Bachelor of Music in Music Education (B.M.)
If you’re passionate about music and excited to help others discover their own musical talent, CCU’s Bachelor of Music in Music Education is designed for you. At CCU, you won’t just grow as a musician, you’ll grow as a leader. We believe music can open doors to success in every area of your life, which is why we equip you to become both an exceptional performer and an inspiring educator. By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for Colorado Teacher Licensure in K–12 Music.
As a Music Education major, you’ll develop the heart of a servant leader while building excellence in your craft. You’ll strengthen skills like sight-reading, ear training, composition, conducting, orchestration, and improvisation. You’ll learn how to teach those same skills to your future students. You’ll even step into real classrooms to practice what you’ve learned and start becoming the kind of music teacher you’ve always admired.
This degree is offered through both CCU’s School of Music and School of Education, giving you the best of both worlds as you pursue your calling.
Program FAQs
What are the audition requirements for the School of Music at CCU?
If you are planning to major or minor in music or theatre, you are required to audition for participation in most ensembles and for consideration for School of Music scholarships.
What is the music education major at CCU?
The music education major at Colorado Christian University prepares you to become a licensed K-12 music teacher through the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree program. This music education degree combines outstanding musicianship training with teaching skills, equipping you to inspire the next generation of musicians. Music education prepares students for Colorado Teacher Licensure and positions in elementary, middle, and secondary schools throughout the state and country.
As a music education major, you will learn about servant leadership and excellence in music while practicing skills such as sight-reading, ear-training, composition, choral conducting, orchestration, and improvisation. You will also learn how to teach these skills to your future students through classroom experience and student teaching. The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is offered through both CCU's School of Music and School of Education.
What can you do with a music education degree from CCU?
Music education majors prepare for careers teaching music in various educational settings. You can become a band, choir, or orchestra director leading ensemble programs, work as an elementary to high school music teacher providing general music instruction, or serve as a private studio teacher offering individual lessons. Music educators also pursue graduate school, develop curriculum, or work in community music programs.
The music education degree program at CCU prepares you for career preparation through student teaching practicum experiences, where you work directly with students in real classroom settings. Graduates from CCU's music education programs have earned teaching positions in both public schools and private schools throughout Colorado, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing future educators who serve as both excellent musicians and inspiring teachers.
What courses will you take in the music education major at CCU?
The music education major includes comprehensive coursework in both music performance and pedagogical practice. You will take Conducting to learn how to lead choral and instrumental ensembles, History of Music to understand musical development across cultures and time periods, and Piano Proficiency to develop keyboard skills essential for teaching music. Additional courses cover music theory, music history, vocal and instrumental techniques, and general music methods.
You will also take courses focused on teaching skills and classroom management, preparing you to teach students effectively from kindergarten through high school. The degree program includes student teaching each semester, where you gain hands-on experience in actual music classrooms under faculty supervision. Through participating in ensembles like choir, band, and orchestra throughout your time at CCU, you develop the musicianship and performance abilities needed to model excellence for your future students.
Why should you study music education at CCU?
CCU's School of Music shares the music education program with CCU's School of Education, which has been recognized by the state of Colorado as a program of excellence. The distinct focus on developing students who are servant-leaders as well as excellent practitioners has earned CCU graduates in music education teaching positions in both public schools and private schools throughout the state and beyond.
At CCU, music education majors prepare to impact the world through teaching music grounded in a Christian worldview. You will learn to view music teaching as ministry, using your gifts to serve students and communities. The music educators faculty at CCU are experienced professionals who provide mentorship and professional development, helping you grow as both a musician and a teacher who leads with faith and integrity on campus and in your future classroom.
What is the difference between a music major and a music education major?
A music education major focuses specifically on preparing you to teach music in schools, while general music majors may pursue performance, composition, or other music industry careers. The Bachelor of Music in Music Education at CCU includes coursework in teaching methods, student teaching practicum experiences, and licensure requirements that general music programs do not require. Music education majors prepare to work directly with students in classroom and ensemble settings.
Music education degree programs emphasize both musicianship and pedagogy, teaching you how to instruct others in vocal and instrumental techniques, choral conducting, and general music concepts. While all music students at CCU study music theory, music history, and performance, music education majors take additional courses in classroom management, curriculum development, and educational psychology. The music education major leads to teacher licensure and prepares graduates specifically for careers teaching in elementary and secondary schools.
What makes CCU's music education program different?
CCU's music education program stands out because it is offered through both the School of Music and the School of Education, combining musical excellence with educational expertise recognized by the state of Colorado as a program of excellence. Future educators receive training from faculty in both schools, benefiting from diverse perspectives on music teaching and learning. This partnership ensures you develop as a complete music educator with strong musicianship and effective teaching skills.
The program emphasizes servant leadership grounded in Christian faith, preparing music educators who view teaching as ministry and service. You will learn how to use music to glorify God and impact students' lives, not just teach technical skills. Through student teaching experiences each semester and participating in campus ensembles, you gain extensive practical experience before graduation. CCU music education graduates consistently secure teaching positions, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing musicians who are also inspiring, faithful educators in schools throughout the community and world.
View the course catalog.
