Music Education, B.Mus.
Experience Music at Immaculata University
When did your love for music first ignite? Perhaps it was a parent strumming a guitar or a music teacher who inspired you to chase your passion. For many aspiring music educators, that spark often arises from a deep desire to share the transformative power of music with others. Whether guiding a younger sibling through their first scales or leading a school band, future music educators cultivate a strong connection to their community, recognizing how music can bridge gaps and inspire change.
As one of the oldest academic programs at Immaculata, the music education program prepares students to become certified music educators in public, private, or religious-affiliated schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Being designated an All-Steinway School, Immaculata students have access to Steinway concert grand pianos and numerous Steinway-made practice pianos.
At A Glance
Program: Bachelor of Music with teaching certification
Audience: Undergraduate students
Format: Face-to-face classes
Next Start Date: May 19, 2025
Cost: Full-time tuition
Time to Completion Four years
“As a place I called home for four years, IU did not just prepare me for my career as a teacher and musician, but guided me to develop lifelong skills applicable to all my endeavors. My time, involvement and leadership roles on campus, combined with the support of the Immaculata community, made me realize the values of networking, striving for excellence in performance, accountability, taking risks and professional etiquette. My Immaculata education provided me with a solid foundation for my present and future career as a music teacher and created a satisfying preparation for my current studies in graduate school.”
Cameron Stringham
Music Teacher at the Girard Academic Music Program
Music education majors use their knowledge of educational methods, theory, history and performance to foster an environment for the musical arts within the community.
Immaculata offers several musical opportunities and ensembles to help expand performance proficiency on different instruments.
University Ensembles
- Chorale
- Concert Band*
- Symphony*
- Chamber Choir
- Guitar Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Semester Performance
*At Immaculata, students have a unique opportunity to participate in large ensembles within a small campus. The concert band and symphony orchestra partner with community groups to provide high-level performances of larger repertoire. Members of the large ensembles consist of students, adult musicians and local music educators.
University Clubs and Organizations
- Cue and Curtain Theatre
- Mighty Muse
- Immacappella (A Capella vocal ensemble)
- PCMEA (Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association)
- Liturgical Music
Music education majors receive personal attention during private lessons from instructors who help develop competency and mastery in primary and secondary instruments. In addition, students take courses in piano, brass, string, and woodwind methods.
Immaculata University has an active PCMEA (Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association) Chapter. Students participate in leadership roles and attend local professional development events and conferences.
Following the successful completion of the program and Praxis Exams, students apply for certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Pennsylvania’s certification is recognized by other states. Many out-of-state students can easily secure reciprocal certification in their home states.
Field experiences include high, middle, elementary, private, public and charter school settings. Students observe a variety of music classes including band, orchestra, choir and general music.
Student teaching includes placement in both primary and secondary music classrooms and is based on student preference (band, orchestra, choir).
Students can continue their education with the master’s degree in Music Education (M.M.) with a PDE Endorsement in Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Learning (PreK-12). Undergraduate students can start taking coursework for the master’s program in the spring semester of their senior year. The coursework counts towards continuing education credits required by PDE.
Our music education program prepares music teachers to work in every capacity. Because performance is emphasized within the curriculum, graduates are ready to use their instrument inside and outside the classroom.
K-12 music teachers can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Public Schools
- Private Schools
- Charter Schools
- Community Music Schools
- After-School Programs
- Summer Camps
- Music Conservatories
- Online Platforms
- Cultural Organizations
- Educational Workshops
These diverse environments allow music teachers to share their passion and expertise with students of all ages and backgrounds.
Immaculata is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the Music Education program is in compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
This Certificate is for students who wish to seek additional instruction and performance opportunities within their respective program, as it provides greater focus on advanced musicianship and performance with multiple opportunities for collaboration, leadership, creative thinking, and self-awareness. Comparable to a Minor, a Certificate is noted on student’s transcript, but can be completed in under 18 credits.
The Certificate in Music Performance is available to undergraduate students enrolled in the B.Mus.in Music Therapy and B.Mus. in Music Education programs.
Related News
Master of Music Education Program Focuses on Social and Emotional Wellness
The new Immaculata University program offers flexible hybrid learning for music educators.
Dr. William Carr Named “Top Music Teacher” for 2023 by Steinway & Sons
For the sixth consecutive year, Immaculata University’s William Carr, professor of music and piano, has been named one of the “Top Music Teachers.”
The Power of Music: Calling Attention to Opioid Addiction
The campus community came together to honor Stephen Moore, the cousin of Melissa Rice ’09. Music students created a professional recording of his rap song, “Love, Moore.”
Just The Facts
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Student to Faculty RatioWith an 11:1 student/faculty ratio, personalized academic attention is a hallmark of Immaculata’s programs.
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