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Music Education at UPIKE prepares students to become dynamic, well-rounded educators ready to inspire the next generation of musicians. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences Humanities Division, UPIKE’s program blends music theory, history and pedagogy with hands-on experience in classrooms and performance spaces. Students earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Music Education, leading to P–12 certification in Kentucky. Whether you’re teaching scales to a beginner or conducting a full ensemble, UPIKE’s program equips you with the tools to lead with confidence, creativity and compassion.
UPIKE’s Music Education program stands out for its strong foundation in both music and teacher preparation. Through a partnership with the Patton College of Education, students benefit from a well-rounded, supportive experience designed to prepare our students to become the kind of teachers who will shape and inspire their own students through music. Here’s how:
Learn from education faculty with extensive experience in P–12 schools who are committed to your growth from day one through certification. Gain hands-on teaching experience early and often, with authentic classroom placements throughout your academic journey. Complete a full year-long clinical experience in local schools, giving you more time to develop your teaching skills and build confidence before student teaching begins. Receive individualized advising to keep you on track for graduation and licensure. Build your musicianship through applied lessons, ensemble participation and methods courses in instrumental, choral and general music. Benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from both music and education faculty. Seamlessly transition into UPIKE’s Teacher Leader Master’s program to continue your professional journey with advanced credentials and mentorship.
EDU-446 Clinical Practice I -P12 Music In this course, music education candidates will spend at least 10 hours a week, four hours a day in a music classroom observing while assisting a master teacher who has the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to enable all students to learn. EDU-447 Student Teaching in P12 Music Student teaching is viewed as the capstone to the music education program. All areas of knowledge are integrated and theory is put into practice as the preservice teacher assumes full responsibility for students’ learning in a music classroom.
At UPIKE, we prepare our music education students to prepare their future students. Through a blend of performance, pedagogy and immersive classroom experience, the Music Education program equips students with the skills to lead, teach and inspire through music. Graduates are eligible for Kentucky P-12 teaching certification and enter the classroom with more than just credentials. They bring real-world experience gained through UPIKE’s yearlong clinical placements. From day one, students work alongside experienced faculty and practicing educators, learning to create meaningful, student-centered instruction. Most graduates secure teaching positions soon after graduation and go on to build lasting careers in music education.
A degree in Music Education opens doors to rewarding careers in both public and private educational settings, as well as related fields:
P-12 Music Teacher (Band, Choir, or General Music)
Private Music Instructor
Music Director for Schools, Churches, or Community Groups
Graduate Studies in Music Education, Conducting, or Performance
With a strong foundation in teaching, performance, and leadership, our graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact in the field of music education.
Graduates will work in private and public schools throughout Kentucky and beyond. Recent graduates have the opportunity to enroll in graduate programs, including UPIKE’s Teacher Leader Master’s program, a fully online program designed for practicing educators that offers personalized professional development and integrated learning opportunities.
*The Patton College of Education is state accredited with all approved programs. In addition, we are working toward national accreditation with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Data, Records, and Clinical Experience Manager(606) 218-5317LisaAsbury@upike.edu
Associate Professor of Music Education(620) 205-6815MichelleRutherford@upike.edu