Music Teaching

Students who choose a Bachelor of Science in music education dream of sharing the joy of music with young people in the schools. You'll find our music education program combines the expertise of an established music department and a professional education program with a long history of success. You'll work alongside professors who are professional musicians with teaching experience at all levels of music education. You'll have multiple opportunities to practice your skills in the classroom, and you'll be paired with master teachers through the teacher preparation program. You'll work in modern practice and performance facilities, and Education Abroad opportunities provide experiences that will globalize your musical view.

Program Requirements Department of Music Music Scholarships

Program Highlights

• Bachelor of Science degrees offered in:
  • Music Education Vocal
  • Music Education Instrumental
• Performance opportunities include Wind Ensemble, Husky Sports Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Contemporary Music Ensemble.
• Additional performing experiences possible through community partnerships with St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Great River Chorale, Minnesota Center Chorale, St. Cloud Municipal Band, Great River Jazz Collective, GREAT Theatre and Pioneer Place Theater.
• Music technology courses prepare students for a future in teaching, creating and performing music.
• Annual department festivals attract hundreds of high school band, choir and percussion students to campus.
• Department conferences attract hundreds of professional composers and electro-acoustic musicians to campus and have included the 2014 MN Made musical robotics festival, 2012 Kyma International Sound Symposium and the 2010 Society for Electro-Acoustic Music international conference.

Program Distinctions

• SCSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
• Teaching licensure programs approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
• 95 percent of Music Education graduates are immediately employed in schools throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Alumni teach in many of Minnesota's strongest programs.
• Music graduates have been accepted into nationally recognized graduate programs including the University of Minnesota, Manhattan School of Music, Cleveland State, Oberlin Conservatory, Indiana University, University of Illinois, University of Oregon and SUNY New York.
• Music graduates have won positions in prestigious performing groups including the Toledo Symphony, Eastman Opera Theater, San Francisco Opera, Utah Opera, United States Army Field Band, Walt Disney World, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra.
• Bruce Pearson, SCSU Distinguished Alumni and Honorary Doctorate, is the author of the award-winning Standards of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method, a series of books used in band programs around the world.

University Facts & Stats

• 100% of music education graduates employed
• $50,000 in music scholarships awarded annually

• 39 Education Abroad programs offered

• 2013 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization

• Among Forbes' "America's Top Colleges" 

Connect With Us

Department of Music Husky Sports Band Department of Music Husky Sports Band