Learn More
We offer concentrations in Choral/General Music Education or Instrumental/General Music Education. Students spend approximately two-thirds of their classroom time in music and teacher licensure study, and work closely with faculty members in their specialized concentration. During their time as music education majors, students will study with our distinguished academic and studio faculty, perform with a variety of large and small ensembles, and spend time interactively learning the craft of music teaching within our K-12 schools. UNCG Music Education graduates have traditionally experienced a very high job placement rate, and rank among the top music educators both in North Carolina and across the United States.
The mission of the Music Education Area in the UNCG School of Music is to advance music teaching and learning from early childhood through older adulthood in all educational settings. In keeping with our stated mission, the faculty of the Music Education Area seek to:
- Provide exemplary undergraduate teacher education programs that can serve as teaching/learning models for the state and the nation;
- Provide locally and nationally recognized graduate programs of distinction that serve K-12 practitioners continuing in public and private schools as well as those wishing to enter or continue in positions in higher education;
- Develop and disseminate research and other creative activity to advance knowledge that informs theory and education policy;
- Develop and disseminate scholarship that encourages intellectual discourse and effective practice in music teaching and learning;
- Provide professional service and leadership to local, state, national, and international music education agencies and institutions, and to the public;
- Model through example, the highest levels of musicianship and professionalism.
- Advance music education through a demonstrated commitment to diversity, global awareness, inclusion, and equal opportunity in teaching, learning, professional development, and scholarship.
Degree Options
The Music Education Department offers the following degree options:
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education – Leads to North Carolina K-12 music teacher licensure
- Second Degree – Leads to North Carolina K-12 music teacher licensure
- Master of Music in Music Education – Leads to North Carolina K-12 master teacher licensure
- Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
Music Education Faculty
Dr. Tami Draves
Dr. Rebecca MacLeod
Dr. Constance L. McKoy
Dr. Brett Nolker
Dr. Quinton Parker
Dr. Jennifer Stewart Walter
UNCG’s music education department extends a warm welcome to all prospective students interested in sharing their love of music and passion for education with future generations of music students. The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degrees include the completion of North Carolina K-12 Teaching Licensure in music, and prepares students for jobs as general music teachers, choral directors, and instrumental ensemble directors in public schools. We offer concentrations in Choral/General Music Education or Instrumental/General Music Education. Students spend approximately two-thirds of their classroom time in music and teacher licensure study, and work closely with faculty members in their specialized concentration. During their time as music education majors, students will study with our distinguished academic and studio faculty, perform with a variety of large and small ensembles, and spend time interactively learning the craft of music teaching within our public schools. UNCG music education graduates have traditionally experienced a very high job placement rate, and rank among the top music educators both in North Carolina and across the United States.
The Music Education Area also offers a second degree to receive initial teacher licensure in music education. This program is ideal for people who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree in music that did not include a teaching license who wish to pursue a career teaching music. A specific plan of study is developed for each student based on his or her educational needs and goals. Students receive advising and mentoring support throughout this teacher preparation program.
More information about the second-degree program can be found here.
The Master of Music in Music Education leads to Advanced Teaching Licensure. This program emphasizes teaching excellence, current pedagogies, and scholarship. Students develop an in-depth understanding of the historical, philosophical, psychological and cultural aspects of music education.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education prepares students for careers as university-level teachers, public school music administrators, or public school educators. Such development requires a comprehensive knowledge of the psychological, social and musical values in music education; theories of learning as applied to music education; historical and theoretical properties of music education; and scholarly and research techniques required for understanding and investigating problems in music and education.
Lillian Rauch Beginning Strings Program
The mission of the Lillian Rauch Beginning Strings Program is to increase access to string instruction for underserved students. Key objectives of the project are: to provide string instrument instruction free of charge, to nurture and develop students’ creative talents, and to prepare students for challenging opportunities in music and life. The secondary goal, which has the potential to positively impact music education in Greensboro and the state of North Carolina, is to provide music education majors with the opportunity to explore and develop as teachers in a diverse setting.
Peck Alumni Leadership Program
The mission of the UNCG Peck Alumni Leadership Program is to provide private string instruction to underserved students and to promote leadership and service. The program is designed to increase access to string instruction and to empower students as agents of change in their community.