University of Maryland College Park Bachelor Degree Program in Music: Education
University & College Info June 15, 2013What better way to appreciate and love music than to teach it to others? The ability to play music should be a gift and a right, as much as it is a talent. You can help educate younger or adult students with their favorite instrument through the University of Maryland College Park bachelor degree program in music education. This program not only gives students musical training, but also goes on to set a firm foundation in the liberal arts. Most of the time is devoted to helping students with developing analytical and critical skills when it comes to music. The student will not only have the talent and know-how, but also a discriminating taste for style. By the end of the program, students will likely work in the public educational field in some capacity.
The Curriculum for the UMCP’s Music Education Program
There are three degree programs you may qualify for, and they are decided by a faculty committee. The Bachelor of Music degree is for composition, while the Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree covers theory, history and ensemble participation. The Bachelor of Education degree covers teaching of music theory, particularly for younger students. Other semester credits will include class piano, form and analysis, private lessons, conducting and music pedagogy. The B.M.E. degree is a certified program from the UMD College of Education. There are 48 credits to complete for a graduating degree.
Facilities and Programs at UMCP
The School of Music at UMCP offers this degree to aspiring music teachers. Events and classes are held at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The good news is that the facility itself is quite accessible, since it measures well over 300,000 square feet. Within the building are six venues, including classrooms, rehearsal areas, and a library. Advising is one of the best reasons to enroll at UMD because of its personal interaction, as well as Student Societies. There are four well known UMCP clubs for students; the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, the National Association for Music Education and the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Scholarships and financial aid are available to students in need, though they are based on the application and audition. The Presser Award is an award given to juniors who outperform their standard and maintain excellent grades and achievements. By the end of the program, the UMD faculty is confident that you will be able to give professional caliber musical education to children at the elementary school level, all the way through high school. The Bachelor of Music Education by the College of Arts and Humanities comes with your choice of concentrations in either Instrumental Music Education or Choral-General Music Education.
Remember, the true value of what you do; you will not only play music, but teach younger ones to love music, molding them to be creative, strong and focused when the time is right. Why wait? The University of Maryland at College Park’s bachelor’s degree program can get you started!
