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About the BME Degree

Why Study Music Education at Cedarville?

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of students through music? With Cedarville's distinctly Christian Bachelor of Music Education degree, you'll be prepared to teach vocal, instrumental, or general music in grades K-12, in both public and Christian schools. Your passion for music will be nurtured as you gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the classroom.

At Cedarville, Bach's famous phrase "Soli Deo Gloria" — for the glory of God alone — is more than a slogan. It is the mission that drives all we do to honor the Creator through the skills He's given us. In the music education program, you'll refine these skills in top-notch facilities while being mentored by accomplished professors. When you graduate, you will be prepared for a career as a music educator, ready to glorify God and impact your students.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Customizable – You will choose from a choral or instrumental track.

Broad – You will graduate equipped to effectively teach music at the elementary, middle school, or high school level by selecting appropriate methods, materials, and music; planning course outcomes and activities; presenting course content; and evaluating course outcomes.

Certification – You will receive the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for state certification and employment as a music teacher.

Students playing in the orchestra

Soli Deo Gloria Music Scholarships

Cedarville University offers music scholarships of up to $6,000 per year for students majoring in music. You can combine your music scholarship with Cedarville’s other generous academic and need-based scholarships.

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Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 95.2% of recent graduates from the Department of Music and Worship were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.

Cedarville's Placement Rates

What Can You Do With a Music Education Degree?

  • Our teacher candidates are known for their quality of education, commitment to the field of education, and diversified experiences that prepare them for teaching in the classroom. Cedarville Education graduates are teaching all around the world in public, private, Christian, urban, and mission schools!
  • Testing Success – Every teacher candidate is required to complete licensure exams in order to be a licensed teacher in the state of Ohio. Teacher candidates at Cedarville University are well prepared for these exams, as evidenced by exam pass rates found at this link.
  • As a graduate of the Teacher Education Program at Cedarville University, you are eligible to pursue two teaching certifications. Our program enables you to apply for a state of Ohio teaching license in your field of study that may be transferred to any state within the United States, providing all requirements are met for that state. You are also eligible to apply for an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) certificate, which is nationally recognized among Christian schools and does not require state-to-state transfer.

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that some professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

As you complete your music education degree, your coursework will be complemented by these opportunities:

Field Experiences Early and Often — The School of Education and Social Work believes that our teacher candidates should have many hands-on experiences in schools. That is why you will engage in local school settings during your first year as a teacher candidate at Cedarville University and will continue to experience teaching within a school setting each year of your teacher training at Cedarville. By the time you graduate, you will have completed more than 600 hours in classroom experiences!

Student Education Association (SEA) — Cedarville's education student organization is a Christ-centered community built on equipping teachers to serve each other and those around them. Throughout the year, you will participate in professional growth events, ministry opportunities, and fun activities. You will also have ministry opportunities through the adopt-a-senior program, the birthday ministry, breakfast for teachers, and other ministries. Any education major is welcome!

Partnership Programs — These programs allow you to be part of field experience and classroom learning within one of the schools in nearby participating school districts. You will learn teaching strategies and practices from Cedarville University professors while engaging those practices and theories in real classrooms with real students and teachers.

Cross-Cultural Experiences/Classes in Ireland — The School of Education and Social Work routinely explores new cross-cultural experiences for teacher candidates to diversify their field experiences. Periodically, faculty lead a group of teacher candidates to Ireland to complete core teaching courses in another culture. As part of this three-week adventure, you will earn credit for your courses, observe classrooms and the education system in another country, and have one-on-one opportunities to minister to the people of Ireland.

Overseas Student Teaching Program — You may choose to complete your student-teaching experience overseas. This experience occurs as the final semester of your study as a teacher candidate at Cedarville University. You will spend approximately 16 weeks overseas in an English-speaking school. Cedarville's School of Education and Social Work works with CCTECC to coordinate an overseas experience for teacher candidates who wish to complete their student teaching internship abroad. You may choose to go to almost any country in the world and will receive specialized training for this experience.

Ensemble Involvement — Explore the range of ensembles within the Department of Music and Worship that you can get involved with:

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take a wide array of core music and education courses that include one-on-one private lessons, large and small ensemble experiences, and relevant, real-life oriented music education courses that will make you a successful teacher in today’s classroom.

Sample courses:

  • Music Education Field Experience
  • Student Teaching and Seminar - Multi-Age

Start Your Degree in High School!

Save time and money in college by taking dual enrollment courses now. Discover how you can complete your education degree one semester early with the Dual Enrollment Pathway to Education.

Explore the Dual Enrollment Pathway

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers graduate and undergraduate programs with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is the best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
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From Our Students:

  • The faculty is one of the biggest blessings of studying music at Cedarville. They are all godly men and women who lead by example for their students in all that they do. Whether they are developing our skills musically or guiding us spiritually, the willingness of the faculty to disciple us and care for us personally is evident in every lesson, class, and concert. I have learned how to humbly pursue excellence, discipline, and creativity for God's glory.
    Antonio Muñoz '21
    Antonio Munoz
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones, EdD

Dean, Assistant Professor of Education

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Photo of Lori Ferguson

Lori Ferguson, EdD

Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor of Education

Contact

Photo of Bruce Curlette

Bruce Curlette, DMA

Professor of Music; Director of Clarinet Ensemble

Contact

Department of Music and Worship
School of Arts and Humanities

Program News

  • Dixon Ministry Center

    Cedarville University: Celebrating 50 Years of Regional Accreditation

    Fifty years ago, a banner reading “Hallelujah! Accreditation” draped across Alford Auditorium, signaling a historic moment for Cedarville University. On April 9, 1975, the university (then Cedarville College) was granted regional accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
  • Professor Carlos Elias conducts the string orchestra at Cedarville University.

    Masterworks Concert: Melody & Myth - Fate & Fire

    Cedarville University’s orchestra and wind symphony will present “Melody & Myth - Fate & Fire” on March 22 at 7 p.m. in the James T. Jeremiah Chapel inside the Dixon Ministry Center.