Bachelor’s in Music Education-Instrumental: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion or Strings

Band playing
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Find Your Purpose
Start your GCU journey today.
Request Info
Overview

Inspire the Next Generation of Musicians

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. 

saxaphone player laughing
Why GCU

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.

At GCU, you will participate in a range of performances to demonstrate your talents and progress while working toward your BA in Music Education-Instrumental degree. You can also take advantage of GCU's campus culture, including well-equipped facilities and student amenities and resources, encouraging you to maximize your time as part of the Lope community.

Take Instrumental Music Education Courses on Campus

This bachelor’s degree in music education is available via on-campus courses that encompass both class and private instructional formats. You will have an opportunity to pursue your passion for instrumental music with other like-minded students and enjoy opportunities that can refine your musical talents and broaden your exposure to various musical styles and composers. In-person classes can provide invaluable opportunities for live demonstrations, personalized feedback and collaborative learning through ensemble rehearsals.

Campus Life
Orchestra concert

Application Requirements for the BA in Music Education

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.
 

Coursework

Explore 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. 

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.

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. 
 

spirit band playing outside.

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. 

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
     
Careers

Career Paths for Bachelor's 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.
 

Accreditation

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 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.

FAQ

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.

Band in restaurant

Start Your Journey Today

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.

Apply Now

Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.

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. 

Indeed. (2022, Oct. 26). 10 Jobs in Music Education (With Duties and Salaries). Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023

Parker, S. (2021, March 9). Tips on Selecting the Right College Music Program. National Federation of State High School Associations. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023. 

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to Apply