Your Future in Music Education

The Bachelor of Arts in music education at Charleston Southern University is for instrumental or choral students who wish to be qualified for South Carolina certification upon graduation to teach music in the kindergarten through 12th grade level. In addition to practical teaching experiences and education and music courses, music education students participate extensively in ensembles and private studio instruction and are required to present a 30-minute recital on their primary instrument. A full semester of student teaching is also a requirement of the degree.

You can prepare for a career in music education by earning a music education degree from the only program in the Lowcountry. You will benefit from faculty members with years of elementary and secondary teaching experience who will share their expertise with you in a comprehensive program that offers a working knowledge of pedagogy and literature. CSU music education graduates have a job placement rate of 100%.


Resources for Future Teachers

CSU’s partners at TeachSC have free tools and resources to make applying to our program, and becoming a classroom teacher, easier. If you create a TeachSC account, you will have access to:

  • An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
  • 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
  • How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
  • A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.

To get access, sign up for TeachSC!

Accreditation

Charleston Southern University’s accreditation can be found here.

CSU has specialized accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The College of Education is approved at the undergraduate music education level to offer both choral and instrumental certification.

Music Education: it's a calling

Charleston Southern University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Music Education graduates enjoy a 100% job placement rate or have elected to immediately pursue advanced degrees across the nation. Students have completed internships at local public schools including Summerville High, Cane Bay High, Ladson Elementary, Goose Creek Elementary and many others.

As an Music Education major, you’ll take courses like…

  • Brass, Woodwind, Percussion & String Techniques
  • Elementary & Advanced Conducting
  • Music Composition and Arranging
  • Principles and Philosophy of Education
  • Teaching Music in the Secondary School 

Graduates are equipped for a variety of career paths.

  • K-12 Music Teacher
  • Music Instrument Repair
  • Music Consulting
  • Graduate Student in Music Education
  • Graduate Student in Music Performance

You can choose from these emphases.

Choral music education is an intensive degree program that requires experience in a primary music field (voice or piano). Several education courses and supplemental practicum hours are required as well as participation in choral ensembles and performances. Choral music education majors have the opportunity to observe teachers on and off campus in the hope that this frequent exposure will assist them in developing their own styles and techniques as an educator. Students in this degree program have the opportunity to perform regularly on and off campus in front of audiences. At times, students will have the opportunity to audition for solo performances. 

Music Education majors have recently completed student teaching at local schools such as Wando High School, Summerville High School, Stratford High School, Marrington Middle School, Rollings Middle School of the Arts, Westview Middle School, Summerville Elementary and Westview Primary.

A view from above a Horton School of Music concert on the Lightsey Chapel Auditorium stage.

Horton School of Music

The Horton School of Music prepares students for careers as professional musicians, educators and music therapists as well as serving as a center of musical art and culture for the Charleston region and beyond. We also provide numerous courses and performance opportunities for nonmusic majors, as well as opportunities for members of the community to learn about music as a part of human culture and experience.

explore our facilities

Whittington Hall

The building houses music classrooms, a rehearsal hall, music practice rooms, a music technology lab and faculty offices. Named for Jeff and Bernice Whittington.

explore our facilities

Lightsey Chapel Auditorium & Lightsey Music Building

The chapel seats 1,500 and is a multipurpose facility equipped with a modern stage and support equipment. The Margaret Kelly Hamrick Prayer Room is located at the front of the building. Named for W. Norris and Nell Peeples Lightsey.

The music building, located behind Lightsey Chapel, houses faculty offices for the Horton School of Music, music practice facilities and the theatre program’s Black Box Theatre. Named for Nell Peeples Lightsey.

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My decision to major in music performance at CSU gave me a world-class music education with the benefits of one-on-one relationships in a Christian atmosphere. I studied with world renowned musicians who not only challenged me in every aspect of my musicianship but also helped me to grow as a better individual and man of God. Being at a small private school like CSU gave me numerous performance opportunities in large ensembles, with chamber music and in a solo setting.

Without my time spent at CSU, I would not be the musician or person I am today. All I can say is thank you CSU!

Joshua Bohl / music education, ’14Director of Percussion & Assistant Director of Bands, Western Heights Public Schools

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