Bachelor's in Music Education - Choral and General Music K-12 Licensure

The Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education at UNC Greensboro is a professional degree that prepares students for future careers as K-12 music teachers in public and private schools. Our program includes many opportunities to engage in field experience through internships with K-12 teachers and through community partnerships that engage young people in music learning. The Music Education degree requires an audition and interview.

About the UNCG school of Music

• The UNCG School of Music was ranked #1 in the U.S. by Best Value Schools in 2025.
• UNCG’s School of Music offers the only comprehensive degrees in music education and music performance in the State of North Carolina, from the undergraduate level through doctoral study.
• Outstanding facilities, world-class faculty, and numerous ensemble experiences foster an environment of artistic and academic success.

The Bachelor’s in Choral/General Music EDUCATION PROGRAM Distinctions

The UNCG Choral/General Music Education concentration distinguishes itself by providing dual-track training that equally prioritizes elite choral conducting and comprehensive classroom general music pedagogy. Rather than forcing a choice between the two, the curriculum explicitly prepares students to seamlessly pivot between directing high school choirs and teaching elementary general music.

Student field placements are split purposefully. Students practice teaching child vocal development in P-5 general music settings while simultaneously training in secondary school choir settings. Music Education students also gain teaching experience by participating in the UNCG Summer Music Camp, the largest university summer music camp in the nation.

Graduates automatically qualify for the Standard Professional 1 North Carolina Educator’s License, fully certifying them for K-12 music instruction across the state immediately.

UNC Greensboro is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The Choral/General Music EDUCATION STUDENT Experience

Students in the Music Education program for choral and general music benefit from many different performance groups, ensembles, clubs, and internships:

• Clubs and organizations include Music/Performing Arts Student Ambassadors, Mu Phi Epsilon, Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, Pi Kappa Lambda (Music Honor Society), student chapters of the National Association for Music Education (Collegiate), and the American Choral Directors Association.
• Students gain elite ensemble experience by singing in and observing the conducting workflows of premier ensembles like the University Chorale, Spartan Voices, Chamber Singers, and Coro di Belle Voci.
• The annual Collage Concert involves approximately 300 UNCG School of Music students performing together in a variety of small and large ensembles to a sold-out crowd. 
• Internship locations include the North Carolina public schools, the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, and other regional arts associations.
• Arts-based living community “Studio 91” in Cone Residence Hall features music, theater, and dance practice rooms; music composition computer lab; drawing lounge; and arts-related programs and events.

Apply to Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Choral/General Music Concentration

Students interested in the Music Education, Choral/General Music Concentration complete UNCG’s undergraduate admission process and the School of Music application/audition process.

After Graduating with a bachelor’s in Choral/General Music Education

UNCG Music Education graduates are placed in public and private schools throughout North Carolina, the Southeast, and nationwide. The school has a 100% placement rate for music education graduates.

Potential career paths include:

• Choral Director
• Elementary General Music Teacher
• Community Ensemble Conductor
• Private Lesson Studio Owner
• Arts Administrator
• School Administrator (with further leadership certification)
• Church Music Director
• Vocal Coach

Frequently Asked Questions ABout Music Education, Choral/General Music