College of Fine Arts

Music Education

2

Unique Tracks

Instrumental and Choral

31

Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles

100

Years of Music at UK

Restart your search
Julie Hobbs

Julie Hobbs

Dir. of Undergraduate Studies

School of Music, College of Fine Arts

College of Fine Arts

School of Music

105 Fine Arts Building

Lexington, KY 40506

Program website

859-257-4900

  • BMME

Music Education provides students with a strong foundation in music performance, history and theory along with the theory and practices of music education. Music Education graduates are prepared for careers in K-12 music education and go on to lead bands, orchestras, choirs and classrooms across the country.

Careers

UK prides itself in educating not only superior teachers but also superior musicians. For music education majors at UK, even though preparation for teaching is a primary goal, it is equally important that all students are also well-trained musicians.  In most cases, there is minimal difference between the performance and academic expectations for music education majors and music performance majors. An outstanding performance faculty in voice, keyboard, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion provides superior instruction for all music education and performance majors.  Music Education majors will also gain experience in performing in outstanding ensembles, including the University Chorale, University Choristers, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Choir, Symphony Orchestra, UK Philharmonia, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Wildcat Marching Band, and three Jazz Ensembles among other smaller ensembles.

The School of Music is particularly proud that music education alumni are teaching in the public schools of at least 26 states around the country as well as in prestigious positions at major universities such as UCLA, University of Florida, Florida State University, Syracuse University, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Middle Tennessee University and the University of Kentucky, in addition to a number of smaller colleges and universities.

Graduates are licensed to teach K-12 Music Education in the state of Kentucky.

"You just can't beat the kind of environment that UK can provide. Whether you prefer the huge college experience of game day and massive classes, or the one-on-one tailored lessons from applied faculty in the arts, UK can offer you everything you need."

Chris Wheeler

Music Education

Classes & Requirements

 

What You'll Study

Music Education at the University of Kentucky is a joint program between the School of Music and the College of Education.  However, except for a series of three professional education courses, all classes are taught by music professors. Music Education majors may choose between a vocal/elementary general music track and an instrumental (band/orchestra) track. We subscribe to the philosophy that training in music education should be as practical and hands-on as possible. Consequently, the curriculum includes a series of undergraduate seminars that integrate the real experiences of the music teacher in the elementary or secondary schools with the development of skills for becoming an outstanding teacher.  From the practical experience of conducting and rehearsing a school band, chorus or orchestra to the development of a highly personal philosophy of teaching music, these seminars provide a rich foundation on which to build a successful career.

 

School of Music Audition

All students applying to pursue a degree in the School of Music (Music Performance, Music Education or Bachelor of Arts in Music) must audition for admission. Students will apply to UK as pre-majors (Pre-Music Performance, Pre-Music Education, or Pre-Music) and will be transitioned into full major status upon successfully passing the audition. After applying to the University of Kentucky, students should request an audition with the School of Music at the link below. Students must be accepted by the University of Kentucky before they may be accepted by the School of Music. 

In addition to the preferred audition dates listed on the audition request form, individual auditions for admission to the School of Music can usually be arranged any time during the year by special arrangement with a faculty member in the student's area of interest. Students who audition after the preferred dates may not be able to compete for certain University and School of Music scholarship opportunities, and there is a possibility that some programs could be filled to capacity. Also, the audition process is competitive -- for students who audition before these dates, acceptance decisions may or may not (at the discretion of the faculty) be delayed until after students have been heard on the preferred dates.

Request an Audition

Teacher Education Program

Students who wish to graduate with a degree in Music Education must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education. Students apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program after 45 hours of study. This will normally be in the middle of the sophomore year.

In order to apply, students must have:

  • 45 hours of credit completed,
  • a GPA of 2.75 or greater and
  • have completed either MUS 262 or MUS 263 and EDC 202 with a C or better.
  • Students must also complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test with a passing score for all three sections of the test: Reading, Writing, and Math.
Learn About UK Teacher Education

Imagine Your Future

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$63,670

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

1.55m

in 2023

10 Year Job Outlook

10,700

new jobs (average)


Imagine Your Future

Middle School Teachers

Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$64,290

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

625,500

in 2023

10 Year Job Outlook

5,100

new jobs (average)


Imagine Your Future

High School Teachers

High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$65,220

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

1.07m

in 2023

10 Year Job Outlook

11,100

new jobs (average)


Contact

Julie Hobbs

Julie Hobbs

Dir. of Undergraduate Studies

School of Music, College of Fine Arts

College of Fine Arts

School of Music

105 Fine Arts Building

Lexington, KY 40506

859-257-4900