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Explore the teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Combine your love for music and teaching by earning a bachelor's degree in our newly developed teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Our renowned music program is known for producing successful graduates. Through a rigorous curriculum and practical experience, you'll gain the skills, tools and certification necessary to teach music — both instrumental and choral — to grades PK-12. Here, endless ways to learn and grow are available to you. Discover best practices and new perspectives by participating in ensembles, conducting undergraduate research, performing internationally or studying abroad. Multiple guest artists throughout the year offer additional chances to learn, including special classes, masterclasses, and unique performances.

Our instrumental emphasis also provides specialized courses and learning opportunities for those specifically interested in teaching band and/or orchestra. And the opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.

As a UW-Eau Claire music major, you'll quickly find that you earn so much more than just a degree. You'll use your knowledge and passion of music to inspire the next generation of musicians. 

The best of both worlds

Pursuing music education at UW-Eau Claire doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal musical growth in order to focus on teaching. Here, you can learn — and excel — in both. Through a variety of ensembles, the chance to learn from guest composers and dozens of high-quality performance opportunities, you’ll discover what it takes to become a well-rounded musician — bringing a new level of skill, knowledge and confidence into your own classrooms.  

Hear from several future teachers on what they loved about UWEC and how they were able to use what they learned to become better teachers and musicians themselves.

Why teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

Experiential and collaborative learning. Our music education degree will provide you with high-impact learning opportunities so you will feel prepared to lead a classroom. Frequent guest artists will introduce you to new music and new ways of thinking. And a full semester of student teaching will further immerse you in the teaching world. 

One-of-a-kind spaces. UWEC is home to multiple concert venues, six music classrooms, over 40 practice rooms (including chamber music practice rooms), percussion rooms, a reed room, organ practice rooms, harpsichord practice rooms, an audio recording studio, a music technology lab, a digital piano lab and several rehearsal rooms. We are also proud to partner with the Eau Claire community's newest performance venue, Pablo Center at the Confluence. This state-of-the-art facility is home to many UWEC classes, rehearsals and performances.

Resume-building student organizations. Join one of 20 student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating music, theatre and dance. Express yourself, learn new techniques and network with other passionate students. Many student organizations lead to volunteer opportunities, competitions and shows. 

A city that embraces music. The Eau Claire community welcomes UW-Eau Claire music students and invites them to become a part of the rich and vibrant music scene of Eau Claire. Here, you’ll have access to countless productions and on-stage experiences made possible thanks to our partnership with the Pablo Center. Discover the Eau Claire Jazz Festival — the largest student-run festival in the nation — and the Viennese Ball, where music students like you provide the soundtrack to a night of Austrian specialties and Viennese waltzes.

Connection to local employers. To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

Expert, caring faculty. Our student-focused faculty make it their top priority to keep you motivated, engaged and inspired, so you continue to grow. Work alongside music education professors on a summer-research project developing curriculum or travel with them to Arizona over spring break to learn about a new school system.

25+

music ensembles offered

The Blugold Marching Band is the

largest marching band

in the Midwest

96% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Music Education (BMEd) degree. 
Student organizations
  • American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
  • Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (CNAfME)
  • National Band Association Collegiate Chapter
  • Clarinet Studio Organization
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (PMA)
  • Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI)

Accreditation information

All music degrees from UW-Eau Claire have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

What can I do with a teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis degree from UWEC?

Music education majors leave UW-Eau Claire prepared to inspire young minds. Graduates earn the certification required to teach music in the State of Wisconsin to a variety of ages in public schools, including pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Where are teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis alumni now?

Teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis careers

Photo of UWEC student Abigail Sheetz smiling

My favorite experience at UWEC has been doing research. I am currently looking at musical bilateral stimulation in the classroom and how that can hopefully positively affect test taking so that I can use that information in my future classroom.

Abigail Sheetz Teaching - All Music, Instrumental Emphasis

Teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis bachelor's degree program curriculum

UW-Eau Claire sets you up for success through interactive learning and professional experience. Throughout all four years in the program, you will have multiple opportunities to work with elementary music teachers as well as middle and high school conductors. You'll also spend a semester student teaching.

Courses within the major explore a variety of topics, including theory, history, literature, applied music, conducting, instrument techniques, recital and ensembles.

What classes do teaching - all music, instrumental emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the comprehensive instrumental and general music teaching major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

We'll send you additional information about our campus and programs after you submit this form. You'll also have the chance to tell us more about yourself and your interests.

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in music? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.

Department information

Multiple departments support this program. Learn more about them!

Photo of students walking in front of Centennial Hall

Education for Equity and Justice

Centennial Hall 3215
1698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Education for Equity and Justice department website
Photo of a camera in front of theatre seats

Music and Theatre Arts

Haas Fine Arts Center 156
121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Visit the Music and Theatre Arts department website