Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Instrumental
Application Deadline for Fall 2026 - December 1, 2025
Designed for students who wish to teach instrumental music in elementary and secondary schools. Applicants should have an extensive background in at least one band or orchestral instrument, including private lessons and experience in bands or orchestras.
Dual Degree in Music Performance: The Dual Degree in Music Education and Performance is designed for those who wish to pursue additional performance studies while earning a bachelors degree in music education, and generally requires an additional year of study.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education requires a minimum of 130 credits: coursework is composed of 40 hours of performance and a minimum of 25-26 non-SMTD credits. SMTD coursework to include:
- Private lessons
- Music Education
- Music Theory
- Musicology
- Ensemble participation
- Piano
- Conducting
- Student teaching
Silent Advisor
Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.
Faculty
Stephanie Christensen
Colleen M. Conway
Kate Fitzpatrick
Michael Hopkins
Marie McCarthy
Carlos Xavier Rodriguez
Julie Skadsem
Performance Opportunities
There is a vibrant culture of collaboration between performers and composers at SMTD. Student composers receive premieres of their works at a variety of venues, including 5-6 Student Composer Concerts per year, and concerts by U-M ensembles. Competitions for new choral music and instrumental works are featured each year. Our performance studios actively commission new works for their degree recitals, and the Chamber Music department offers an annual award for the best performance of an SMTD composer’s work. Composition students also regularly collaborate with filmmakers, dancer/choreographers, and are actively involved in directing music for stage productions, a cappella groups, and musical theatre performers. Each term, the William Bolcom Residency in Composition hosts renowned guest artists who come to campus to interact with students and faculty through lessons, workshops, meals, lectures, and performances. Funding for student performance projects is available from SMTD's EXCEL grant programs, as well as through the Rackham Graduate School for MA and DMA students.
New Music Concerts
Student composers often take the spotlight with their compositions performed at the annual New Music Concerts by the University Orchestras.
