Traditional Undergraduate

Music Education


Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Music Education & Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Credits

160 (this is a 5-year degree)

Course Length

16 weeks (semester)

Delivery Method

Traditional On-Campus, Lancaster

Why Study Music Education at LBC?

If music and teaching are your passions, why not make them your career? Through Lancaster Bible College’s music education major, we’ll equip you to train up-and-coming musicians of all ages.

Educators impact the lives of their students far beyond the time they spend in the classroom. Take your love of music and share it with the next generation of artists by becoming a music teacher.

From teaching kindergartners to keep a steady beat to teaching middle school students to play guitar to directing a high school orchestra, music education students learn how to do it all. Through Lancaster Bible College’s music education program, you’ll learn the skills you need, like classroom management, music theory and timeless education philosophies, to instill a love and awe of music into your students.

Through LBC’s unique music education program, you’ll also enjoy a Christian college education that’s Bible-centric, incorporating the Word of God into every course. Plus, our students learn from the pros themselves who’ve spent years teaching music in a variety of educational settings as they are inspired to teach through a nurturing environment that gives high priority to development as an artist.

Our program allows students that same access to diverse educational settings, requiring them to student teach in both public schools and private, all while also enjoying their own private music lessons and working toward various certifications required to teach in the field.

If you’re ready to pass on your love of learning and music, consider earning your music education degree at LBC.

Where LBC Students Have Interned or Student-Taught

  • Local Christian School Music Intern
  • Local Public School Music Intern

Program Accreditation

PA Department of Education and National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

License, Certification & Credential Information

Graduates from this major receive Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate in Music (K-12) and ACSI Standard Teaching Certificate in music.

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Can I Transfer Credits?

Yes! Read about LBC’s transfer policy

Would You Like More Information?

Reach out to request more information today, and one of our admissions counselors will connect with you soon to provide further details and answer your questions.

Bachelor's Program Scope

Music Education (160 Credits)

Bible & Theology Core 33 Credits

Arts & Sciences Core 40 Credits

Music & Music Education Courses 86 Credits

LBC 100 Foundations Seminar 1 Credit

View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and program details.

class of music education students learning to play brass instruments

Music Education is a Hands-On Experience

Hear what our students are saying about LBC’s music education program.

Program Distinctives - What makes this program at LBC unique?
  • Get real experience teaching through our internship, practicum and student teaching program that gives you practical, hands-on experience in music classrooms under the supervision of experienced teachers.
  • Learn performance skills by performing for your peers and the public.
  • Earn your Pennsylvania I Certification in Music K-12 as well as the ACSI Certification in Music.
  • Earn your degree in music education from an accredited Bible college in PA.

Programs leading to teacher certification are approved by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Career Paths

The music education bachelor’s degree prepares students for a wide range of technical and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers and opportunities this degree affords:

  • Church Music Director
  • Community Music Teacher
  • Music Teacher (K-12 Schools)
  • Private Music Teacher
Program Goals – In this program, students will…
  • Demonstrate basic musicianship skills in sight-singing, dictation, conducting, voice and piano.
  • Describe and demonstrate the integration of a biblical worldview in the life and career of an artist.
  • Apply historical and theoretical understanding to the analysis, performance and creation of musical forms, processes and structures found in representative examples from the western music tradition.
  • Demonstrate professional skills on a primary instrument and basic competency on all traditional instruments.
  • Design and implement effective pedagogical methods for music instruction.

To find out more about the policies and procedures governing the programs at the undergraduate level that lead to a PA Instructional I certification consult the Teacher Certification Handbook (pdf).

Core Courses for a Music Education Student

MUS 100 Music Fundamentals
MUL 100 Piano Fundamentals
MUS 101 Music Theory I & Lab
MUS 102 Music Theory II & Lab
MUS 211 Introduction to Composition & Lab
MUS 221 Conducting I
MUS 222 Conducting II
MUS 301 Music Theory IV: Adv. Harmony & Lab
MUS 312 Rhythm Section Methods
MUE 105 Foundations of Music Education
MUE 220 Art of Teaching General Music I
MUE 221 Art of Teaching General Music II
MUE 320 Art of Teaching Choral Music
MUE 422 Art of Teaching Instrumental Music
MUE 435 Adaptive Music Education
MUE 499 Music Education Senior Recital
MUL 101 Piano Lab I
MUL 222 Brass Lab
MUL 102 Piano Lab II
MUL 121 Contemporary Voice Lab
MUL 131 String Lab
MUL 202 Woodwind Lab
MUL 302 Percussion Lab
EDU 103 Professional Seminar I
EDU 204 Instructional Design
EDU 301 Teacher Education Internship I
EDU 302 Teacher Education Internship II
EDU 333 The Exceptional Child
EDU 350 Professional Seminar II
EDU 401 Teacher Education Internship III
EDU 402 Teacher Education Internship IV
EDU 410 Teaching the English Language Learner
EDU 450 Teacher Education Practicum
EDU 461 The Cross Cultural Experience
EDU 493 Professional Seminar III
EDU 499 Student Teaching
ENS Ensemble (NC)
ENS Ensemble (NC)
ENS Ensemble (NC)
ENS Ensemble (NC)
MAP 100 MPWA Forum
MUS Choice of MUS 212, 330, 331, 332, or 335
ENS Ensemble Elective
MAP Applied Vocal/Instrumental Study

Visit the catalog for the complete listing and descriptions.

Meet the Faculty

Rachel Sidebothom, MEd
Assistant Professor, Director of Music Education Studies, Oboe Instructor, Associate Chair of MWPA
Paul Thorlakson, DMA
Professor, Director of Piano Studies, Chair of Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department
Robert Bigley, DMA
Professor, Director of Choral Studies and Chorale & Chamber Singers, Director of Arts and Culture Series
Timothy Sidebothom, PhD
Professor, Director of Music: Elective Studies
Brent Behrenshausen, MM
Adjunct Faculty- Percussion
Floyd Rawleigh
Adjunct Professor- Music Education

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Admission Steps
for this Major
1
Apply NOW!

Apply to LBC by completing our online application.

Apply

2
Audition for Acceptance into this Major

Every student who applies to any major in the Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department must audition for acceptance into the major of their interest and must also be accepted as a student to Lancaster Bible College.

Audition Requirements

Looking for Ways to Finance Your Bachelor’s Degree?

LBC’s Financial Aid Office can help you navigate the process.