Program Overview

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

• Distinguished School: Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.
• Real Experiences: Learn while doing with hands-on experiences teaching in one or more Music For Your Life community outreach programs.
• Supportive Community: Foster your creative learning, skill development and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.
• 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.

• 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