Music Education Degree
Why a B.M.E. Degree in Music Education?
The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) is a hands-on, engaging degree program that
gives you the certification you need for a career teaching K-12 choral, instrumental,
or general music.
About the Music Education Major
Housed in the Division of Visual and Performing Arts, the B.M.E. gives you the comprehensive background you need to meet the requirements
of the Illinois Content Area Standards in Music. Graduates are equipped to receive
the Initial Special K-12 Certificate in Music, which qualifies them to teach instrumental
and vocal music in elementary and secondary schools.
2025-26 Program Catalog
Minor in Music
The Music minor is offered to students who choose to major in a different field, but
would still like to incorporate music in their curriculum. It is available to all
majors and includes classes in music theory, conducting, and applied lessons.
Music Minor Requirements
Performances Ensembles
Our Music program boasts many outstanding and diverse performance ensembles, giving
you the opportunity to earn scholarship funds, meet lifelong friends, and have fun
showcasing McKendree’s musical talent.
-
-
-
-
Concert Band
- Wind Ensemble
- Concert Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Jazz Ensemble
- Jazz Combos
-
Chamber Ensembles for Woodwinds, Strings & Brass
- Percussion Ensemble
-
-
-
Why McKendree?
McKendree University provides you with interactive learning opportunities through
our small class sizes, experienced faculty, and unique internship experiences that
move you beyond the classroom. We are committed to your success in the degree programs
we offer, the internships and extracurricular activities that will set you apart,
and the college experience you’ll get here. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis,
Missouri, McKendree University is located in historic Lebanon, Illinois, and affords
students a host of enriching cultural, career, and entertainment opportunities.
Program Highlights
-
More than 10 different performance ensembles in everything from jazz combo to concert band enable you to make lasting memories doing what you love while earning scholarship funds.
-
Music in Our Schools program allows you to introduce local children to the art of music through concerts, events, and interactive clinics.
-
The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts: Opened in 2006, the Hett gives music students an impressive venue to demonstrate their talents to audiences. Perform in this state-of-the-art theater that’s hosted countless professional dancers, musicians, and actors from around the world.
Unique Teaching Experiences
Music Education students have numerous opportunities to teach before their formal
student teaching placement. Refine your conducting skills and rehearsal techniques
from the sight-reading to the performance as you conduct McKendree’s concert choir,
concert band, and the concert band for the Young People’s Concert Series.
Employment Opportunities
Music Education majors find employment as private music teachers, as well as band
and choral directors for K-12 schools. Our graduates lead music programs for school
districts all across the state of Illinois.
What Our Students & Alumni Are Saying
“McKendree faculty believed in me from the start. With the small class sizes, I got
the one-on-one attention I needed and gained the knowledge to help me inside and outside
the classroom, which I now transfer to my students. Now, I’m teaching as the main
director at a great school with great kids and I owe McKendree for giving me the confidence,
knowledge, and passion to do so.”
~ Hope Waters ’16, K-12 Music Director for Morrisonville Community Unit School District #1 in Morrisonville, Illinois
“McKendree really prepared me for going into my own career as a music educator! Throughout
my time earning my degree, I learned more than just material out of a textbook. I
learned how to deal with real life situations in the classroom, what it really means
to be an educator, and so much more! McKendree was an amazing place to call home for
the four years that I attended, and I couldn't have asked for better professors to
help me become successful and to make my first years as a music educator go smoothly.”
~ Megan Zurliene ’15, Sesser-Valier Community Unit Schools #196 Director of Bands in Sesser, Illinois
Interesting Courses
-
Music Technology
-
Band & Choir Organization
-
Jazz Band Techniques
Club Information / Honor Societies
-
Kappa Kappa Psi (National Honorary Band Fraternity)
-
Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society)
-
National Association for Music Education
Related Programs
Your Student Success Support Team
Social Media
Key Faculty
Associate Professor of Music Education
Director of Bands
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts 1092
(618) 537-6428
jamoder-bell@mckendree.edu
Full List of Music Department Faculty & Staff
