Music Education

Play. Sing. Conduct. Teach. Because it takes the most accomplished musicians to make the most inspiring music, our program prepares you for a career of distinction and leadership in the classroom. You’ll benefit from the expertise of our music and education faculty in this program, which is jointly administered by the two departments. You’ll receive extensive training in performance, conducting and analysis and you’ll have opportunities to direct university ensembles. You’ll also develop the skills needed to succeed as a teacher and spend a semester student teaching to hone your abilities as classroom leader.

NASM-Accredited Institution

Carroll University is now an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music

“The smaller class sizes create a close relationship with anyone you work with.”
— Alexis Punzel '21

Read Alexis' story

About the Music Education Major

Carroll University’s music education major builds on two Carroll strengths—a long history of excellence in the performing arts and an academically rigorous education program. Southeastern Wisconsin is home to a thriving musical arts scene and our faculty members, from department heads to adjunct instructors, have extensive professional experience.

The music education major meets all of the Wisconsin Department of Public Education requirements for K-12 teacher certification. As a student in the program, you’ll specialize in one or more areas: instrumental, choral or general.

The central philosophy of the music education major is that to be effective, music teachers must first become accomplished musicians themselves, capable of performing, conducting and analyzing at a sophisticated level. As a music major, you’ll take weekly private lessons on your principle instrument or voice from highly skilled professional musicians.

On campus, Carroll boasts a number of music ensembles, and every music major participates in one or more ensembles every semester. Many of our students play in more than one, and frequent collaborations between ensembles foster a spirit of cooperation and a shared love of music. In addition, these ensembles offer opportunities for national and even international travel possibilities. Both the Wind Symphony and the Concert Choir take regular tours and have visited Denver, New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and New York, as well as Europe.

Music Education Emphases

To meet the Wisconsin Department of Public Education requirements for K-12 teacher certification, music education majors are required to specialize their study through one of the following emphases:

Additional Music Majors

Carroll University offers two additional majors within the music program.

Student Teaching

We help you build your skills as a music educator through immersive field experiences and student teaching placements. Each student will complete two of each prior to graduation from the program. 

Careers

College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the rewarding careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program. See where yours may take you.

Career Insight

Latest Program News

Alumnus Bryon Cherry '04

Q&A: Bryon Cherry '04 named best R&B/Soul Artist by Wisconsin Area Music Industry

10/26/2021

Alumnus Bryon Cherry '04 lived the liberal arts education at Carroll when - as a political science major - he also discovered his passion and talent for music. He developed his musical interest down a path that led to him being named best R&B/Soul Artist at the 2021 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards.

tuba players

VPA Overcomes COVID-19 Challenges

12/16/2020

For the Visual and Performing Arts, the Very Foundation of Artistic Expression Has Been Transformed by COVID-19.

More Resources

“My education field experience is a great opportunity. I love it so far.”
— Mark Wampfler '19

Read Mark's story

Meet the Faculty

The Arts Are Aliveat Carroll University

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