Music Education

Share your love for music with the next generation by exploring principles of music teaching and learning that harness every individual’s innate musicality. Gordon’s intensely hands-on approach means that you’ll begin working in K–12 classrooms during your very first semester of college. As you prepare to teach others, you’ll also hone your own skills through personalized courses, mentoring and ensemble performances. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to pursue licensure for K–12 teaching in instrumental/choral/general music in Massachusetts, with reciprocity in 48 states.

Why study music education at Gordon?

Gordon College has a stellar 100% teacher placement rate—all our music education majors consistently land jobs after graduation. Here, you will be part of a strong, supportive community dedicated to academic and musical excellence, and to living at the intersection of faith and the arts. You’ll compose and perform in our state-of-the-art facilities and have access to world-renowned conservatories and concert halls in nearby Boston. Gordon faculty and cooperating mentors in surrounding public school districts share best practices and the most current national standards in music teaching and learning.

What careers can I pursue with a music education major?

Gordon’s highly regarded immersive program’s top-level training prepares you for careers in music education, including:

• Studio teacher
• Music teacher (K–12)
• Band, choral, or orchestra director
• Fine arts administrator
• Music therapist

Learn more about jobs and internships ➔

Experiential learning in music education

Studying music makes you a celebrated part of the fabric that weaves the culture of the performing arts at Gordon. Music students consistently go the extra mile outside the classroom:

• Share the gift of music-making and appreciation with workshops for young families in the local community.
• Join a performing ensemble, which includes multiple choirs, instrumental ensembles, chamber groups, student composition showcases and more.
• Benefit from professional concerts, recitals and masterclasses with internationally acclaimed musicians through our professional artist series.
• Collaborate on entrepreneurial projects to explore how the creative process can generate new approaches to important civic issues.
• Serve in leadership roles in the Music Student Council or the Massachusetts Music Educators Association annual state-wide conference.
• Compete in a Concerto Competition to become a featured soloist with the Gordon Symphony Orchestra.

Departmental Honors

Explore a specialized aspect of music beyond your primary coursework with the Departmental Honors program. Collaborate with a distinguished faculty mentor to delve into fresh content and develop your unique concepts for a thesis, which can take the form of a research paper, composition, or lecture recital.

*Auditions are required to qualify for any music scholarship, and students must be accepted through the Gordon College Admissions process before auditioning. Music scholarships are included in a student’s financial aid package if the student enrolls at Gordon, and awards are renewable for all four years if requirements are met.