for realistic preprofessional practice, replicating common interactions in school and classroom environments.

Inclusive, Antiracist, and Equitable Education

• Study in a program that is deeply committed to equitable, antiracist, and inclusive practices, including the belief that all students have a right to a meaningful education in a typical classroom setting.
• Learn from practitioners in combined general and special education classrooms—Syracuse-area schools collaborate with SOE on inclusion, and many host teachers are alumni.

Program Requirements

Students combine studies in performance, music theory and history, education methods, classroom practicums, and the liberal arts core. They also choose one of five focus areas: brass, choral/general (including voice), woodwind, percussion, or strings, while participating in performance ensembles and classroom experiences. School of Education classes included in the Professional Education core include:

• Clinical Simulations in K-12 Teacher Preparation
• Equitable Assessment for Inclusive Classrooms
• Principles of Teaching in ENL Inclusive Classrooms
• The American School

More information can be found in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.

“I chose Syracuse because of the great music program and especially the strength of music education. This program is a great opportunity for music students to build confidence in teaching.”

—Benjamin Vermilyea ’22

Outcomes

Graduates are in K-12 schools and community settings including:

• Instrumental, Choral, and General Music teachers and instructors
• Teacher leaders, department chairs, or school administrators
• Performers, conductors, composers, or music industry professionals.
• Further studies in Music Education, Music Performance, Educational Leadership, or another area of interest

Ready to Apply?

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Undergraduate Admissions Information