Music Education

The Meadows Commitment

Southern Methodist University is located in the heart of Dallas, a vibrant city and major cultural center. As a result, you will not only have access to all the advantages of being a student in the Division of Music at this prominent university, but will be within easy reach of more than 500 cultural events a year. The faculty of the Meadows School of the Arts is committed to the highest standards of teaching and to active professional participation in music performance and research. Students benefit from the broad experience of our faculty, our rehearsal and performance facilities, the Hamon Arts Library, our visiting artists, and the thriving culture of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The quality of instruction at Meadows is superlative and is further augmented by world-renowned ensembles and exceptional opportunities.

Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification

The& Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification program prepares undergraduates for teaching careers in early childhood through 12th grade music programs. This program balances theoretical knowledge with practical experiences in public schools to develop leaders in the field of music education. The music education faculty bring significant years of successful public school teaching experience to their courses, providing students with knowledge and experiences in teaching methodologies and practices that reflect the most current research in the field of music teaching and learning. Unique to this degree are performance-level musicianship standards. Conservatory-level music experiences, research-proven teaching methodologies, and a strong liberal arts education combine to produce exceptional teachers who are equipped to become leaders in the field. This degree can be completed in four years. Certification is for comprehensive music, early childhood – 12th grade.

Applicants for a Bachelor of Music degree must apply for admission to Southern Methodist University by January 15th, complete a music theory diagnostic exam, and audition on their primary instrument. SMU admissions prefers a minimum SAT of 1100 (Verbal & Math combined) and four years each of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies in high school. If you have not had an opportunity to study music theory in high school, we recommend working through Fundamentals for the Aspiring Musician by Frank and Metz, published by Routledge.

Master of Music in Music Education

The Master of Music in Music Education degree at SMU is flexible and designed to prepare teachers to continue their career as exemplary teachers, to become educational leaders in public or private schools, or to undertake further studies at the doctoral level, positioning them to become leaders in their field. The degree may be earned in the traditional four semesters or in a part-time program designed for the student who may be employed full-time as a music educator. A minimum of 30 credits is required for completion of the degree, composed of courses in music education history and philosophy, research design, music history, and music theory, as well as additional coursework in the area of a student’s specialty. Students may choose an elementary music, choral, instrumental, piano pedagogy, or string pedagogy concentration.

Complete the graduate application online.

There is no audition requirement for the graduate program, but an interview should be scheduled with Dr. Sarah Allen.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

If undergraduate need-based financial aid is desired, the FAFSA and CSS Profile must be completed. All applicants are considered for academic and music scholarships. We will do our best to provide a financial aid package that makes an education in the Meadows School of the Arts affordable.

Graduate financial assistance is available through merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and work-study positions. The FAFSA is required for work-study and graduate assistantships. Professional music educators employed in public or private schools are eligible to participate in the Master Educator plan, which offers credit at a significantly reduced tuition rate.

For more information, email Music Admission at musicadmission@smu.edu or call 214-768-3521