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Bachelor of Music Education

Music Education Composite: Orchestra (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.
Teach What You Love
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).

Highlighted Career Paths

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.
School Strings Teacher
Work with children and adolescents as they learn bowed string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Most positions will involve teaching students in heterogeneous classes (i.e. more than one instrument simultaneously) in ensembles such as orchestra, chamber music, and eclectic styles such as fiddle or mariachi.
Private Studio Teacher
As a private studio teacher, you work one-on-one with students to help them progress their capability to play a selected instrument. You will teach them correct principles and techniques in music. This includes basic music theory, correct technique in playing an instrument, and more. Being a private studio teacher also involves adapting lessons to each student's needs and skill level. 
Advanced Study
Graduates with a BMED who have been diligent throughout their degree may have the opportunity to continue in a number of graduate degree programs in Music Education, Conducting, Musicology, or Music Performance.

Getting Started in this degree

If you are interested in Music Education with an emphasis in Orchestra, start with one of the following major-specific courses.

Students are required to audition for this major and participate in an ensemble each semester.

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