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

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education 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 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 Instrumental/General Music Education Program Distinctions

The Bachelor’s in Instrumental/General Music Education program at UNC Greensboro distinguishes itself through its exceptional scale, rigorous secondary-instrument training, and deep pedagogical integration. It is specifically designed to transform advanced solo instrumentalists into versatile school band and orchestra directors who can confidently teach any wind, string, or percussion instrument from day one.

Recognizing the actual demands of public school band jobs, UNCG offers specific coursework in Marching Band Techniques (covering drill design and field charting).

UNCG School of Music is home to archives/libraries and Special Collections which house the largest collection of cello and double reed manuscripts and music scores in the world.  

Music Education students have teaching opportunities through the UNCG Summer Music Camp, the largest university summer music camp in the country.

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

The Instrumental/General Music Education Student Experience

• 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), the National Band Association, and the American String Teachers Association.
• Students gain elite ensemble experience by performing in and observing the conducting workflows of premier instrumental bands and orchestras like the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, University Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, University Band and Concert Band. 
• 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, Instrumental/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 Instrumental/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:

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