Music Education (K-12)

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Bradley’s Music Education program prepares you for the State of Illinois Professional Educator’s License in Music Education, qualifying you to teach band, choir, orchestra, or general music in K-12 classrooms. From your first year, you’ll step into real classrooms for field experiences that continue through your sophomore and junior years, giving you hands-on practice and confidence.

By your senior year, you’ll be fully prepared for a comprehensive student teaching experience. Throughout the program, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from Bradley’s dedicated music education faculty and experienced supervising teachers—ensuring you’re ready to inspire the next generation of musicians.

The Department of Education is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Experiential Learning

By the time you graduate, your experiences include:

Professional development and licensure in K-12 education
500+ hours of real classroom experience
Research opportunities with faculty
Hands-on training with Smart Boards, virtual reality, and 3D printing

Program Details

The candidate for the music teacher’s license maintains registration in the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts. The Department of Music will provide the core of the teaching area preparation . Candidates will have an advisor in both the Department of Music and in the Department of Education.

See full course requirements and concentration details

Career Opportunities

Every music education graduate from Bradley has achieved a 100% pass rate on Illinois licensure tests, including the national edTPA portfolio evaluation. That means you’ll graduate fully prepared to step into the classroom or continue your education in graduate school. Whether you’re looking to launch your teaching career right away or explore advanced studies in curriculum and instruction or other fields, you’ll have the skills, credentials, and confidence to take the next step.