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Music Education

Share your love for music with students of all ages.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Education

MVNU's Education Department has long been known for the quality of its education programs because of the unique opportunities for extensive hands-on field experience offered to students starting freshman year. This kind of experience will bulk up your résumé, allow you to make connections with local schools and educators, and help you feel comfortable and confident in the classroom as quickly as possible.

The Music Education program is a multi-age licensure program encompassing grades Prekindergarten through 12 and is housed in the Music Department. Students in this program will have two advisors: one for their major (Music) and one for the Education program. They would graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree.

Music Education Curriculum

Pursue the B.A in Music Education for a career in teaching music at all levels or to prepare for graduate school. The music education major’s course schedule is designed for broad application (choral, instrumental, and general music) in K-12 environments.

Faith & learning at MVNU

At MVNU, our Christian faith is at the core of everything we do. Whether it’s opening class with prayer, diving into Scripture, or examining real-world moral and ethical challenges, we’re committed to shaping students who live out their faith with purpose. Here, you won’t just learn — you’ll be transformed.

Travel

There are opportunities to complete part of your student teaching semester internationally in Costa Rica, China, Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. You’ll get an in-depth look at what education looks like globally and be better prepared to be an excellent educator wherever you choose to begin your career.

All MVNU students are also invited to participate in the many service and academic trips we offer.

Student Teaching:
  • Costa Rica
  • China
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Australia
Service Learning:
  • Belize (Tropical Biology)
  • Swaziland
  • Haiti
  • Croatia, Austria & Hungary
  • Italy
  • Spain, Portugal & France
  • Greater Columbus Area
  • Orlando
  • San Francisco
  • New Orleans
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Guyana
  • Guatemala

Music Education Scholarships

Need a little help with finances? We’ve got you covered. Explore scholarships, grants, and other resources to help you pay for your education.

Get guidelines, information, applications, and recommendation forms for music scholarships.

The TEACH grant is available for students who plan to teach in high-need areas after graduation.

MVNU has many endowed scholarships available for students of a wide variety of backgrounds and majors.

Careers in Music Education

A Music Education degree from MVNU will properly prepare you to music in a K-12 environment and prepare you for graduate school.

MUSIC EDUCATOR

Teach music in a K-12 setting and instill a love of music.

CHOIR DIRECTOR

Direct a youth, middle school, or high school choir.

BAND DIRECTOR

Direct a middle school or high school band or ensemble.

ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR

Direct a youth stings program or a mature orchestra.

MUSIC PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Help students gain opportunities to grow in their chosen area.

MVNU has a strong reputation for producing compassionate, competent, and committed educators who are also real-world ready. Employers know that we exceed the number of field hours required for licensure by the state of Ohio — because of that reputation, our grads are always in high demand. The vast majority of them secure jobs not long after, and sometimes even prior to, graduation. Administrators seek out our graduates for openings in their schools and districts.

music MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University teacher
music MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University orchestra

Meet the Faculty

Learn from faculty members who know how to balance theory and practical application for a relevant, empowering, Christ-centered learning experience.

Adjunct Faculty and Staff

  • Sabina Anderson – Treble Singers
  • Andrew Clarkson – Guitar/Guitar Class
  • Dr. Cary Dachtyl – Percussion
  • Charles Dettmar – Jazz Band
  • Charla Dryburgh – Staff Accompanist
  • Sarah Jancura – French horn
  • Dr. Gabrielle Valladares – Clarinet/Saxophone
  • Dr. Cynthia Mahaney – Voice
  • Dr. Trevor Marcho – Low Brass
  • Jennifer Packard – Flute/Flute Choir
  • Dr. Jim Puckett – Composition
  • Anthony Springer – Cello
  • Aaron Van Valkenburg – Worship Band/Music Technology

MVNU Music Highlights

music MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University una voce

Students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of choral and instrumental ensembles, special performances, music events, study abroad trips, and more.

Thorne Performance Hall

MVNU Music majors spend much of their time in the R.R. Hodges Chapel and Fine Arts Center. The first floor of the Chapel features the Thorne Performance Hall, which features a new Shigeru Kawai piano. This is where Music majors perform their senior recitals.

music MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University wind ensemble

There is also a large band room on the first floor which you will learn and practice. The second floor of the Chapel holds fully equipped musical classrooms, such as a keyboard lab for piano class. There are also multiple small practice rooms with pianos and outstanding acoustics for student use.

music MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University proffessor

Learn from faculty who expertly balance theory and practical application, providing a relevant, empowering, and Christ-centered learning experience.

music MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University messiah

The Music Department offers multiple pathways to a high-quality music education. Students can pursue a B.A. in Music Education or a B.A. in Music with a concentration in either Performance or General Music.

Check these majors out, too

Worship Arts

Demonstrate intentional, faith-filled expressions of worship that help usher people into the presence of God.

Music

Develop the skills and knowledge to be a successful musician, teacher, and entrepreneur.

Elementary Education/Elementary Intervention (P-5)

Share knowledge with future generations and ensure equal learning opportunities for children with our on-campus program.

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