Music Education

Your Career Starts Here

Virginia Tech music education students and alumni are making a difference in schools throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. Our graduates are sought after for music teaching positions throughout the Commonwealth and beyond, and our accelerated master's degree program allows graduates to enter the field with extensive field experience and advanced pedagogical skills and earn higher starting salaries. Additionally, Hokies have a legacy of leading in Virginia Music Education, with faculty and alumni playing active roles in the Virginia Music Educators Association and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association.

Degree Program Options

Instrumental

Choral / General

All Music Education applicants must complete an audition, either live (preferred) or pre-recorded (via YouTube). Information on auditions can be found HERE.

Ready for Anything

Virginia Tech students are prepared to excel in any music teaching and learning context. Our program balances the need for students to develop deep pedagogical skills in a particular musical context such as instrumental or choral ensemble teaching with foundational skills in leading emerging ensembles, elementary general music education, music technology, and secondary general music. The result is Virginia Tech students have flexibility to succeed in the many different types of teaching positions out there.

Engagement

Our accelerated master's degree allows students to engage in extensive musical studies throughout the program. Students have the opportunity to take lessons, participate in ensembles, and engage in an our vibrant musical community throughout their studies including performing with our amazing wind bands, remarkable orchestra, or outstanding choirs in the beautiful Moss Arts Center, playing in front of 60,000 fans as part of the Marching Virginians in Lane Stadium, or performing new and emerging music as part of the New Music and Technology Festival in our state-of-the-art Cube performance space. Additionally, Virginia Tech students enjoy a theory and history curriculum that positions music as a global phenomenon and students explore the deep ways that music is a part of culture, life, and society.

A Close Community at a Big School

Virginia Tech music students enjoy the advantages of being at a major research university while studying in a department that is a close-knit community with student-centered faculty. Students will find faculty and staff who push them to succeed, support their learning, and advocate for them throughout their careers.