Music Education Program | Fredonia.edu

Music Education Program | Fredonia.edu Music Education (Mus.B.) Program at Fredonia What we offer Bachelor of Music Who to contact School of Music music@fredonia.edu 716-673-3151 Get Started Apply Now Audition Information Where Musicians Become Educators—and Leaders Music education is more than a career path—it’s a calling. Our Bachelor’s in Music Education program transforms passionate musicians into inspiring educators, ready to lead classrooms, shape school culture, and bring music to life for the next generation. With over a century of excellence, we’ve built one of New York’s most respected music education programs—backed by a 100% job placement rate and a powerful network of faculty, alumni, and school partnerships. From your first year, you’ll step into real classrooms, receive individualized private instruction, and perform with top-tier ensembles—all while learning the art and science of teaching. With flexible course delivery options including fully remote/online learning , you can pursue your passion for music education from anywhere while maintaining the same rigorous standards and personalized attention Fredonia is known for. Whether your dream is to conduct a school orchestra, build an award-winning choir, or teach general music with flair, Fredonia gives you the tools, mentorship, and experience to make it happen. It’s a bold choice for dreamers—and a smart one for doers. What You’ll Gain Musicianship Weekly one-hour private lessons with world-class artist faculty ensure you develop as a performer while training to be an educator. Classroom Confidence - Over 200 hours of real-world experience in up to five different school settings before your student teaching semester. Conducting Mastery - Four semesters of hands-on conducting instruction—covering choral, instrumental, and contemporary techniques. Pedagogical Depth - Specialized courses in general, choral, and instrumental music methods equip you for teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Performance Opportunities - Audition for top ensembles and perform in recitals, including a culminating Graduation Recital that showcases your growth. Licensure Preparation Graduate ready to apply for NYS teaching certification, with curriculum aligned to professional standards. Theory & History Foundation - Deep dive into music theory, history, and world traditions—building the cultural and analytical knowledge every educator needs. Technology Integration - Access cutting-edge music tech labs with industry-standard software like Pro Tools, Logic Studio, Finale, and more. Accelerated Pathway - Our "Master’s in Five" option lets you earn your graduate degree and begin teaching sooner—saving time and money. Career Opportunities for Music Education (Mus.B.) Curriculum Director Educational Consultant Instructional Coordinator Private Studio Teacher School Superintendent District Administrator High School Teacher Middle School Teacher School Principal University Professor What does a 4-year degree look like? Music Education, Mus.B. - Vocal/General Sample Degree Map The Music Education, Mus.B. - Vocal/General track degree prepares graduates for successful and fulfilling careers as music educators across New York state and beyond. Fredonia believes music education is one of the most noble and rewarding career paths, and we strive to create an ideal environment for the training of future music educators. Music education majors receive hands-on teaching experiences in the public schools beginning in the second semester of their freshman year. The State University of New York at Fredonia is committed to doing our part to provide each student a clear path to graduation. This four-year degree plan is a sample map for fulfilling requirements in the major, the Fredonia Foundations (FF), and other supporting courses. The pathway that you take to your degree may differ somewhat from this illustration, depending on where you start and the detours and side trips you may take along the way. If you are committed to completing your degree in four years, we encourage you to consider signing up for the Fredonia in 4 program. For complete information about this degree program, please consult the university catalog at www.fredonia.edu/catalog Sample Degree Plan First Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 150 Intro to Music Education MUS 100 Recital Seminar MUS 117 Piano MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 121 Aural Skills MUS 123 Music Theory I MUS 125 Lessons MUS 137 Diction .5 MUS 138 Diction .5 Ensemble 1.5 FF Course FF Course TOTAL 16.5 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 291 Technology in Music MUS 100 Recital Seminar MUS 118 Piano MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 122 Aural Skills II MUS 124 Music Theory II MUS 126 Lessons MUS 139 Diction .5 MUS 140 Diction .5 Ensemble FF Course TOTAL 16 Second Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 210 Guitar MUED 250 Foundation of Music Ed I MUED 252 Child Abuse Reporting MUED 255 Foundations I Practicum MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 200 Recital Seminar MUS 217 Piano MUS 221 Aural Skills III MUS 223 Music Theory III MUS 225 Lessons MUS 231 Conducting I MUS 263 Music History Ensemble 1.5 TOTAL 17.5 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 211 Guitar MUED 251 Foundation of Music Ed II MUED 253 Alcohol, Tobacco, & Drug Abuse MUED 256 Foundations II Practicum MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 200 Recital Seminar MUS 218 Piano MUS 222 Aural Skills IV MUS 224 Music Theory IV MUS 226 Lessons MUS 232 Conducting II - Choral MUS 264 Music History II Ensemble 1.5 TOTAL 18.5 Third Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 301 Teaching General Music – Elementary MUTY 240 Music for Children w Disabilities MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 300 Recital Seminar MUS 317 Piano MUS 325 Lessons Ensemble 1.5 FF Course FF Course TOTAL 13.5 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 128 Instruments for Vocalists 2 MUED 302 Teaching General Music – Secondary MUED 326 Lessons MUED 356 Practicum MUED 392 Secondary Choral Rehearsal Technique MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 300 Recital Seminar Ensemble 1.5 Recital FF Course FF Course TOTAL 15.5 Fourth Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 128 Instruments for Vocalists 1 MUED 300 Foundation of Music Ed III MUED 303 Literacy Workshop MUED 355 Practicum MUED 391 Elem Choral Rehearsal Techniques EDU 303 SAVE/DASA/Fire Safety Ensemble FF Course FF Course TOTAL 15 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 400 Student Teaching 12 TOTAL 12 GRAND TOTAL: This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog View in new tab Music Education, Mus.B. - Instrumental Sample Degree Map The Music Education, Mus.B.- Instrumental track degree prepares graduates for successful and fulfilling careers as music educators across New York state and beyond. Fredonia believes music education is one of the most noble and rewarding career paths, and we strive to create an ideal environment for the training of future music educators. Music education majors receive hands-on teaching experiences in the public schools beginning in the second semester of their freshman year. The State University of New York at Fredonia is committed to doing our part to provide each student a clear path to graduation. This four-year degree plan is a sample map for fulfilling requirements in the major, the Fredonia Foundations (FF), and other supporting courses. The pathway that you take to your degree may differ somewhat from this illustration, depending on where you start and the detours and side trips you may take along the way. If you are committed to completing your degree in four years, we encourage you to consider signing up for the Fredonia in 4 program. For complete information about this degree program, please consult the university catalog at www.fredonia.edu/catalog Sample Degree Plan First Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 150 Intro to Music Education MUS 100 Recital Seminar MUS 115 Music Appreciation MUS 117 Beginning piano MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 121 Aural Skills I MUS 123 Music Theory I MUS 125 Lesson Ensembles FF Course TOTAL 16 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 291 Technology in Music MUS 100 Recital Seminar MUS 113 Voice Class MUS 118 Piano MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 122 Aural Skills II MUS 124 Music Theory II MUS 126 Lessons MUS 161-187 Begin Secondary Inst. FF Course Ensembles TOTAL 18 Second Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 250 Found Music Ed I MUED 252 Child Abuse Reporting MUED 255 Foundations I Practicum MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 200 Recital Seminar MUS 217 Piano MUS 221 Aural Skills III MUS 223 Music Theory III MUS 225 Lessons MUS 231 Conducting I MUS 263 Music History I MUED 221-287 Adv Secondary or Percussion Ensemble TOTAL 17 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 251 Found Music Ed II MUED 253 Tobacco/Drug/Alcohol Abuse Workshop MUED 256 Foundations II Practicum MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 200 Recital Seminar MUS 218 Piano MUS 222 Aural Skills IV MUS 224 Theory IV MUS 226 Lessons MUS 232 Conducting II MUS 264 Music History II MUED 221-287 Adv Secondary or Percussion Ensemble TOTAL 18 Third Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 260 Brass Pedagogy MUED 304 Teaching Inst Music MUED 393 Inst Rehearsal Tech MUED 161-187 Secondary Instrument MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 300 Recital Seminar MUS 325 Lessons MUTY 240 Music for Children w Disabilities Ensembles 1.5 FF Course FF Course TOTAL 16.5 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 161-187 Secondary Instrument MUED 301 General Music MUED 305 Teaching Instr Music MUED 326 Lessons MUED 356 Practicum MUED 394 Instr Rehearsal Tech MUS 120 Concert Attendance MUS 300 Recital Seminar Recital Ensemble FF Course FF Course TOTAL 16 Fourth Year Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 161-187 Secondary Instrument MUED 300 Fnd of Mus Ed III MUED 300 Practicum MUED 303 Literacy Workshop EDU 303 SAVE/DASA/Fire Safety Ensembles FF Course FF Course TOTAL 12 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 400 Student Teaching 12 TOTAL 12 GRAND TOTAL: This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog View in new tab Transfer OCC-to-Fredonia: Music Education, Mus. B. Sample Degree Map Music Education is at the heart and soul of what Fredonia does best, and our graduates have gone on to enjoy highly successful and fulfilling careers as music educators across New York state and beyond. Fredonia believes music education is one of the most noble and rewarding career paths, and we strive to create an ideal environment for the training of future music educators. Music education majors receive hands-on teaching experiences in the public schools beginning in the second semester of their freshman year. The State University of New York at Fredonia is committed to doing our part to provide transfer students a clear path to graduation. This four-year degree plan is a sample map for fulfilling requirements at your Community College and Fredonia. The pathway that you take to your degree may differ somewhat from this illustration, depending on where you start and the decisions you make along the way. Equivalent transfer courses are listed on the map with additional transfer notes provided at the end. Visit our Transfer Credit Equivalency page for additional transfer course information. For complete information about this degree program, please consult the Fredonia University catalog at www.fredonia.edu/catalog. Information regarding completion of an AA/AS degree should be directed to your Community College. Sample Degree Plan First Year - OCC Fall Semester Course OCC Fredonia Equivalent Credits MUS 100 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 101T MUS 123 Music Theory MUS 101R MUS 121 Aural Skills I MUS 105 MUS 263 Music Hist W Civ I MUS 111 MUS 1AL Lessons Credit By Audition MUS 121 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 151 Ensemble Credit .50 ENG 103 ENGL 100 Craft of Writing SUNY Gen Ed Math Fredonia Foundations Math MUS 117 MUS 1PC Credit by Plcmnt Exam TOTAL 17.5 Spring Semester Course OCC Fredonia Equivalent Credits MUS 100 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 102T MUS 124 Music Theory II MUS 102 R MUS 122 Aural Skills II MUS 106 MUS 264 Music His W Civ II MUS 112 MUS 1AL Lessons Credit by Audition MUS 122 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 152 Ensemble Credit .50 ENG 104 ENGL 099 Non Major Elective MUS 118 MUS 1PC credit by Plcmnt Exam TOTAL 14.5 Second Year - OCC Fall Semester Course OCC Fredonia Equivalent Credits MUS 100 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 201R MUS 221 Aural Skills III MUS 201T MUS 223 Music Theory III MUS 211 MUS 1AL Lessons Credit by Audition MUS 221 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 228 MUS 231 Conducting I MUS 251 Ensemble Credit .50 Elective MUS Elective SUNY GE Nat Science Fredonia Foundations Natural Science MUS 119 MUS 1PC Credit by Plcmnt Exam TOTAL 16.5 Spring Semester Course OCC Fredonia Equivalent Credits MUS 100 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 166 MUS 233 Music of World MUS 202R MUS 222 Aural Skills IV MUS 202T MUS 223 Music Theory III MUS 212 MUS 1AL Lessons Credit by Audition MUS 222 MUS 1TR 100 Level Elective MUS 252 Ensemble .50 MUS 229 MUS 232 Conducting II MUS 120 MUS 1PC Credit by Plcmnt Exam TOTAL 13.5 Third Year - Fredonia Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 250 Found Music Ed MUED 255 Foundations I Practicum MUED 252 Child Abuse Workshop MUS 325/300/120 Lessons/Recital Sem/Concert Attend MUED 301/302/356 General Music Methods & Practicum MUED 304/305 Inst Methods MUED 391/92/93/94 Rehearsal Techniques Ensembles Ensembles Elective Elective or For Lang for Certification Major Elective Secondary Instrument TOTAL 16 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 251 Psych & Soc in Mus Ed MUED 256 Foundations II Practicum MUED 253 Tob/Drug/Alcohol Abuse Wkshp MUS 326/300/120 Lessons/Recital Sem/Concert Attend MUED 301/302/356 General Music Methods & Practicum MUED 304/305 Inst Methods MUED 391/92/93/94 Rehearsal Techniques Ensembles Ensembles Elective Elective Major Elective Secondary Instrument TOTAL 17 Fourth Year - Fredonia Fall Semester Course Title Credits MUED 300 Foundations of Music Education III MUED 303 Literacy Workshop MUED 355 Practicum EDU 303 SAVE/DASA/Fire Safety Ensembles Ensembles Elective Upper Level Elective Elective Upper Level Elective MUED 291 Tech in Music MUTY 240 Music for Children w Disabilities Major Elective Secondary Instruments TOTAL 16 Spring Semester Course Title Credits MUED 400 Professional Semester 12 TOTAL 12 GRAND TOTAL: * All applicants  are required to successfully audition on their primary instrument: * Students must earn a B or higher in all music theory/aural skills courses to earn Fredonia equivalencies: MUS 101T/101R (MUS 123/121), MUS 102T/102R (MUS 124/122) MUS 201T/201R (MUS 223/221), MUS202T/202R (MUS 224/222) * One semester of a SUNY Gen Ed Foreign Language course is required and should be completed at  OCC to satisfy NYS certification; if not, it must be taken at Fredonia * MUS 162 T Guitar Class I  (MUED 210 Guitar Class) is recommended, if schedule permits * MUS 101D (MUS 137-140) is recommended for voice majors, if schedule permits * Students should take courses in a secondary instrument, if schedule permits * MUS 115 Music Appreciation will be waived for students with AS Music Degree * Students may not earn a grade lower than 3.0 in any single MUED course * A 2.0 average in MUS required courses, with no grade less that a D+ * One (1) credit hour ensemble each semester of residence, four (4) of which must be choral ensembles if students are voice majors; other instrumentalists should consider two choral and two instrumental. Students should take an ensemble each semester at OCC * Refer to college catalog for additional information regarding requirements for Student Teaching This Sample Transfer Path is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog Transfer Policy: SUNY General Education/Fredonia Foundations: Students who earned an AA/AS SUNY Degree in 2015 or later, or completed the SUNY Gen Ed requirement prior to transferring, will have satisfied Fredonia Foundations, our local general education requirement. Students who earned any other SUNY Degree may need to complete additional Fredonia Foundation courses at Fredonia. Such students should consult with their current advisor regarding the SUNY Gen Ed requirement and applicable courses. All SUNY General Education courses will be verified by the General Education Transcript Addendum, GETA, which is sent with the SUNY transcript. Transfer Credit Policy: Please refer to our Transfer Credit Policy in the College Catalog for current information. View in new tab What are all the courses required to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Music Education? View Full Curriculum MUED 250 Foundations of Music Education I Study human and musical developmental processes and variations, including: the impact of culture, heritage, socioeconomic level, personal health and safety, nutrition, past or present abusive or dangerous environment, and factors in the home, school, and community on students’ readiness to learn. MUED 291 Technology in Music I An overview of technology in one's musical life. Basic technological concepts are explored with the goal of developing self sufficiency, and the means to update knowledge and skills in music, with a focus towards utilization of technology in future teaching and study. MUED 300 Foundations in Music Education III Study history, philosophy, and role of education, including philosophy of music, education, and music education. It's Different Here 100% Placement Rate Our graduates land music teaching jobs across New York and beyond. Real Classrooms, Right Away Start working in local schools as early as your second semester—get experience fast. Master's in 5 Earn your master’s degree in just five years with our integrated program. Why Music Education at Fredonia? Artist-Level Training You’ll receive the same weekly one-on-one studio instruction as performance majors—because at Fredonia, we believe every great music educator must first be a great musician. A Campus Built for Creativity Practice, perform, and connect in purpose-built halls, recital spaces, and tech labs—designed to support your artistry and sharpen your teaching skills. Mentored Every Step From your very first lesson to your graduation recital, you’ll be guided by expert faculty who see your potential and shape your path as both a musician and an educator. Affordable and Within Reach Elite Music Education Without the Price Tag Fredonia awards over $10 million in scholarships each year—giving you access to world-class music education without overwhelming student debt. Our commitment to affordability means you can focus on your degree and every step after. High School Teacher High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. Average NYS Salary: $92,696 Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree National Education Association School Administrator School administrators plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools. Average NYS Salary: $145,530 Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree BLS Job Outlook for School Administrators Instructional Coach Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. Average Salary: $74,620 per year Job Outlook 2023-2033: 2% growth Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree BLS Job Outlook for Instructional Coordinators Latest Articles Music Education in the News Vitae Music Education faculty member a visiting scholar Dr. Travis Gratteau-Zinnel recently spent two weeks in Ireland as a visiting scholar. School of Music Sorel Visiting Artist Series continues this week The series is offered through the School of Music, and the guest educator/artist is Dr. Sarah... Hillman Opera WNYCO, Hillman Opera come together again with Valentine’s Day concert Eleven SUNY Fredonia vocalists will be featured in a presentation of one of the world’s most beloved... Student Stories Fredonia's campus is so welcoming that it's easy to get involved. Last semester, I attended my first activities night and joined the Fredonia Women's Rugby team - one of the best decisions I've ever made. I found my community, my family, right here at Fredonia. — Morgan Brown Morgan Brown Class of 2027 Music Education (Mus.B.) Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified. The Music Education program at SUNY Fredonia is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that SUNY Fredonia's B.M. and M.M. programs in Music Education meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the following U.S. States ; however, it is important to note that SUNY Fredonia is not the licensure/certification authority in these U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in these U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes. Related Programs Minor Arts Administration (Minor) Visual Arts and New Media Minor Details Major Jazz Studies Concentration School of Music Bachelor of Arts Details Major Music (B.A.) School of Music Bachelor of Arts Details Minor Music (Minor) School of Music Minor Details Masters Music Composition (M.M.) School of Music Master of Music Details Major Music Composition (Mus.B.) School of Music Bachelor of Music Details Masters Music Education (M.M.) School of Music Master of Music Details Major Masters Music Education Multi-Award School of Music Bachelor of Music Master of Music Details Masters Music Performance (M.M.) School of Music Master of Music Details Major Music Performance (Mus.B.) School of Music Bachelor of Music Details Major Music Therapy (B.S.) School of Music Bachelor of Science Details Masters Music Therapy (M.M.) School of Music Master of Music Details Major Sound Recording Technology School of Music Bachelor of Science Details View All Programs Take the next step Request Info Visit Apply