You have a passion for music and for teaching the next generation. Through our instrumental education major, you can bring both to life. By taking courses in both music and education, you will prepare to teach both in a classroom and private lesson setting.
All music degrees require an audition for entrance into the program and scholarship eligibility. The audition occurs in the spring semester of the high school senior year or at the conclusion of the freshman fall semester.
By developing your skills in both music and education, the music education major provides a well-rounded education that covers all aspects of music theory, methods of teaching and instrument proficiencies. For example, students in this program are involved in a Cornerstone University music ensemble such as University Chorale or Symphonic Winds to put what they’ve learned in the classroom into practice.
Students also take part in a student teaching practicum toward the end of their program. This gives them the opportunity to adapt to classroom situations, develop their teaching style and apply both their music and education training while being mentored by seasoned teachers.
Music education students are required to audition for entrance into the music program and upon acceptance, have the ability to design their program to meet their goals. Students can choose from instrumental or vocal instruction or even a combination of both to prepare them for work in the classroom.
Careers
According to Career Explorer, careers in music education are expected to grow 12% by 2026 across the United States. Graduates from Cornerstone’s music education program are prepared for the classroom the day they graduate. Here are some career opportunities available for music education graduates.
Opportunities
Elementary school music teacher
Middle school music teacher
High school band or choir director
Choral director
Private instrumental teacher
Internships
Music education teachers get classroom experience as part of their student teaching practicum. Here are some of the schools our students get placed.
Opportunities
Jenison Public Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Forest Hills Public School District
Grand Rapids Christian Schools
100%
Of 2019 music education graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
100%
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.
Develop Young Minds Through Music
At Cornerstone, we believe that your calling is something worth being passionate about. As a music education major, you are passionate about both cultivating thriving classrooms and self-expression through music. That’s why we equip you with tools to prepare for your future and pursue your calling wherever you’re at.
Program Features and Learning Outcomes
The music education program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.
Music education students can tailor some aspects of their program to meet their career goals by choosing a small ensemble to participate in and which instrument group to concentrate their studies on.
Degree Planning Guide
From caring professors to one-on-one advising appointments, we have resources to support you in reaching your goals and being successful in your classes.
Select the degree planning guide to see a list of the classes you’ll take as a student with a major in music education.
At Cornerstone University, a major in music education prepares students seeking careers in areas associated with K-12 music teaching and students who desire to continue their studies at the graduate level.
Specialized Knowledge
Music education students will demonstrate a strong knowledge of musical form, function, performance and pedagogy.
Understanding of basic instrumental/vocal skills.
Sufficient understanding and capability of form and analysis.
Place music in historical and cultural context.
Use technology within their area of specialization.
Broad understanding and philosophy of musical pedagogy.
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
Music education students will demonstrate performance and pedagogical competency in an educational setting.
Technical skills requisite for artistic expression.
Understanding of repertory and ability to perform cross section.
Knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader.
Keyboard accompaniment competency.
Conducting competency.
Collaborative competence through ensemble experience.
Classroom planning and management ability.
Intellectual Skills
Cornerstone students will demonstrate their ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Civic and Global Engagement
Cornerstone students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.
Biblical Worldview Integration
Cornerstone students will be able to articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
As a music major at Cornerstone, you have the incredible opportunity to perform in ensembles, take lessons in your instrument and even travel the country and the world. Studying music immerses you into your passions and cultivates your God-given gifts. Not only that, but it also opens the door to ceaseless possibilities.
The Music department at Cornerstone inspires me not only through my college musical endeavors but also in my personal musical goals too.
Caleb VanderMaas (B.Mus. ’23)
Faculty
Faculty in the music education program have experience in K-12 music classrooms and are equipped to teach students innovative methodologies in music education.
Our Communication, Media & Music Division has several programs that are flexible and diverse. Take a look at some of the other degree programs we offer.