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Music Education: Music, B.M.

School of Music

Become a music teacher and enjoy numerous performance, teaching, leading and research opportunities. You'll develop outstanding professional teaching skills while pursuing a well-rounded academic education.

A bachelor of music with an emphasis in music education is designed to prepare students for teaching in the public schools. Four areas of study include music specialization, music education, professional education and general education. Graduates are recommended to the South Carolina Department of Education for initial teaching certification.

Program Highlights

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    Distinguished School

    Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.

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    Real Experiences

    Learn while doing with hands-on experiences teaching in one or more Music For Your Life community outreach programs.

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    Supportive Community

    Foster your creative learning, skill development and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.

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    Expansive Network

    Virtually half of all public schools music teachers in South Carolina are graduates of our program.

What You’ll Study

Choose the choral or instrumental track. Study music education foundations and techniques with an emphasis in early childhood/elementary, choral, strings and winds/percussion. Participate in ensembles and collaborate with other students in real teaching experiences through Music for Your Life programs for children and adults.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Teaching

    Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students

    Performance

    Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience

    Leadership

    Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential

  • Listening Skills

    Understanding what others are saying to facilitate effective communication

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

    Attention to Detail

    Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Educator
  • Instructor
  • Teacher

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Music Teacher
  • Band Director
  • Choral Director
  • Music Specialist
  • Elementary Music Teacher
  • Youth and Children's Choir Coordinator

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $51,514

Workplace Settings

  • Education

Employers of Alumni

  • Lexington County School District One
  • Aiken County School District
  • Augusta University Conservatory Program
  • Dorchester School District Two
  • Richland Library
  • Utah Valley Youth Symphony

I have been presented with many opportunities at USC that developed my musicianship and leadership skills, including performing in many different ensembles and getting involved to serve the band programs in a variety of roles.

AJ Johnston
Portrait of AJ Johnston
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