Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
A Concentration In
Music Education & Pedagogy
An emphasis within the B.S. in Music — learn to teach music and pass on the craft you love.
Teach Across Settings
Choral, instrumental, and general music methods
Conduct Ensembles
Both instrumental and choral conducting
Perform & Teach
Recital, ensemble, and music history
The best music teachers are musicians first — and then they learn how to teach. The Music Education and Pedagogy concentration builds on ACU’s music core to prepare you to pass on the craft, whether in a studio, an ensemble, or a classroom.
On top of the music major, you’ll add twenty-three credits in teaching music: choral, instrumental, and general music education methods, plus both instrumental and choral conducting, music history, ensemble work, musical theatre performance, and a junior recital. You’ll learn how to teach players and singers of every level and lead ensembles with confidence. You’ll graduate ready to teach music — and able to keep performing while you do.
Teach Choral Music
Learn methods for teaching and leading choral music.
Teach Instrumental Music
Develop methods for teaching instrumental music and ensembles.
Teach General Music
Learn to teach general music across ages and settings.
Conduct Ensembles
Build both instrumental and choral conducting skills.
Know Music History
Deepen your grasp of music history and literature.
Perform and Lead
Grow as a performer through ensemble, musical theatre, and a recital.
Teaching music is formative work — and a Biblical Worldview shapes how you understand the students you teach and the gift you're passing on.
Every Student Has Worth
Students aren't just future performers — they're image-bearers worth investing in. That conviction shapes patient, encouraging teaching, especially with beginners and strugglers.
Forms a teaching posture of patience and genuine care.
Passing On a Gift
Music is a gift worth handing down. Teaching becomes a way of stewarding that gift across generations, not just transferring technique.
Frames teaching as cultivating gifts in others, not just drilling skills.
Excellence and Encouragement Together
Good music teaching holds high standards and grace together — pushing students to grow while believing in them. That balance reflects how people are best formed.
Grounds your teaching in both high standards and encouragement.
This concentration prepares you to teach music across a range of settings.
Private Studio Teacher
Teach lessons in your instrument or voice in a private studio.
Ensemble & Choir Director
Lead choirs, bands, and ensembles in schools, churches, and community groups.
Music Teacher (Various Settings)
Teach music in private and Christian schools, programs, and community settings.
Toward Licensure or Graduate Study
Build a foundation toward state teacher certification or graduate study in music education.
The Music Education and Pedagogy concentration prepares strong musicians to become strong teachers.
Methods Across the Board
Choral, instrumental, and general music methods prepare you for any teaching setting.
Conduct With Confidence
Both instrumental and choral conducting build real podium skill.
Musician First
Built on ACU's full music core, so you teach from genuine musicianship.
Teach as Formation
Learn to teach music framed by a Biblical Worldview that values every student.
Already drawn to the Music degree? Adding the Music Education and Pedagogy concentration is simple.
Apply & Audition
Apply to ACU and audition on your primary instrument or voice.
Start Your ApplicationChoose Music Education & Pedagogy as Your Concentration
Tell your music advisor you want this track, and they'll map the methods and conducting courses into your plan.
Talk Through Licensure Goals
If you want to teach music in public K-12 schools, discuss the certification pathway with your advisor early.
The Music Education and Pedagogy concentration prepares you to pass on the craft you love — in the studio, the ensemble, and the classroom. Apply or reach out today.