Music Education Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the Music Education degree available to piano or guitar majors?

    No. In order to complete the degree program, a student must be accepted on an instrument or voice appropriate to the degree plan....and must complete the required 7 semesters of lessons and ensembles on that instrument or voice.
  2. Is it possible to minor in Music Education?

    No. The requirements for Music Education cannot be accomplished in the limited hours needed for a minor.
  3. I am going to major in Music performance....can I take additional courses to receive teacher certification?

    Probably not. The additional coursework needed for teacher certification involves three years worth of coursework BEYOND what is needed for a Music Performance degree.
  4. What degree do I need to teach band, choir, or orchestra at the college level?

    There is no specific degree needed for this. However, universities tend to hire directors (whether band, choir, or orchestra) that have had an outstanding reputation as a public school director.
  5. Can I get a degree in both Music Performance and in Music Education?

    No. You can only receive one Bachelors degree in Music from Sam Houston State University. Both Music Performance and Music Education are Bachelor of Music degrees.

    If you are trying to make this decision...you should consider what you want to do when you graduate. If you want to become a teacher in a public school, then you should major in music education. If you wish to become a performer, then you should pursue a Music Performance degree.

    You could also consider pursuing a bachelors degree in Music Education, then later pursueing a Masters Degree in Music Performance.
  6. Is marching band participation required?

    Marching band is required for students that are majoring on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Currently, these students must take 4 fall semesters of marching band.
  7. How many semesters must I take if I am transferring to SHSU from another school?

    It depends. You need a total of 4. If you are transferring in marching band credits from another 2- or 4-years institution, then those credits count towards the 4-year marching requirement.

    If you have not completed any marching band credits, then you will need to complete 4-fall semesters at SHSU. However, it has been a common practice to waive any remaining semesters of marching band once you reach the student-teaching semester. (If for any reason you are NOT enrolled in marching band EVERY semester at SHSU while working towards this, then you will be held to the full 4-fall semester requirement.)
  8. Must I be in marching band the first year I enroll as a music major?

    Yes. You must be in marching band EVERY semester you are at SHSU until you complete the marching requirements. Also, you may also be required to be in marching band (even if you have completed the marching requirement) if you do not place in an appropriate major ensemble. In this case, marching band would become your major ensemble.
  9. What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from being in marching band?

    It depends on what the ailment is. Regardless, the ailment would probably prevent you form marching, not from being in the class. If you are not able to march, you would still be required to enroll in the class for the appropriate number of semesters. Your actual participation and requirements would be decided by the director based upon your particular physical limitation.
  10. When I complete the degree, am I automatically certified to teach?

    No. To teach in a Texas public school, you must be certified by the State. Your course-work will prepare you for the certification tests. You will take the two tests (PPR and Music) during your last two semesters.
  11. I teach private lessons. Can this be substituted for any of the course requirements?

    No. You must enroll and complete each course in order to receive the appropriate credit. No "real-life" experiences are permitted as substitutions.