Truman’s unique dual-degree program prepares students to be excellent music educators by providing a strong base of both musical and pedagogical skills. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Pre-Certification) that’s the preparatory track for the fifth-year Master of Arts in Education (MAE) professional teaching degree, students are prepared to teach music in a variety of contexts. From large ensemble teaching, like band, orchestra, and choir, to preschool and elementary music, as well as teaching secondary general music classes such as music production, modern band, guitar, and more, Truman graduates are prepared to meet their students where they are and help them develop into the musicians they want to be.
Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Pre-Certification) and the Master of Arts in Education (Music Education) prepares you for a career in the music education profession and provides Missouri certification in Music: Instrumental (PK-12) or Music: Vocal (PK-12).
Music Education Program Highlights
Music Education Program Highlights
At Truman, you have access to learning spaces designed to enhance your educational experience. Music students spend most of their time in the Ophelia Parrish Building/Fine Arts Center, which is home to the Art, Music, and Theatre Departments.
Music Ensembles
Truman has a wide range large and small music ensembles students can join, including Symphony Orchestra, Cantoria, Wind Symphony, Opera Theatre, Percussion Ensemble, Uncommon Practice, Jazz Ensemble, Truman Steel, and many more.
Student Organizations
Truman's collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education is one of the largest and most active chapters in the state. At monthly meetings and regular professional development workshops, students get opportunities to expand their pedagogical knowledge and connect with area teachers. Truman also offers other music organizations that students can join.
Broad Musical Preparation
In addition to strong preparation through applied instruction, large and small ensemble performance experiences, and theory and musicology coursework, students pursuing the BA + MAE in Music also have multiple experiences learning and performing popular music. These varied musical experiences equip pre-service teachers with the musical skills necessary to serve their future students, regardless of the music classes they eventually teach.
Field Experiences
Truman music education students get many teaching opportunities prior to graduating, from observation hours, to early field experiences in area schools, to a semester-long preschool placement, opportunities to teach private lessons to area students, and through many special events. The culminating internship at the end of the MAE program is the most immersive teaching experience students have and mentor teachers routinely report that Truman students are the best prepared and most capable student teachers they have.
100% Placement Rate
While most of our graduates teach in Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois, we have graduates employed all over the country. We keep in regular contact with our alumni and offer support to them long after they graduate.
