Music Major with Instrumental Music Education Concentration (B.M.)

The UNG music department offers a Bachelor of Music with a major in music and a concentration in instrumental music education. The unique appeal of the music education program lies in the supportive relationships formed within the UNG music department, which brings performers and educators together in a community of practice.

Throughout their participation in the program, students will build a portfolio of high-quality music, materials, and lessons in preparation for student teaching. Students will gain practical experience through peer-to-peer instruction, while observations in the field will help them to develop strategies and best practices in music education.

The training that students receive at the UNG Department of Music puts you on a path of excellence that leads to a professional career as a music educator. You do need not be a perfect performer or solo instrumentalist, but with motivation and a great work ethic, you will become the inspiration and model musician and educator.

If you have a passion for music and a love for teaching, be a leader in music education at UNG!

Degree Type

Bachelor of Music

Campus Availability

*Students can start at the Gainesville Campus and transfer to the Dahlonega Campus to complete the Bachelor of Music degree.

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How to Become a Music Education Major at UNG

Apply to UNG. Learn how to apply.
Once you are accepted at UNG, you must successfully complete an audition to start your journey earning this degree from the music department.
Find the dates and specific requirements for your audition.
- Auditioning automatically places you in consideration for music scholarships
Music majors with an education concentration will also need to apply separately to the College of Education admission requirements.

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Experience Our Music Education Major Program

Through a broad range of courses in music foundations, performance, and education we will prepare you for a career in the field and to pass the Georgia K-12 music certification in general, choral, and instrumental music, giving you the utmost flexibility when entering the profession.

The music department has roughly an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio

We have nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are active performers, clinicians, and teachers

Participate in engaging recitals, lectures and master classes by renowned guest artists

Why Music Education at UNG

UNG music education interns receive multiple opportunities to hone their teaching through peer instruction, observation, and student teaching. In addition, students have meaningful observation experiences in a variety of public school music settings. Interns will teach in area school music programs, with part-time and semester-long placements tailored to the student’s area of specialization and/or career goals.

100% of UNG music education students pass the requisite assessments for Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
100% of recent UNG graduates passed the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) at the professional level.
95% of recent UNG graduates are working in music education or a related educational field.

In addition to preparing students for a variety of careers in the music field, a music degree cultivates invaluable soft skills that are highly sought out in professions outside of music as well. Many of our graduates find immediate employment in fields that value their creativity, reliability, communication, and collaboration skills

What Your Journey Could Look Like

Your First Year

You will begin your study in music with foundational courses in Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Class Piano while also embarking on individual studies on your primary instrument.

Reach out to Academic Advising for guidance on your curriculum options.

Sophomore Year

You will you will deepen your expertise in music study and performance and begin exploring classes that are specific to teaching. You will explore child development, how children learn, and music content in elementary schools

Junior Year

At this point, you will take you will take specialized courses in choral and instrumental music education and methods, learning the fundamentals of teaching in and running a music program. In addition, you will be preparing to for your junior recital demonstrating growth as a musician and performer.

Senior Year

During this year, you will take the senior capstone courses where you refine your philosophy of teaching and curriculum. You will complete a part-time Fall internship and Spring full-time internship in area school music programs with a cooperating teacher. By the end of your Spring teaching placement, you will complete the necessary steps to be a Georgia certified music teacher.

At Graduation

You will have the background and skills necessary to begin a career as a music educator specializing in instrumental or general music but with the skills necessary to work with a choral program. You will be versed in the skills necessary to lead a classroom and a rehearsal, and build a comprehensive music program. In addition, you will have grown as a music performer through study on your principal instrument and acquired the necessary piano and conducting skills to comfortably and effectively lead an ensemble and create memorable music with your students.

Ensemble Opportunities

Connect and engage with other musicians at UNG! The Department of Music has a variety of ensembles on the Dahlonega and Gainesville Campuses. Joining an ensemble will provide you with plenty of performing opportunities and will allow you to explore and advance your musicianship. If you are interested in challenging yourself and refining your musical skills, explore our music ensembles.

Instrumental Ensembles

Wind Ensemble
Sinfonietta
Jazz Band
Golden Eagle Band
Low Brass Collective
Percussion Ensemble
Piano Ensemble
Symphonic Band
Chamber Orchestra

Vocal Ensembles

University Singers
Le Belle Voci
Patriot Choir
Music Theatre Workshop
University Chorale

Define Your Own College Experience

College life isn't just about academics. It's about the relationships you make, the experiences you have, and the new things you can discover not just about yourself, but about the world around you. UNG provides many opportunities on each campus and beyond to help you explore your interests and find new passions.

SMMC Staff working with student — Make Your Money Count

Take control of your personal finances. Attend budgeting workshops, make a financial action plan or connect with a money mentor.

Financial Well-being

a newly formed fraternity pose for a photo — Find Friends for Life

Members of our fraternities, sororities, and gender-inclusive organizations find friendship in community service & leadership.

Fraternity & Sorority Life

students learn leadership skills on the ropes course at Pine Valley — Have a New Adventure

Sign-up for an adventure trip, rent camping equipment, or climb to new heights on the Pine Valley Ropes Course.

Outdoor Pursuits

Where Can the Instrumental Education Concentration Lead You?

The Instrumental Music Education Concentration will prepare you for a career as a highly qualified band or orchestra music teacher or general music specialist in the public and private schools.

In addition to preparing you a variety of careers in the music field, a music degree cultivates invaluable soft skills that are highly sought out in professions outside of music as well. Many of our graduates find immediate employment in fields that value their creativity, reliability, communication, and collaboration skills.

Many of our music education graduates acquire teaching positions through the networking they developed in their internships. Most students are primarily interested in pursuing careers as educators in public or private schools at the K-12 level but may also have interest in:

Preschool music specialist
Day camp music specialist
Private Vocal Music Instructor
Church Musician/Cantor/Soloist
Church Music Director

Conducting/Music Ensembles
Music Performance
Music Director Pit Orchestra for Music Theater
Pre-music therapy

Music Historian/Musicologist
District Supervisor of Music
College, Conservatory, or University Music Professor
Ethnomusicology

Use the career insights tool to explore different opportunities related to this degree program. Learn about average salary and discover the skills you need to get the job you want.