Music Education

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Undergraduate Major

Modes of study:

Blended
·
In person

Inspire the musicians of tomorrow by earning your Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Turn your passion for music into a rewarding career at the Dr. Alfred & D. Suzi Osher School of Music, located on the Portland campus of the University of Southern Maine (USM). Tailor your studies to your interests while gaining hands-on experience in performance, music theory, conducting, and education. With specialized faculty, exceptional facilities and connections across Southern Maine’s vibrant arts community, you’ll graduate prepared to apply for your PreK—12 music teacher state certification and make a lasting impact as a music educator.

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The requirements and courses needed to graduate with this degree are based on the academic catalog that applies to your start year.

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Program duration

Typical completion time: four years. Flexible options may save time.

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School

Osher School of Music

Admissions

An audition is required for admittance into the Osher School of Music. SAT and ACT scores optional. Early action and year-round admissions.

Learn about auditions, admissions, and important dates to remember

Why should you pursue your Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Southern Maine?

Learn in the stunning state-of-the-art Crewe Center for the Arts: The recently opened Crewe Center for the Arts features the software and technology of tomorrow, including acoustically optimized spaces, professional-grade recording technology, as well as 40 performance and practice rooms, and more!
Maine’s first collegiate All-Steinway institution: With 26 Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos — including three Spirios with expressive playback systems — the Crewe Center is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to support you with the teaching skills to become cutting edge future educators here in Maine and beyond.
Tailor the program to your talents and interests: Choose to focus on classical or jazz instruments, or composition.
Perform on campus and throughout Southern Maine: The Crewe Center’s performance hall is built to be just the right size for your range as a student — not only will the Osher School of Music’s longstanding performance traditions ensure you take the stage, our central location gives you access to gain additional experience through performance opportunities across Greater Portland’s vibrant arts community.
Gain hands-on teaching experience: Build your professional network through your teaching internship with USM partner schools and music educators throughout the region. Gain real-world insight, and prepare to make an impact as a music teacher after graduation.
Build your professional network in Southern Maine: Utilize USM’s broad network of partners to find internships and performance opportunities that will build your resume like USM’s own renowned Osher Youth Ensembles.
Learn from a faculty of distinguished musicians: In addition to being dedicated teachers and scholars, your professors and lecturers perform, conduct, and compose with elite ensembles around the world.
World-class training at a public university tuition rate: Receive a top-of-the-line music education by attending USM, without paying private tuition prices.
Qualify to apply for state certification as a Pre K—12 music teacher.
360-Degree performance opportunities: Beyond the ensembles you can audition for based on your musical interests, you’ll have opportunities to perform in student recitals in state-of-the-art music halls, participate in masterclasses in technology-rich classrooms with large interactive screens and real-time Zoom capabilities, and experience performances by internationally renowned guest musicians.

Enjoy performing in one of USM's many ensembles during the university's performance season.

Engage in the USM Performance Season

While at USM, you’ll have the opportunity to audition for one or more of our ensembles, including:

Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra
University Concert Band & Osher Wind Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Composers’ Ensemble
University Chorale
USM Chamber Singers
Opera and musical theatre

Explore opportunities

Built for Musicians: Percussionist Gabriel’s Experience at the Crewe Center for the Arts

What can you do with a Bachelor’s in Music Education after graduation?

Be a driving force behind the next generation of musicians in Maine by receiving your Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine.

Driving the future of music education

Alumni of the music education program at the University of Southern Maine have a 100% job placement rate and are routine recognized for teaching excellence, including being named Maine New Music Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching in public schools in the U.S. and internationally, our graduates hold teaching positions in community music schools, church music programs, and state music educator associations.

Discover your career

Southern Maine is your classroom

We’re here to help answer questions about costs

Tuition & fees Financial aid Scholarships

New England residents at USM may qualify for reduced tuition thanks to NEBHE!

New England resident? You may qualify for reduced tuition!

If you live in New England, applying for this program qualifies you for a significantly reduced tuition rate, thanks to the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program.

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The Osher School of Music at USM is NASM-accredited.

Earn a NASM-accredited degree

The Osher School of Music at USM is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), demonstrating the program’s commitment to rigorous academic and professional standards. When you choose USM for your music degree, you’ll receive an education designed to prepare you for a successful future in teaching and the broader music industry.

Learn about NASM

USM's music education degree has CAEP accreditation.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Prepare for a successful career in music education through a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This national accreditation reflects USM’s commitment to high standards in educator preparation and ensures you’ll receive the rigorous training and support needed to become an effective music educator.

What is CAEP?

Next steps

Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Music Education — Bachelor of Music