Music Education

Auditions

Entrance auditions are required for this major. Auditions are during the spring semester. You must be admitted to both Northwestern and the Department of Music & Theatre to major in music. Please refer to the Music Admissions & Scholarships for audition requirements and dates.

Music education may be the right degree for you if you

• enjoy vocal or instrumental music
• are eager to serve
• passionate about teaching
• are interested in a career in education

Why study music education at Northwestern?

You’ll learn the subject matter and how to create a supportive learning environment for students of all backgrounds. Our faculty believe in equipping you with the expertise and cultural competence needed to stand out from your peers

This program normally takes 4.5 years to complete, which includes a semester of student teaching. You will select one of the following specializations for your major:

• Vocal and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: vocal
• Vocal and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: vocal with primary instrument piano
• Instrumental and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: instrumental
• Instrumental and Classroom Music Specialization with emphasis: instrumental with primary instrument piano

The School of Education offers you the opportunity to travel to Haiti and China. This is an opportunity to learn how education is different outside the United States. Plus, you can gain even more experience by participating in our international student teaching program.

Northwestern’s School of Education provides four levels of classroom practicum experience:

• The first level allows you to find your personal “fit” within the teaching profession.
• The second focuses on developing theory and skills related to diversity.
• The third engages you to apply methodologies within your chosen field by creating, teaching, and evaluating lessons in a school classroom.
• The final level is full-time student teaching in a chosen licensure field.

The School of Education provides teacher education programs approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and as a result, meet the state standards adopted for licensure programs as defined in state rule 8710.2000 through 8710.8080. All licensure programs are aligned with INTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards and the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice.

The University of Northwestern – St. Paul music program is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1986.