Students rehearse in Musco Center for the Arts
Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music

» BM (Pre-Music Education Certification)

Chapman University’s Bachelor of Music (BM) in Pre-Music Education Certification program offers a comprehensive foundation for aspiring 21st-century music teacher, equipping them with the pedagogical and musical expertise required to teach music at PreK-12 levels. The program blends comprehensive coursework in music with hands-on teaching experiences, ensuring students develop both their performance skills and teaching abilities.

Designed for individuals passionate about both music and education, the program prepares graduates to teach in diverse settings and provides a pathway into the Master of Arts in Teaching Music program. Upon completion, students earn both a master’s degree and state certification, qualifying them to teach music in PreK-12 schools.

 

 

 Program highlightsmusic class

  • Comprehensive Music Training: Students engage in an extensive curriculum that includes music theory, history, conducting, and performance. Through personalized instruction, students refine their skills on their chosen instrument or voice.
  • Field Experience and Professional Mentorship: Students acquire hands-on teaching experience in local schools under the mentorship of seasoned credentialed music educators.
  • Instructional Methodologies: The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the demands of 21st-century music education, integrating a comprehensive range of pedagogical approaches. These include the Orff and Kodály methods, as well as instruction in band, orchestra, choir, general music, early childhood music, world music pedagogy, music technology, and applied lessons, ensuring a well-rounded and modern approach to music education.
  • Research-Driven Education Theories: Students acquire a robust foundation in research-based educational theories, such as culturally responsive pedagogy, constructivist approaches, social justice education, as well as socio-cultural and cognitive development theories. This comprehensive training enables students to adapt their instructional strategies to effectively support learners from diverse social, cultural, and experiential backgrounds within a wide array of educational contexts.
  • Conferences and Clinics: Students engage in hosting and attending on-campus clinics and workshops facilitated by distinguished scholars, practitioners, educators, conductors and clinicians. In addition, students participate in national and international music education conferences, providing valuable opportunities for professional development and expanding academic and professional networks.
  • Elective Opportunities: Students can choose from a selection of electives to deepen their content knowledge and refine their teaching techniques in specialized areas of music education.choir class
  • Pathway to Certification: This pre-professional degree prepares graduates to pursue state teaching certification and offers a seamless transition into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program through Chapman’s Attallah College of Educational Studies. In the MAT program, students earn both a master's degree and a teaching credential in one year. Upon completion, graduates are fully qualified to become licensed music educators for K-12 schools.

Career pathways in Music Education

  • Credentialed PreK-12 Music Teacher
  • Private Music Instructor
  • College/University Music Professor
  • Music Curriculum Developer
  • Music Education Administrator
  • Music Therapist
  • Musician/Performer
  • Teaching Artist
  • Choir, Band, or Orchestra Conductor
  • Educational Consultant (Music)
  • Early Childhood Music Educator
  • Music Instructional Coach
  • Community Music Program Director
  • Composer or Arranger for Educational Materials
  • Music Technology Specialist
  • Music Festival or Program Organizer
  • Music Librarian (Education-Focused)
  • Educational Product Developer (Music)
  • Special Education Music Teacher
  • International Music Educator
  • Researcher in Music Education

Music Education Faculty

photo of Dr. Tammy Yi

Dr. Tammy Yi

Interim Director of Music Education
photo of Dr. Robert Frelly

Dr. Robert Frelly

Professor of Music and Director of Music Education
photo of Jeremy DelaCuadra

Jeremy DelaCuadra

Lecturer
photo of Stacey Kikkawa

Stacey Kikkawa

Lecturer
photo of Gary Matsuura

Gary Matsuura

Lecturer
photo of Fred Greene

Fred Greene

Lecturer

Getting started

Begin your application process through the admissions web page and complete the Common Application for Chapman University. Be sure to note in your application that you intend to major in Bachelor of Music (Pre-Music Education Certification).

All students auditioning for acceptance into the program should visit the conservatory's admission page for a detailed listing of audition requirements. To schedule an in-person audition appointment, please complete your Creative Supplement at go.chapman.edu/apply.

 

Why choose Chapman University?music class

  • Expert Faculty: Students are mentored by distinguished musicians and educators who are deeply committed to developing their skills as performers and future educators.
  • Small Class Sizes: The program offers personalized instruction and a supportive, collaborative learning environment that ensures individualized attention for each student.
  • Career Preparation: Graduates are prepared to enter advanced certification programs or pursue graduate studies, positioning them for success in PreK-12 music education. Chapman’s Master of Arts in Teaching Music Program allows students to obtain both a master’s degree and teaching credential in just one year.
Contact Us

Contact Us


Program Questions:

Dr. Tammy Yi
Interim Director of Music Education
(714) 744-2124
tyi@chapman.edu

 

Admission Questions:
copaadmit@chapman.edu

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