Music education at Samford provides a comprehensive study of teaching music to students in grades K-12, gaining practical strategies for teaching, and most of all to learn about learning.
Students benefit from on campus courses as well as spend time in the field with placements. Samford teaches how to build relationships and curate resources so that our students can transition to the classroom easier.
Is This Program for Me?
Samford’s music education program offers concentrations in vocal/choral, instrumental and keyboard studies.
Our graduates use their expertise in musicianship, pedagogy, and learner development in a variety of teaching and learning environments. All learners should have access to a high quality, creative, and diverse and music education, and we seek to equip our students with the ability to create those experiences.
“The School of the Arts and music education program in particular are transforming and opening up new doors every year for its students! ”
“We have so many different career paths, programs, ensembles, and internships available, and they’re growing every year. The levels of involvement are endless, and the family-like quality here is truly unmatched. I have had wonderful and insightful experiences inside of Samford’s classrooms, and in classrooms around the community.”
—Bailey Cornelius, music education major with a concentration in voice
What Will I Learn?
This program prepares graduates with the ability to create high-quality, creative teaching and music learning environments in K-12 public and private schools.
Key Skills
- Music Theory/Aural Skills
- Conducting
- Vocal Techniques/Pedagogy
- Instrumental Techniques/Pedagogy
- Music Technology
- Critical Thinking
- Creative Pedagogy
- Learner Development
- Cultural Competency
What Makes Us Different?
Industry Exposure On and Off Campus
Samford hosts guest artists, clinicians and special events throughout the year. Students also have the opportunity to attend local, regional and national conferences that provide key connections for internships and future careers.
Our Faculty and Community
Our faculty bring diverse backgrounds to the program that help our students understand that there are many paths that can begin with a music education degree. We walk beside our students and mentor them as they become more experienced teachers. Our program cultivates relationships in and among students, among area professionals, and among faculty and staff who nurture our students through the different stages of their career. We get to know our students as people, as musicians, and as teaching artists.
Our Size
We’re small enough to meet our students individually and be with them every step of the way, but we’re also large enough to offer them a number of different opportunities that meet their diverse aspirations.
Career Preparation
In the final year of the music education degree student teachers are placed in classrooms for a culminating internship through the guidance of a co-operating teacher and Samford University supervisor.
Over the past few years, our student have had 100% pass rates on the edTPA exam. They have pursued a variety of career paths as well as advanced degrees in music or other fields.
- Band Leader
- Composer
- Director
- Elementary School Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- Music Arranger and Orchestrator
- Music Director
- Music Teacher
- Music Therapist
- Musician
- Private Lesson Instructor
