A choir director leads during a rehearsal.

Music Education

Teach—and lead—the next generation of musicians. Music education at the University of St. Thomas provides you with the opportunity to promote artistic, intelligent, reflective and inspired teaching at all levels of music instruction.

Why Study Music Education at St. Thomas?

Our program exists to raise the standard of music teaching in society today. You become a professional music educator with the skills needed to teach through hands-on coursework. You learn from renowned faculty at St. Thomas and practice with experienced teachers in the greater community. Whether you are instructing toddlers, children, teens or adults, you graduate from St. Thomas with the utmost confidence in your teaching abilities.

Sharing Your Passion with the Next Generation

  • Course Requirements
  • Auditions
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degree Awarded
  • Course Requirements

    You complete courses in piano and aural skills, music theory, music media, performance studies, ensembles, conducting, history, literature and entrepreneurship. Along the way, you complete education courses and Minnesota state teaching licensure requirements so you transition smoothly into a teaching role after graduation.

    Auditions

    You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music education at St. Thomas. The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. Incoming students are also considered for a music major scholarship if they submit their audition video by February 1.

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.

    Degree Awarded

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You complete courses in piano and aural skills, music theory, music media, performance studies, ensembles, conducting, history, literature and entrepreneurship. Along the way, you complete education courses and Minnesota state teaching licensure requirements so you transition smoothly into a teaching role after graduation.

    Auditions

    Auditions

    You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music education at St. Thomas. The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. Incoming students are also considered for a music major scholarship if they submit their audition video by February 1.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.

    An individual is playing guitar while others look on in the background.

    Career Paths

    Our program will prepare you to lead the next generation of musicians in a fulfilling career with academic knowledge and practical skills.

    • Teaching in private and public schools
    • Performance
    • Teaching private lessons
    • Leading community ensembles
    • Roles in curriculum and administration development

    Scholarships

    We offer renewable competitive and performance-based scholarships for four years of study at St. Thomas. More information is on our department website.

    Music Major Scholarship

    The Music Major Scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year. Admitted students planning to major in music, music performance, music business or music education are encouraged to apply. Supporting materials are due by February 1, and selected applicants receive an audition invitation for the scholarship invitational in the spring.

    Loftus Family Alternative Music Creativity Award

    This award is available to any current St. Thomas student demonstrating great potential in their ability to instigate and sustain artistic creativity through music performance, composition or production. Music faculty can nominate any candidate.

    Mary O. Petra Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Music

    This scholarship is available to any current St. Thomas student pursuing a major or minor in music. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Music faculty can nominate candidates, and students participating in ensembles receive preference.

    Prepared for What's Next

    Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills to prepare you for life after St. Thomas.

    Sought After

    Organizations are seeking our graduates because they are well-prepared music teachers with innovative training and motivation.

    Expertise

    Our graduates are frequent presenters at local, state and national conferences, and are experts in their fields.

    Individualized Attention

    Our small class sizes allow for close connection and interaction with our internationally renowned faculty.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.