Student Resources

Do you love music?
Do you enjoy helping others and making a difference in your school and community?
Do you see yourself as a leader?
Do you like learning about different styles of music and different cultures?
Do you want to connect with other musicians and build a network?
Do you want a career where you can inspire other people and make the world a better place?

Music and the arts enhance living and improve society through the development of students’ artistic expression, cultural connections, and deeper understanding of the human experience. There is no higher calling than to make the world a better place through the power of music.

Quick Tips to Get Started Toward a Career in Music Education

High School Students

If you are not already, start taking private lessons on your primary instrument or voice as soon as possible.
Piano study is also important–for non-keyboard instrumentalists and vocalists alike!
- Even if you don’t have the time or financial resources to take private piano lessons in addition to lessons on your primary instrument, there are still many online resources and books that can help you get a start on piano.
Take AP Music Theory if your school offers it. If not, there are a variety of online resources to learn basic music theory.
Seek out leadership roles in your school and/or community ensembles.
Select multiple colleges or universities you can see yourself attending and do your research.
- Get to know the professors who may be your teachers.
- Look for the types of musical experiences and ensembles that you are interested in–for example, do you want to focus on classical or contemporary music?
- Research the audition requirements for your potential colleges or universities.
- Also, keep ACT/SAT score benchmarks in mind–all-around academics matter, even for music majors!
- Keep in mind that the very best schools for music performance may not be the best for music education, and vice versa.
What to expect in a music education program:
- You will most likely need to apply to the college/university itself, as well as apply/audition for the music school or program.
- Once you start college, you will take many of the same classes as any other music major–like music theory, lessons, ensembles, and piano–as well as beginning education courses, like psychology, and classroom observation.
- Many music education programs can be completed in four years, which may include summer classes or very full course loads. Others are scheduled to take four-and-a-half or five years to allow for more breadth, a less hectic schedule, or additional course requirements prior to student teaching.
Learn more about preparing for music school here and in all our resources below.

Middle School Students

It’s not too early to start exploring future careers and higher education!
Find every opportunity you can to learn more about music and get involved.
Join your school’s music ensembles, or start a new music group with your friends and peers.
Practice your instrument or singing as much as you can, and start taking lessons with a private teacher if you are able.
Create your own music by improvising or composing. Become an expert at musical notation!
Start learning about music theory through a book series or online resources.
Learn about music from many different cultures and in many different styles.
Find a summer music camp to attend at a local college or university. Many programs offer scholarships, too.
Ask a music teacher to shadow them for a day.
Be a Music Buddy–ask to help younger students practice or learn music.

As a student, you have many choices about what you will do for the rest of your life. By deciding to major in music education you are about to endeavor in the BEST career a person can choose – changing lives through the power of music. Browse below to better understand what you can expect, and perhaps equally important, why you should consider joining the music education profession. We’ve created this resource just for you!