Music Education

Music Education Major (BA)

The music education major at Lynchburg offers a rigorous, professional approach to the study and practice of music and music education. Not only do music education students examine the various disciplines within the field of music, such as music theory, music history, and music performance, they also delve into the field of education and its application to the pre-K-12 music classroom. Fundamental questions addressed include: How do I design music curriculum that meets the needs of diverse students? What are the various approaches to assessment of student learning in music? How do I help students create connections between music and other disciplines? A music education degree leads to teaching licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is required for employment in the state’s public schools.

Related Majors

Music (BA)

Complementary Minors

The music education major offers two emphases:

Instrumental Education
Vocal Education

What can I do with a music education degree?

Band director
College, conservatory, or university music teacher
District supervisor of music
Ethnomusicologist

Music historian
Musicologist
Music teacher
Private instrument teacher

Sample Courses

MUSC 163 — Introduction to Music Education

This introductory course covers the history of music education in the United States and its global connections, cornerstone philosophies, and elements of the profession. Students benefit from project-based learning, demonstration, and individual guidance in music lesson design, development, and implementation.

MUSC 263 — Curriculum and Assessment in Music

In this course, students learn curriculum and assessment methods applicable to music education settings. Principles and techniques for teaching music in the secondary school are included. Students benefit from observation, demonstration, and individual guidance in the areas of vocal, instrumental, and general music.

MUSC 363 — Music in Elementary and Special Education

This course provides students with materials and methods needed to teach pre-kindergarten through elementary school students, including special populations in public schools and special settings.

MUSC 460 — Student Teaching in Music

This course, required for teacher licensure, is a full-time, supervised field experience. Students teach at two levels of music instruction, spending at least 200 hours at the head of the classroom. Depending on the student’s desired endorsement area, vocal/general or instrumental classes are assigned. At biweekly support team meetings, the student, fellow student teachers, a University supervisor, and clinical faculty, address planning, classroom management, interaction with parents, and other issues. This course requires a mandatory criminal and social services background check, which is conducted at the end of the preceding semester and at the student’s expense.

Faculty Contact

Cynthia B. Ramsey, DMA
Associate Professor of Music
Chair of the Music Department

434.544.8445
ramsey.c@lynchburg.edu