Music Education, Choral and General Music Oakland University

Overview

The Music Education, Choral and General Music programme at Oakland University offers a rigorous professional pathway for students aiming to become certified music teachers. This Bachelor of Music degree combines intensive performance training with advanced pedagogical theory to prepare graduates for diverse classroom environments.

Admission to this specialised course involves a two-tiered process including an initial entrance audition to assess musical proficiency. Following the completion of foundational coursework, students must undergo a major standing audition to continue into the professional phase of the programme. This ensures that all candidates maintain the high standards required for educational leadership.

Why Music Education, Choral and General Music at Oakland University?

Oakland University provides a distinctive learning environment where students receive individualised attention in their primary performance areas. The programme is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offering access to dedicated advising and professional development resources. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates world music and modern technology into traditional music education.

The university maintains strong links with local schools, facilitating high-quality placement opportunities for the final teaching internship. Facilities include specialised practice rooms and performance spaces that support both vocal and instrumental development. Additionally, the programme features a unique events attendance requirement, ensuring students are regularly exposed to professional musical performances.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 23867 per year
• National fee: USD 23867 per year
• Local fee: USD 16772 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Music History and Theory

• Music Theory I
• Aural Skills I
• Music Theory II
• Aural Skills II
• Music Theory III
• Aural Skills III
• Music Theory IV
• Aural Skills IV
• History and Literature of Western Tonal Music
• Music of World Cultures
• History and Literature of Medieval and Renaissance Music
• History and Literature of Western Music from ca. 1850 to the Present
• Musical Analysis and Form
• Counterpoint
• Analysis of Music Since 1900
• The Nineteenth-Century Symphony: History, Performance and Analysis
• Berlin’s Musical Cultures: 1900-1989
• Seminar in Opera and Drama
• Jazz Theory and Improvisation I
• Jazz Theory and Improvisation II

Careers with Music Education, Choral and General Music

Graduates of this programme are prepared for professional certification to teach music within the K-12 education system. The comprehensive training in choral and general music methods allows alumni to pursue roles as primary or secondary school music teachers. Many graduates find employment within public and private school districts across Michigan and the wider region.

Beyond traditional classroom teaching, the degree provides a foundation for careers in community youth choirs and private music instruction. The rigorous musical and pedagogical training also prepares students for further graduate study in music education or conducting. Graduates contribute to the cultural life of their communities through leadership in various educational and arts organisations.