Bachelor of Arts: Music Education
Is music an essential part of your life? Are you interested in teaching music to others? The Music Education program at Concordia University Chicago prepares you to teach music in elementary or secondary school settings.
Program Overview
This program combines two of Concordia’s strengths: music and education. We recognize the value of music in the lives of all students, providing quality programs, faculty and ensembles that exceed those of many other universities of comparable size. Our education program dates back to 1864, when Concordia was founded as Addison Teachers Seminary.
Students choose a music education emphasis in instrumental, choral or general music. Throughout your studies, you will observe, assist, teach and conduct in classrooms. Our 16-week student teaching semester is four weeks longer than most programs, providing additional experience and confidence. Upon completion of the BME program, graduates are qualified for the State of Illinois Type 10 K–12 Music Specialist certificate.
Our music faculty are highly respected in their fields throughout the Synod and beyond. Many of our applied faculty members perform in top ensembles throughout Chicagoland.
Concordia offers two specialized certificates that can be added to the BME program: a certificate in parish music (DPM) and a certificate in piano pedagogy.
General Course Information
The BME includes academic courses, applied study and ensemble participation. Core courses include music theory and aural skills, music history, literature and conducting. Applied study is available in every instrument and in voice. CUC offers choral and instrumental ensembles, which are also open to non-music majors.
For details about specific courses, please visit our online catalog pages.
Opportunities
The Music Department is housed in Kretzmann Hall, which has two large rehearsal rooms, studios for instrumental and voice teaching, practice rooms, five pipe organs, and 35 pianos. Kretzmann also houses a computer lab for music study and composition, and an electronic piano lab for keyboard classes.
CUC’s choral groups are Kapelle, Schola Cantorum, Laudate (women’s choir) and Männerchor (men’s choir). Our instrumental groups include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, University Handbell Choirs, University Band, Jazz Band, Cougar Band and Résonaz.
Our close proximity to Chicago provides you with endless opportunities to hear world-class music. Numerous parishes offer the experience of church music in the Sunday worship context.