Teach—and lead—the next generation of musicians. Music education at the University of St. Thomas provides you with the opportunity to promote artistic, intelligent, reflective and inspired teaching at all levels of music instruction.
Our program exists to raise the standard of music teaching in society today. You become a professional music educator with the skills needed to teach through hands-on coursework. You learn from renowned faculty at St. Thomas and practice with experienced teachers in the greater community. Whether you are instructing toddlers, children, teens or adults, you graduate from St. Thomas with the utmost confidence in your teaching abilities.
You complete courses in piano and aural skills, music theory, music media, performance studies, ensembles, conducting, history, literature and entrepreneurship. Along the way, you complete education courses and Minnesota state teaching licensure requirements so you transition smoothly into a teaching role after graduation.
You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music education at St. Thomas. The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. Incoming students are also considered for a music major scholarship if they submit their audition video by February 1.
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.
You complete courses in piano and aural skills, music theory, music media, performance studies, ensembles, conducting, history, literature and entrepreneurship. Along the way, you complete education courses and Minnesota state teaching licensure requirements so you transition smoothly into a teaching role after graduation.
You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music education at St. Thomas. The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. Incoming students are also considered for a music major scholarship if they submit their audition video by February 1.
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.
Faculty not only lead in the classroom, but they act as your mentors during your college career. Alumni are here to help you connect with the world outside of St. Thomas. Your peers? They will push you to further your skills and knowledge.
Dr. Howard teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, and frequently publishes books and articles focusing on world music and matters of diversity. She is a regular national and international clinician working with musicians and teachers.
Isabel, a talented pianist, performed in choirs as part of her vocal emphasis with her music education degree. Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul hired her before graduation to teach students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Troy is a singer and majored in percussion with his music education degree at St. Thomas. He is now a teacher at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul as the beginning instrumental teacher and band director.
Our program will prepare you to lead the next generation of musicians in a fulfilling career with academic knowledge and practical skills.
We offer renewable competitive and performance-based scholarships for four years of study at St. Thomas. More information is on our department website.
The Music Major Scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year. Admitted students planning to major in music, music performance, music business or music education are encouraged to apply. Supporting materials are due by February 1, and selected applicants receive an audition invitation for the scholarship invitational in the spring.
This award is available to any current St. Thomas student demonstrating great potential in their ability to instigate and sustain artistic creativity through music performance, composition or production. Music faculty can nominate any candidate.
This scholarship is available to any current St. Thomas student pursuing a major or minor in music. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Music faculty can nominate candidates, and students participating in ensembles receive preference.
Dr. Orzolek is also the associate director of bands and the associate chair of the Music Department.
Dr. Howard focuses on music education methods, world music pedagogy and teaches both undergraduate and graduate students.
Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills to prepare you for life after St. Thomas.
Organizations are seeking our graduates because they are well-prepared music teachers with innovative training and motivation.
Our graduates are frequent presenters at local, state and national conferences, and are experts in their fields.
Our small class sizes allow for close connection and interaction with our internationally renowned faculty.
You will hone your musical talents while also receiving innovative training to lead the next generation of musicians.
Dr. Orzolek teaches music education methods and techniques, conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches courses on musical acoustics, literature and conducting. He also advises papers in both the master’s and doctoral degree programs.
You will be qualified to take licensure tests through the Minnesota State Department of Education when you graduate from St. Thomas. This licensure allows employment in public schools.
You continue your personal musical life through performance, composition, recording or consulting with other musicians and educators.
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.