Why Choose Nazareth for Music Education?

The music education degree program at Nazareth University prepares future teachers through the direct experience of teaching and performing, as well as intensive academic study. Liberal arts courses enrich and deepen the learning experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in workshops and conferences, and to teach pre-college students at various extensive sites in Rochester.

The School of Music adheres to the philosophy that to teach well, you must also perform well. Students are required to achieve a high level of musical artistry on their primary instrument. Through this combination of musicianship, academics, and pedagogy, Nazareth students are well-prepared to educate and inspire the musicians of the future.

Program Highlights

  • The music education degree program prepares students for initial certification (Pre-K to grade 12 certification in music) from the New York State Department of Education.
  • Curriculum includes professional courses in instrumental, choral, and general music methods, as well as liberal arts courses, culminating in a Senior Experience that includes a Senior Recital and a Senior Comprehensive Examination.
  • The student teaching experience serves as the experiential capstone for this program.
  • Emphasis on practice-teaching experiences throughout the course sequence.
  • Choose to enrich your experience through 70+ study abroad options, including Austria and Italy for music education.
  • Extensive collection of music teaching materials and resources.
  • Opportunity to participate in student chapters of The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and The American Choral Directors Association, American String Teacher Association, as well as a mini conference that is held on campus annually.
  • Perform in our new, state-of-the-art, 550-seat Glazer Music Performance Center. The new building is designed to provide excellent acoustics for large instrumental and vocal ensembles, to integrate multimedia collaborations, and to enable live recording.
  • Collaborate with music educators, give lessons, and teach music on study abroad options in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, South Africa, the Philippines, Spain, and more.

How to Audition

Auditions are required for this major. View audition details and register.

Program Details

Options, Requirements, and Course Descriptions

B.M. in Music Education


Minors:


Graduate level: M.S. Ed. in Music Education

4 + 1 option for bachelor's and master's degrees: Undergraduate music education students may elect to enter the 4 + 1 program to complete a master's in music education (M.S. Ed.) in one additional year. So you would complete two degrees in five years. Contact the graduate program director.

Melissa Reed, alum of the music education degree program, music education major at Nazareth College

Alumni Spotlight

Melissa Rozelle Reed '02, '06G has worked extensively with students with special needs in the music education and music therapy settings and is a sought-after clinician on this topic. She was honored as music educator of the year by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

College of Distinction: Education badge

Meant to Teach

    Nazareth educates the best teachers you know.

    Example Careers

    • Public school teacher
    • Private school teacher
    • Private music teacher
    • College-level faculty
    • Liturgical music

    Internships/Field Experiences

    • Observation and student teaching placements in some of the most highly recognized public school music programs in the country

    Graduate Schools/Employers

    • Columbia University
    • Boston University
    • Pittsford Central School District
    • Brighton Central School District
    • Penfield School District
    • Eastman School of Music