Bachelor’s in Music Education-Instrumental: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion or Strings
Inspire the Next Generation of Musicians With an Instrumental Music Education Degree
Prepare for a career teaching music with the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Education- Instrumental: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, or Strings degree at Grand Canyon University. You will be taught both fundamental and advanced concepts in music education, with a focus on instrumental performances and conducting.
This BA in Music Education degree is offered by the College of Arts and Media in collaboration with the College of Education and leads to initial teacher licensure. To become eligible for a teaching license, you are required to successfully complete specified practicum hours, state exams and a student teaching experience. You may also be required to obtain an institutional recommendation from GCU.
The curriculum is designed to align with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). If you are looking for a degree that can blend your passion for music with educating the next generation of K- 12 students, you might be a good fit for this program.
Earn Your Bachelor’s in Music Education at GCU
This degree program intricately weaves together theoretical instruction with practical engagement, offering a holistic educational experience in music. By merging traditional classroom learning with hands-on application, you can delve into music theory, history, composition and performance techniques while simultaneously honing your skills through private instrument lessons and ensemble participation.
Loading Form
Application Requirements for the BA in Music Education-Instrumental Program
This degree combines coursework in music history and theory with advanced, hands-on concepts of teaching and pedagogy. All degree program applicants are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment prior to acceptance into the program. Performance scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you are encouraged to audition early.
Prepare for Future Licensure and Certification
This Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree leads to initial teacher licensure and includes a student teaching or internship experience. Teacher candidates will observe teaching situations in K-12 classrooms and complete full-time student teaching internships prior to graduation. These internships involve an eight-week student teaching experience in an elementary classroom and an eight-week student teaching experience in a secondary classroom.
Upon completion of this degree, instrumental music education majors may then apply to earn their teaching license through their state. Teacher licensure can help you to seek employment as a music instructor or band conductor in private and public schools.1 As you choose the right degree program for you, it is important to be aware of different certification requirements specific to the state you plan to teach or lead in.
Explore Instrumental Music Teaching Skills With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education
The BA in Music Education degree is a multidisciplinary degree program that strives to instill competencies in performance music and music education, as well as transferrable skills. Some of the instrumental music education courses included with this degree teach skills such as:
- The harmony, melody, form and rhythm that comprise the structure of music from the “common practice period”
- Rehearsal and performance in band ensemble
- Instrumental training with an emphasis on technique
- The pedagogy, curriculum and assessment methodologies for developing and implementing music education programs in secondary school settings
- The use of music technology for composing original works
- Analytical reasoning and communication abilities
GCU takes pride in integrating the Christian worldview and the principles of faith-based moral convictions into each course of the program. You are encouraged to broaden your God-given talents as a musician while preparing to lead and execute classroom instruction in elementary and secondary settings.
Topic Areas in This Instrumental Music Education Degree
You will complete private instrument lessons on a primary instrument, present a formal, solo recital, observe teaching situations in classrooms and complete full-time student teaching internships prior to graduation. In addition, you will be taught the following topic areas of instrumental music education:
- Organizing and training marching bands for high schools
- Advanced band methods, with an examination and analysis of the major band philosophies, including rehearsal techniques, score preparation, programming and performance techniques
- Practical study of wind, string and percussion instruments, including playing, caring for and teaching each instrument
- Historical, philosophical and sociological influences that have influenced music, ethnomusicology and music education, with a look at the issues and challenges that modern educators face
Career Paths for Bachelor's Degree in Music Education-Instrumental Graduates
According to the New England Board of Higher Education, students enrolled in music education benefit from better memory retention, language, cognitive processing, problem-solving abilities and better hand-eye coordination.2 As an aspiring music educator, you may one day share your love of music with others and inspire your students to work toward lifelong personal and professional success.
With a firm foundation of competencies in musical performance and music education, graduates may be prepared to pursue employment as an art, drama or music teacher in public or private K-12 schools.
Dive Into Instrumental Music Education at an Institutionally Accredited University
As an institutionally accredited school, GCU is privileged to prioritize the quality of our instruction and curriculum. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Arts and Media shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education-Instrumental FAQs
Choosing a career path can be challenging for students. It may be helpful to spend some time researching your career field and degree options. The following frequently asked questions and answers are intended to provide a starting point for your research in music education.
As an avid musician, you likely already know that there are many types of music and methods of creating it. Instrumental music is created with musical instruments other than the human voice, such as brass, woodwind, string or percussion instruments. Vocal or choral voice music is created using the human voice as an instrument. If you choose a degree in instrumental music education, you will focus on preparing to teach students how to play instruments other than the human voice. In contrast, a degree in choral voice education emphasizes voice training and voice techniques.3
Individually, musical instruments are capable of producing beautiful sounds. When many instruments are played together, as in a band, the effect can be amplified. If you aspire to become a band teacher and share your passion for music with young students, then your first step is to earn a degree in music education that leads to initial teacher licensure. GCU’s BA in Music Education-Instrumental degree leads to initial teacher licensure and may be an appropriate choice for those who aspire to become any type of music teacher, including a band teacher.4
The process of earning a bachelor’s in music education requires many hours of group and individual practice in order to develop one’s musical talents. There may be days when it feels challenging to fit in all of this practice, but if you have a true passion for music and a desire to inspire students to hone their own musical talents, then your effort can certainly be worth it.
A degree in music education and a degree in instrumental performance will both involve practicing musical instruments, and will require you to participate in musical performances. However, the area of focus and intended career outcomes may be different. For example, a performance music degree focuses on the performance of music in public venues, whereas a music education degree focuses on preparing students to become music teachers or similar professionals. The degree you choose depends on your career goals: Do you want to become a music teacher with a music education degree or do you want to become a professional musician with a performance music degree?5
Nurture your love of music and pursue your passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of young musicians. Fill out the form on this page to learn how you could earn your bachelor’s in music education at GCU.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Nov. 29, 2023.
2 Eric. (2018, June). Tuning in: six benefits of music education for kids. New England Board of Higher Education. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
3 J., Alex. (2023, Jan. 30). The difference between vocal and non-vocal melodies. MelodyStudio. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023.
4 Indeed. (2022, Oct. 26). 10 jobs in music education (with duties and salaries). Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023.
5 Parker, S. (2021, March 9). Tips on selecting the right college music program. National Federation of State High School Associations. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Required General Education Courses
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the principal political, economic, and cultural themes and constitutional developments that shaped the United States from the Colonial period into the 20th Century.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of music from primitive times to the mid-18th century. It presents the growth of music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the contrapuntal schools, culminating in the work of J. S. Bach and the development of opera and oratorio during the Baroque period. Prerequisite: MUS-125.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of music from the mid-l8th century to modern times. Study is devoted to the rise of homophonic music, the art song, the nationalistic schools, and the principal composers of the classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. Prerequisite: MUS-355.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Study is devoted to the structure of music which includes harmony, melody, form, and rhythm. Skill development in analysis and composition is emphasized. The music of the “common practice period” will be studied. Prerequisite: Theory Placement Examination.
Course Description
This course is designed as class instruction for students with limited or no previous piano training. Instruction includes the study of piano technique and literature designed to pass Part I of the Piano Proficiency Examination.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
The Pep Band provides students with the opportunity to develop their musical skills through rehearsal and performance in a band ensemble. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission. This course must be repeated each semester of residency.
Course Description
The Wind Ensemble is comprised of music majors, minors, and students from other disciplines. Musicians are provided an opportunity to increase their performance skills through an active and challenging involvement with the creative process. The Wind Ensemble also offers non-music majors an avenue in which to continue making music throughout their college careers. The literature performed is selected from the finest contemporary and traditional repertoire. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission. This course must be repeated each semester of residency.
Course Description
This course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Prerequisite: MUS-125.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MUS-102. It includes passing Part II of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-102 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
Students will study and utilize a variety of music technologies such as computer software, hardware, networking, multimedia, interactive media, and the Internet in order to foster inquiry, collaboration, and interaction in classroom to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course emphasizes advanced rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Music examples are selected from Bach through Wagner. This course also includes an advanced study in analysis and part writing utilizing modulation and chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS-155.
Course Description
This course is class instruction for students with limited or no previous voice training. Content includes the study of vocal skills for personal performance and beginning voice instruction.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of string instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of brass instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MUS-103. It includes passing Part III of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-103 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
In this course, candidates identify the developmental milestones of children, prenatal to adolescence. Students examine the progression of these milestones in all areas of development, including psychological, social, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and physical. Additional focus is placed on typical and atypical child development, and analyzing the effects of environment, trauma, and family dynamics on the development progression. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MUS-202. It includes passing Part IV of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-202 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of woodwinds instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of percussion instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course considers instrumental ensemble literature, publishers, and composers, arrangers, and their styles through study of techniques and literature for rehearsing and conducting instrumental music in the schools. Common performance and teaching obstacles encountered are addressed via examination and analysis of prevailing pedagogies for instrumental ensembles, including performance techniques, score preparation, rehearsal techniques, programming, and the administration of an instrumental program. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course is a study of the fundamentals and techniques of conducting. Emphasis is placed on basic conducting skills, fundamentals of baton technique, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, conducting terminology, transpositions, and score reading. Techniques of score study, artistic interpretation, and programming will be explored. Prerequisite: MUS-155.
Course Description
This course is a beginning study of developing and conducting a music program in the schools—focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in music education will be examined. Sample activities implemented within each grade level will be studied and associated lesson plans prepared. Classroom observations to examine a variety of music-teaching situations are required. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MED-260 or MED-261.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, teacher candidates will explore multicultural education by engaging in research, communication, and ethical decision-making, focusing on developing educators' skills in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. Through analysis of evidence and virtuous practice, the course will examine the critical role of educators as advocates for all students, empowering participants to address disparities and promote equitable opportunities for academic success. With a specific focus on the principles of multicultural education, teacher candidates will be encouraged to reflect on the influence of their own worldviews and perceptions. Emphasizing the concept of imago Dei, which sees every individual as made in the image of God, this course aims to foster culturally responsive classrooms that welcome diversity in all forms. Teacher candidates will explore strategies to effectively bridge the gaps between various diversities and academic achievement, to foster human flourishing within the educational sphere. The course blends content with practical application, highlighting the educator's role as an advocate for all students and promoting equitable academic opportunities.
Course Description
This course is an advanced study of developing and conducting a music program in the schools—focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in music education will be examined. Sample activities implemented within each grade level will be studied and associated lesson plans prepared. Classroom observations to examine a variety of music-teaching situations are required. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MED-375.
Course Description
This course is a study and application of techniques of scoring and arranging music for various instrumental and vocal ensembles. Programmatic technology requirements apply, as outlined in the University Policy Handbook. Prerequisite: MUS-260 or WSA-301.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This capstone course provides students an opportunity to develop their skills in an area of interest. Students will complete an independent project under faculty supervision.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify preventative and responsive practices related to cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate times to differentiate, modify, or accommodate to support student learning. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course is a survey of the Arizona constitution and government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course provides class instruction for students with limited or no previous guitar training. Instruction includes the study of guitar technique and is designed to prepare worship leaders to perform with basic guitar skill and to understand strategies of guitar playing in worship ensembles. Various guitar techniques and performance styles are explored, with an emphasis on popular music genres.
Course Description
A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length and format appropriate to the major. The recital may consist solely of performance or may be in the form of a lecture-recital. The recital is to be given in the student's final semester of residency. Students must pass a formal hearing prior to final approval of the recital presentation. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are required to fulfill an 8-week internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards within the classroom. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. Prerequisites: for A: Fingerprint Clearance and one of the following combinations: 1) Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study, a 2.8 GPA, and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience and Certification; or 2) Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I ® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II ® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
Course Description
Teacher candidates are required to fulfill an 8-week internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards within the classroom. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. Prerequisites: for B: Fingerprint Clearance and one of the following combinations: 1) Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study, a 2.8 GPA, and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience and Certification; or 2) Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I ® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II ® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.