Music Education provides students with a strong foundation in music performance, history and theory along with the theory and practices of music education. Music Education graduates are prepared for careers in K-12 music education and go on to lead bands, orchestras, choirs and classrooms across the country.
UK prides itself in educating not only superior teachers but also superior musicians. For music education majors at UK, even though preparation for teaching is a primary goal, it is equally important that all students are also well-trained musicians. In most cases, there is minimal difference between the performance and academic expectations for music education majors and music performance majors. An outstanding performance faculty in voice, keyboard, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion provides superior instruction for all music education and performance majors. Music Education majors will also gain experience in performing in outstanding ensembles, including the University Chorale, University Choristers, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Choir, Symphony Orchestra, UK Philharmonia, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Wildcat Marching Band, and three Jazz Ensembles among other smaller ensembles.
The School of Music is particularly proud that music education alumni are teaching in the public schools of at least 26 states around the country as well as in prestigious positions at major universities such as UCLA, University of Florida, Florida State University, Syracuse University, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Middle Tennessee University and the University of Kentucky, in addition to a number of smaller colleges and universities.
Graduates are licensed to teach K-12 Music Education in the state of Kentucky.
"You just can't beat the kind of environment that UK can provide. Whether you prefer the huge college experience of game day and massive classes, or the one-on-one tailored lessons from applied faculty in the arts, UK can offer you everything you need."
Music Education
Music Education at the University of Kentucky is a joint program between the School of Music and the College of Education. However, except for a series of three professional education courses, all classes are taught by music professors. Music Education majors may choose between a vocal/elementary general music track and an instrumental (band/orchestra) track. We subscribe to the philosophy that training in music education should be as practical and hands-on as possible. Consequently, the curriculum includes a series of undergraduate seminars that integrate the real experiences of the music teacher in the elementary or secondary schools with the development of skills for becoming an outstanding teacher. From the practical experience of conducting and rehearsing a school band, chorus or orchestra to the development of a highly personal philosophy of teaching music, these seminars provide a rich foundation on which to build a successful career.
All students applying to pursue a degree in the School of Music (Music Performance, Music Education or Bachelor of Arts in Music) must audition for admission. Students will apply to UK as pre-majors (Pre-Music Performance, Pre-Music Education, or Pre-Music) and will be transitioned into full major status upon successfully passing the audition. After applying to the University of Kentucky, students should request an audition with the School of Music at the link below. Students must be accepted by the University of Kentucky before they may be accepted by the School of Music.
In addition to the preferred audition dates listed on the audition request form, individual auditions for admission to the School of Music can usually be arranged any time during the year by special arrangement with a faculty member in the student's area of interest. Students who audition after the preferred dates may not be able to compete for certain University and School of Music scholarship opportunities, and there is a possibility that some programs could be filled to capacity. Also, the audition process is competitive -- for students who audition before these dates, acceptance decisions may or may not (at the discretion of the faculty) be delayed until after students have been heard on the preferred dates.
Request an AuditionStudents who wish to graduate with a degree in Music Education must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education. Students apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program after 45 hours of study. This will normally be in the middle of the sophomore year.
In order to apply, students must have:
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College of Fine Arts
School of Music
105 Fine Arts Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-4900
