B.M. in Music Education (Birth to Grade 12)

Joint Program with the College of Education, Information and Technology

LIU Post is very pleased to announce that we will once again be admitting students into our Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education degree starting this spring (2023). Our revised music education curriculum is now infused with much greater training in Music Technology – including a four-course sequence covering digital music production, digital audio editing, sequencing, recording/sampling, mixing, hands-on work with advanced notation software, and a course dedicated to the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Our 21st Century Music Technology and Keyboard Labs are outfitted with the latest iMac computers, audio interfaces, M-Audio Oxygen Keyboard Controllers, and Korg Stage Vintage Pianos. Students will have hands-on experiences with Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Finale 27, and Kontakt Komplete. This will allow our graduates to expertly integrate the computer and related technologies into their teacher’s toolbox, creating a new dynamic learning environment in their classroom and rehearsal room. Additional curricular content has been added to include Urban and Inclusive Teaching Practices, which will support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Outstanding in-depth training will continue in Musicianship (Performance, Composition and Aural Skills), Western and World Music History, Music Teaching Methods, Piano Skills, and practical strategies for Teaching Music to Special Learners.

Music teachers combine a love of music with a love of teaching. By highlighting performance, the Bachelor of Music in Music Education recognizes that teachers teach by example as well as classroom instruction.

As a student in this 120-credit program, you will work with faculty members who are highly experienced music education scholars and active musicians with flourishing professional careers and extensive networking connections in the music world. In addition, you will have access to workshops and master classes conducted by high-profile musical artists from New York City and around the world. Music majors also perform on national and international tours organized and led by their professors. You also will have the opportunity to participate in many ensembles, including groups that specialize in contemporary, traditional, and early music styles.

The B.M. in Music Education program provides a strong foundation in musicianship, excellence in performance, and research-based pedagogical practice. Field-based experiences promote music teaching and learning in real life situations and prepare students for New York State Initial Teaching Certification. The award-winning LIU Post collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (CNAfME) provides diverse teaching and learning opportunities for pre-service teachers including those that reach persons with special needs as well as Pre-K and aging populations.

Along with a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum and a core of courses in music history and theory and general classroom teaching, the program includes 12 credits of applied music: one-to-one lessons in your instrument or voice. All students give a recital in the first semester of their senior year, followed by a semester of supervised student-teaching.

As a music teacher you will make an important difference in the lives of your students. While introducing young people to the joys of singing, playing and listening to music, you will be contributing to their cognitive development, fine-motor competence, cultural awareness and literacy skills.

Qualities that Set Our Program Apart

• You will work with some of the most talented and successful musicians and teachers in the New York metro area. Our faculty members are active musicians and teachers, and they represent some of the most cutting-edge and high profile people in the profession. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Our proximity to New York City and connection to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post will give you direct access to a wide variety of outstanding professional music-making in the form of concerts, workshops, master classes and collaborative projects. Recent musical artists who have worked with our students include: the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Chanticleer Choral Ensemble, Shanghai String Quartet, Bobby McFerrin, United States "President's Own" Marine Band, New York Voices, United States Air Force Band, guitarist David Leisner, flutist Sir James Galway, jazz artist Paquito D'Rivera, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
• You will develop your real-world teaching and networking skills through PreK-16 partnerships with local schools and community music programs.
• You will have an opportunity to make music as a soloist, chamber musician and large ensemble member both on campus, and as part of our domestic and international touring program.
• Music majors can become members of the Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education (CNAfME), which promotes excellence in music teaching and learning through its outreach programs, national and international guest speakers, and conference participation.
• As a graduate of our Music Education Program you will be a competent, qualified and caring music educator, fully prepared to seek and obtain a music teaching position.

For admission to the Bachelor of Music in Music Education program, evidence of prior music training experience and suitable music aptitude are expected. Auditions and placement exams are required for all programs. Deficiencies discovered through the placement exams may require remedial coursework. Acceptance into the music program is also contingent upon acceptance to the LIU Post. See the Freshman (www.liu.edu/post/freshman) or Transfer (www.liu.edu/post/transfer) admissions websites for more information.

Auditions for Admission

Please see the Music Auditions page for how to schedule an audition and audition requirements.