The Music Education Area at Northern Kentucky University strives to prepare students for the challenges and rewards of teaching music in today's public and private schools. Individualized attention is provided to guide students as they complete coursework, certification requirements, and field experience in K-12 public schools. The degree program is designed to prepare future music educators who will teach at the elementary, middle school, and/or high school levels.
At Northern Kentucky University, students pursuing the Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree choose between two tracks of study: Instrumental (includes piano) and Choral/Vocal. Although students are eligible for certification in all areas of music, courses in these two tracks are designed for in-depth study in the area of choice.
Completion of the BME degree is the first step to Kentucky Teacher Certification. Upon obtaining certification graduates are eligible to teach a variety of music courses at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, including the following: band; orchestra; chorus; music theory; music history; and other music subject areas.
Students seeking teacher certification in a state other than Kentucky should examine the guidelines for that particular state and work with the Music Education Coordinator to ensure specific requirements are met to acquire certification.
The Music Education Area follows the NKU Secondary Education program guidelines, while providing a focus in Music Education.
Students interested in pursuing a degree in Music Education at NKU must be accepted to or enrolled at NKU and audition for admittance into the Music Program.
The purpose of NAfME Collegiate membership is to afford students an opportunity for professional orientation in music education and development. Through local, state, and national meetings, students gain knowledge and development regarding philosophy of music education, teaching methods and materials, exposure to the music industry, and contact with others in the field of music education.
Students who choose this track work with faculty across multiple music disciplines.
