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Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education

The BM in Music Education provides students with the opportunity to become accomplished musicians and to prepare for teaching music in pre-K–12 settings and beyond. In addition to academic and performance requirements, students are required to complete fieldwork observations in music classes in area schools. At the end of the program, students are eligible to obtain an initial pre-K–12 license in vocal/instrumental/general music teaching from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The license requires a 300-hour practicum in the field with a Music Education department–approved supervisor, who is assigned following the student's successful completion of two pre-practicum gateway assessments.

At Boston University, Music Education students have the opportunity to become part of a student body that includes students from throughout the United States as well as many international students. Boston University maintains a close relationship with the Boston Public Schools and many other school districts in the Greater Boston area. Our on-campus students have many opportunities to observe and intern in schools in the city and surrounding areas.

Furthermore, our student chapters of the National Association for Music Education and American String Teachers Association provide workshops and clinics throughout the year. Other professional development opportunities that are open to students also take place on campus, with recent workshops being led by organizations such as Boston Area Kodály Educators. The BM program is a qualified Massachusetts music teacher licensure program.

Learning Outcomes

All students graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree are expected to demonstrate:

A practical knowledge of basic music theory, musicianship, composition, and analytical skills.

An appropriate level of technical and interpretive performance skills.

A broad understanding of music history and cultures and associated repertories of music in a global context.

The ability to apply creative approaches to problem-solving and self-directed study.

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education are additionally expected to:

Demonstrate an appropriate level of pedagogical skills.

Design and differentiate instruction in multilingual and multicultural classrooms and for students from across the socioeconomic spectrum and range of abilities.

Regularly reflect on the effectiveness of instruction and interactions with students, and use insights gained to improve practice and student learning.

Demonstrate proficiency and flexibility over a range of musical instruments, vocal techniques, musical styles, and pedagogical approaches.

Collaborate with colleagues/peers to plan meaningful lessons that are connected to other areas of study.

Practice inclusivity and equity, and incorporate knowledge and practices of varied cultures meaningfully into lesson planning.

Demonstrate the ability to work with populations that include K–12 students, but also early childhood and adult students, and in positions that are sustained by community and school resources.

Undergraduate Curricula

General Degree Requirements

To attain the Bachelor of Music, each student must meet the following requirements:

Satisfactory completion of all courses in the chosen program of study, as prescribed by the School of Music

Completion of a minimum of 132 units (please refer to the Boston University Residency Requirement policy)

Demonstration of proficiency in all technical and professional courses, including satisfactory recitals at the junior and senior levels (for performance majors) and a recital of original compositions (for composition majors)