Female music education student leads singing in front of her class

Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

About the B.A. in Music Education Degree

Cedarville’s distinctly Christian Bachelor of Music Education degree will prepare you to teach vocal, instrumental, or general music in grades K–12 in public and Christian schools.

At Cedarville University, 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 that we do to honor the Master Creator through our creativity. Study in our music program and learn from accomplished professors who will mentor and inspire you. Master your skills in our world-class facilities. Experience the preparation you need for your career or graduate school. Pursue your passion for music and for teaching while worshipping the Master Composer at Cedarville University.

Why Study Music Education at Cedarville?

Music Education 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.

Selective ( audition required)

You will be accepted into the music program — and be eligible for a department scholarship — based on a successful audition with music faculty.

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, international, 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 receive two teaching certifications. Our accreditation status enables you to receive a state of Ohio teaching license in your field of study that is transferable to any state in the U.S. 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.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Your coursework will be complemented by the following opportunities as you complete your early childhood education degree.

Field experiences early and often! — The School of Education 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 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. The School of Education of Cedarville University 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.

Recent teacher candidates have completed their Overseas Student Teaching Program in the following locations:

Australia
China
Columbia
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Guatemala
Honduras
Hungary
Kenya
Malaysia
Mexico
Nepal
New Zealand
Niger
Portugal
Spain
South Africa

Students playing in the orchestra

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.

Learn More »

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of recent graduates from the School of Education were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville’s other placement rates.

Cedarville's Placement Rates »

Center for Biblical and Theological Studies

The new degrees will also provide an opportunity for partnerships with the school of business administration and the department of music and worship.

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Mike DiCuirci

Mike DiCuirci, Senior Professor Emeritus of Music, had his first drink at age 12, and by high school, alcohol was a regular part of his life. A van accident as a young man woke him up, and he was set on a path toward Christ.

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Susan Plemons

For Susan Plemons, assistant professor of worship, Psalm 119:50 has taken on a very personal meaning.

Read Article »

Chick-fil-A at twilight

The dedication of the new facility will take place at 2 p.m. on the Saturday of Getting Started Weekend.

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Program Faculty

Photo of Bruce Curlette

Professor of Music; Director of Clarinet Ensemble

Photo of Dave Leitch

Assistant Professor of Special Education

Department of Music and Worship

Music Education 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

View Curriculum Plan and Catalog