If your goal is to pass the joys of music down to the next generation, Shepherd’s Music Education program will make you a confident educator and musician. Under our accredited School of Music, this program will prepare you with the necessary tools to lead classrooms and rehearsals while still cultivating your own musical talents and knowledge. Our multiple musical groups along with small class sizes and a dedicated faculty will jumpstart your teaching career.
Acceptance into the Shepherd University School of Music is a dual application process. Students planning to major in any of Shepherd University’s Music Degree Programs must apply, be accepted into the University, and audition for acceptance into the music program.
Program Requirements
A total of 120 credit hours are required, including 39 hours of Core Curriculum, 19 hours of professional education requirements, and 54 hours of required music courses. View the full course catalog here.
Below are some courses you can expect to take in this program:
- EDUC 200 – Foundations of American Education
- EDUC 360 – Survey of Exceptional Children
- MUSC 103 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 227 – Introduction to Conducting
- MUSC 326 – General Music Pedagogy and 21st-Century Technology
Program Concentrations
- Instrumental Emphasis
- Voice Emphasis
Points of Pride
Our music education program boasts a 100% job placement rate for those graduates actively seeking teaching positions.
Great Value Colleges ranked the Shepherd University School of Music in the Top-100 Best Value Colleges for Music Majors.
Many Shepherd music graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate schools of music that include Peabody, Northwestern, Ithaca, Eastman, Arizona State, and Manhattan School of Music.
Get Involved
Student Organizations
Join one of the music student organizations such as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) or one of our Greek organizations. These groups not only give back to the music community, but they also provide members with networking and professional growth opportunities.
Ram Band
Open to all students, the Ram Band Marching Band performs for half-time at football games, in the Founder’s Day and Homecoming parades, and in events in the community.
Instrumental and Voice Ensembles
Shepherd University is home to a vast array of musical ensembles for you to join: Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Masterworks Chorale, Camerata Soprano/Alto Choice, Percussion Ensemble, and more.