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,
and 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.
Minor in Music
Two Music minor tracks are offered for those who choose to major in a different field,
but would still like to incorporate music in their curriculum. The traditional Music
minor is available to all majors and includes classes in music theory, conducting,
and applied lessons. The second Music minor is available to Elementary Education majors
and includes courses in choral ensemble.
Music Minor Requirements
Performances Ensembles
Our Music program boasts 11 all-star performance ensembles, giving you the opportunity
to earn scholarship dollars, meet lifelong friends, and have fun showcasing McKendree’s
musical talent.
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Chamber Choir
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Chamber Ensembles for Woodwind and Brass
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Concert Band
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Concert Choir
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Wind Ensemble
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Jazz Ensembles & Jazz Combo
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Percussion Ensembles
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Vocal Jazz Ensemble
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Band
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
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Minors in Music and Dance give you the tools to pursue your dreams while majoring in another related field.
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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.
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Music in Our Schools program allows you to introduce local children to the art of music through concerts, events, and interactive clinics.
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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.
Junior and senior Music Education majors gain even more experience running master
classes and sectionals during the week-long Junior High Summer Concert Band Camp.
As a senior, you’ll also have the chance to serve as one of the band directors at
St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Troy, Illinois
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
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Music Technology
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Band & Choir Organization
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Jazz Band Techniques
Club Information / Honor Societies
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Kappa Kappa Psi (National Honorary Band Fraternity)
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Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society)
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National Association for Music Education
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Percussion Organization of Students
Related Programs
Your Student Success Support Team
Social Media
Key Faculty
Associate Professor
Director of Concert Band & Wind Ensemble
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts 1092
(618) 537-6428
jamoder-bell@mckendree.edu
Assistant Professor
Director of Concert Choir
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts 1110
(618) 537-6554
jtmcdonald@mckendree.edu
Full List of Music Department Faculty & Staff
Make It McKendree Apply Today!