Pep band students at a football game
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.S.
  • School
    Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences

Combine rigorous musical training with professional teaching preparation. Experience a wide range of classroom levels and music education areas.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll develop as an instrumental and/or vocal performer as you learn best practices in conducting, curriculum development, music methods, and classroom management. You’ll experience classroom, choral, and instrumental music teaching at all levels – giving you a strong foundation as an educator and expanding your career options.

Gain Hands-on Teaching Experience

You’ll have opportunities to teach music through our practicum experiences, conducting, and music methods classes in addition to student teaching at elementary and secondary levels.

Take Your Act on the Road

Tour regionally, nationally, and internationally with campus ensembles.

Prepare for Licensure

The program prepares students for licensure in K-12 music, including elementary/classroom music and middle and secondary school vocal and instrumental music.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Accreditations

Professor and Chair of Music Dr. Tom Porter and students share what it’s like to study music at Mary. 

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for elementary and secondary school teachers through 2032. Employment opportunities for qualified teachers will increase as elementary school enrollment increases.

Career Paths

  • Elementary School Music Teacher
  • Secondary School Music Teacher
  • School or Community Band Director
  • School, Community, or Church Choir Director
  • Private Music Teacher
  • School or Community Orchestra Director

I’ve always felt that I could make the biggest positive impact with my life by teaching music.

Stephanie Otremba, ’21

Featured Faculty

Dennis Gowen, MM

Chair of Music, Director of Bands and High Brass

I'm a native of Maine, with conducting, education, and performance degrees from Southern Maine and Western Michigan. My wife Rhonda (piano instructor at Mary and privately) and I have three wonderful children, Robin, Evan, and Jane. I’m fortunate to teach high brass lessons, conduct classes, and several academic classes, as well as to conduct and lead the University of Mary band program. Professionally, I've enjoyed performing as principal trumpet for the MVCO and BMSO and serving as conductor for these and many other ensembles. Outside of my profession, I enjoy hiking & photography.

Alexander Mains, MEd

Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Secondary Education

As the director of the secondary education program, I have the opportunity to work with prospective middle school and high school educators to help them grow in their skills and develop a love of learning for their future students. I work within eight different subject areas for my program, teaching various methods courses and education courses and visiting practicum schools where my future educators observe classroom teachers and practice teaching their lessons to real students.

Take Your Next Step in Music Education