A career in music education is one of the more stable and predictable professions available to individuals with a passion for music and a desire to educate the coming generations of students in the joys and wonder of music. A teaching credential also provides a great deal of employment flexibility and portability. Most states have reciprocity agreements that accept the qualifications of individuals with a credential from other states. These agreements sometimes require a limited amount of specialized coursework in the new state, but this is generally not difficult, nor does it keep a credentialed teacher from working while completing the additional requirements.
California State University, Los Angeles offers the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and the Master of Arts in Music Education degrees. Students may also complete a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music. For detailed information about the requirements for these degree programs and for completion of the single-subject teaching credential, please refer to the university catalog.
Undergraduate students seeking a career in Music Education complete a Bachelor of Music degree with specialized coursework that meets the State of California requirements that satisfy pre-professional preparation in music. This degree qualifies an individual to enter the fifth-year professional credential program administered by the Charter College of Education on the California State University, Los Angeles campus.
Students who wish to enroll in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree must audition on an instrument or voice, which will be the student’s primary performance medium while studying in the program. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation to the Department of Music which highlight the student’s promise as a professional music educator in PreK-Grade 12 classrooms.
Individuals with a baccalaureate degree in music may also qualify to enter the credential program in the Charter College of Education by completing required coursework that was not included in their degree program. Individuals in this circumstance should contact the Department of Music office for a consultation. A transcript analysis will be required to determine what coursework would be necessary to meet the California State University, Los Angeles state-approved preparation program in music. Please contact the Department of Music office for details about the charges for this analysis.
Students interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Education graduate degree must have an undergraduate degree in music and should hold a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music or have at least 3 years of teaching experience in private school elementary or secondary classrooms. Students with a completed undergraduate degree in music who are enrolled in the credential program may also be admitted to the Master of Arts degree. Out-of-state students and International Students who wish to enter the graduate degree program in music education must have an undergraduate degree in music and should hold a teaching certification from their home state or country.
If you would like further information about the music education degree or credential programs, please email us at music@calstatela.edu.