Overview

The Music Education programme at The City University of New York offers a rigorous academic pathway for aspiring teachers. This degree is specifically designed to prepare students for New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Music for grades Pre-K through 12. By combining artistic excellence with modern pedagogical theory, the curriculum ensures graduates are ready for the classroom.

Coordinated through the Aaron Copland School of Music and the School of Education, the course provides a balanced approach to musical development. Students engage in intensive practical training alongside theoretical studies to build a versatile professional profile. The programme focuses on creating educators who can inspire students in both public and private school settings.

Why Music Education at The City University of New York?

Students benefit from the prestigious reputation of the Aaron Copland School of Music, which serves as the sponsoring department for this degree. The institution provides a solid, structured musical education that is deeply integrated with professional education standards. This partnership ensures that students receive high-quality instruction in both performance and classroom management.

The programme is distinguished by its direct alignment with state certification requirements, streamlining the path to employment for future teachers. With a focus on diverse educational environments, the curriculum prepares participants to handle the unique challenges of teaching music across all primary and secondary grade levels.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 620 per credit
National fee: USD 620 per credit
Local fee: USD 305 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to foster both musical mastery and instructional expertise. Modules may include:

Music Education
Music Pedagogy
Performance Studies
Music Theory
Ensemble Performance
Educational Psychology
Classroom Management
Conducting

Careers with Music Education

Graduates of this programme are primarily prepared for roles as certified music teachers in various educational settings. The comprehensive training allows individuals to pursue careers in public and private schools across New York State and beyond. Many alumni find success as choral directors, instrumental instructors, or general music educators.

Beyond the classroom, the skills acquired during the degree support careers in community music leadership and private studio instruction. The firm foundation in music pedagogy also enables graduates to work within arts organisations and youth music programmes. The degree serves as a vital credential for those entering the professional world of music education.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Conducting I-II
Composing and Arranging for School Ensembles
Human Development and Learning I
Children in Cultural Contexts I: Child Development
The Early Development of Language and Literacy
Language, Literacy and Culture in Education

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , Local
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Music Art Education View 442 other Bachelors in Art Education in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

English requirement: a minimum TOEFL of 500.
Apply to Queens College through the online CUNY application system.
Once your application is accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter from Queens College.
After acceptance, apply for your I-20 Visa through the Office of International Students and Scholars.
All undergraduate music applicants are required to take the Music Placement Exam on the day of the audition.

Applications are considered in the following areas:

Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Doublebass
Flute
French Horn
Guitar
Oboe
Percussion
Piano
Saxophone
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba
Violin
Viola
Voice (all voice type)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Out-of-State

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9150 USD / year

≈ 9150 USD / year

Additional Details

New York State Resident: $3,465 per semester.

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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