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Bachelor of Music Education

Music Education Composite (B.M.Ed.)

The Bachelor of Music in Education (BMED) is a professional degree designed to prepare students for a music teaching career specializing in orchestra, choir, or band. Students will prepare to qualify for a K-12 teaching certificate. Students are given opportunities to teach in local schools, including a full semester of student teaching as the capstone experience.
University Orchestra presents panamania. Conducted by Rebecca Roesler.

Music Education Composite Introduction

School music teachers are in a position to influence students' lives on a daily basis for multiple years; they will interface with parents, administrators, and other school staff to support the development of each child. A music program can become a place kids find belonging and where communities find connection through performed celebrations of various musical styles and traditions.

A BMED with orchestra emphasis prepares students to specialize in strings teaching in the schools, focusing primarily on violin, viola, cello, and bass, with possible additions to the ensemble such as harp, percussion, and a wind complement for symphonic orchestra. Such positions usually involve conducting, mentoring student leaders, and collaborating with other ensembles in the school(s).

Pick a Music Education Composite Emphasis

As part of the Music Education Composite program, you'll have the opportunity to concentrate on one of the following emphases. You can learn more about each emphasis by reviewing their 4-Year plans.
4-Year Plan
4-Year Plan

Highlighted Courses

Students are required to audition for this major and participate in an ensemble each semester. If you are interested in Music Education with an emphasis in Orchestra, start with one of the following courses:
March 04, 2026 09:34 AM
EDCOR 200
March 04, 2026 09:43 AM
MUSIC 377A
March 04, 2026 09:44 AM
MUSIC 375
See Example Class Plan

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Orchestra have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates from this program enter a stable and rewarding field with average starting salaries for certified music teachers in Idaho ranging from $45,000 to $58,000. Your dual track expertise as both an artist and an educator allows you to command higher earnings through private instruction and leadership roles in school administration.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for impactful roles as a K 12 music educator, choir director, or band conductor where you will inspire the next generation of musicians. This degree also provides the transferable skills needed to succeed as a professional musician, entrepreneur, or leader in non profit arts advocacy and public relations.

Preparation for Grad School

This program serves as a prestigious credential for students pursuing a Master of Music Education or advanced degrees in conducting and performance. Your ability to lead diverse groups and manage complex systems also makes you a highly competitive candidate for graduate programs in law, medicine, or business management.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Music Education
You will learn to leverage artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for mastering music theory and optimizing your rehearsal time through advanced performance analysis. Our curriculum also uses AI to curate high tech job opportunities and match you with ideal graduate programs to ensure your career strategy is as precise as your performance.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.

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