Online music education degrees are meant for students who want to teach music or direct music programs in a primary or secondary education setting. Students in music education degree programs will learn not only the principles of music and education, but how to combine the two to effectively teach others about music.
Music education students will often take courses in music theory, music history, education theory, learning with technology, classroom management, and lifespan development, and will likely take a variety of instrumental and vocal courses. Within music education programs, students can decide if they’d like to focus on choral or instrumental music, especially if they plan to teach at the secondary education level, and become choir, band, or orchestra directors.
Online music education degrees are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels at colleges and universities across the country. It is important for prospective students to note, however, that state requirements for educators vary by state, so it may be in a student’s best interests to choose a degree program in their state or make sure the program they choose is compatible with their state’s requirements. This may be more important for undergraduate students than graduate students. Some states may also require a certain number of hours of in-class observation and student teaching in order to become a certified music educator.
The skills that students develop in music education degree programs can prepare them for work outside of the classroom, such as running their own private music lessons business, or managing a non-profit organization.