- Theory and/or Music History (6 hours)
- MUSC 1910 does not count towards these, but may be counted
toward an elective
- MUSC 1910 does not count towards these, but may be counted
- No more than 8 hours of ensemble
- No more than 10 hours in applied music
Program Highlights
PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER
You will observe and participate in music classrooms, and student-teach in a local program.
BECOME AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER
Develop your personal musicianship to enrich your teaching skills.
NEW YORK STATE CERTIFIED
Your degree prepares you to earn your music teaching certification for grades K-12 in New York State and most other states.
Want more information about this major?
Download a program guide with detailed information on the department, major and outcomes!
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Roberts is the greatest place to learn, grow, and achieve. The teachers are all eager to mentor you, and everyone celebrates your successes and encourages you through your failures.
How Much Will I Pay?
Total Program
Sticker Price for 2026-2027:
$55,781
Last year
100%
of full-time freshmen students who applied
for a scholarship received one
$23,345
average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year
Roberts' Strategic Pillars
Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY
ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH
You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.
CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS
Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.
READY TO
LEAD
You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.
FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES
Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.
What Will I Learn?
You’ll learn:
- Primary instrument and ensemble performance skills
- Class piano, aural skills, music theory, and music history
- Conducting, arranging, and improvising
- Contemporary instrumental and general/vocal methods for grades K-12
- Secondary instrument methods
- Lesson planning
- Best teaching practices in the classroom
Career Outlook
Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:
Student Teaching Placements
- Churchville Chili
- Rochester Prep Charter
- Urban Choice Charter
- Various Rochester City School District
- Rush Henrietta
- St. Lawrence Catholic School
- Northstar Christian Academy
- Canandaigua
- St. Mary’s Catholic School
- Leroy
- Brighton
- East Irondequoit
- West Irondequoit
- Fairport
- Monroe 1 BOCES
Careers
- K-12 Music Teacher
- Private Studio Teacher
- College Professor
- Music Therapist
- Arts Administrator/Manager
- Clinician/Presenter
- Adjudicator
- Conductor
- Music Theorist
- Musicologist
- Ethnomusicologist
- Arts Director
- Music Librarian
- Composer/Arranger
- Film Scoring
- Video Game Music Composer
- Entrepreneur
Graduate Schools
- Roberts Wesleyan University
- Eastman School of Music
- University of Buffalo
- Syracuse University
- Nazareth College
- University of North Florida
- Bard College
- Michigan State University
- University of Tennessee
Minor Options
Minor Requirements
Students wishing to graduate with a minor must complete at least 18 semester hours in a selected
discipline. Specific minor requirements are listed within the departmental sections of this catalog. In
order to earn a minor when some of the coursework is also required by their major, students must take
at least nine hours unique to the minor. In order for a transfer student to earn a minor offered by Roberts, the student must earn at least nine hours at Roberts.
Teacher Education Summer Camp
Spend a week learning about teaching children. You'll walk the path of a teacher, planning fun lessons and activities, and then implementing those activities with children.
Scholarships may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Music education, when put simply, is a field that focuses on teaching music.
When pursuing a music education degree at Roberts, you’ll take courses in both music and education. While perfecting your craft, you’ll also learn best practices in teaching and apply your newfound skills in a student teaching environment.
What qualifications do I need to be a music teacher?
To become a music teacher, you should first obtain a bachelor’s degree. You could get your degree in education or music, or you could pursue a more specialized degree, which some schools offer – such as the Music Education degree from Roberts.
After getting your bachelor’s, you’ll likely need to get a certification for the area you’re aiming to teach in. In New York State this involves passing some exams. The B.S. in Music Education from Roberts leads to certification in New York to teach vocal and instrumental music in kindergarten through grade 12 and is accepted in most states.
Some states (including New York) require you to obtain your master’s degree after a certain amount of time, as well.
What can I do with a music education degree?
A music education degree can obviously help you if you aim to become a music teacher, but it can also help you become a:
- Private Music Instructor
- Arts Administrator
- Musicologist
- Music Industry Professional
- Community Music Educator
- Conductor
- Composer/Arranger
How much do music teachers make?
According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school teachers was around $61,000 in 2020. Though this is for all teachers, salaries vary due to area, level, field, and employer.
Can I meet with a music education professor when I visit Roberts?
Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.
Does Roberts Wesleyan University offer financial aid?
Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.
We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.
