Bachelor of Science in Music – Concentration in Music Education and Pedagogy
Overview
The Music Education & Pedagogy program at Arizona Christian University equips future music educators with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation to teach with excellence and purpose. Students receive comprehensive training in vocal and instrumental pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum design, and ensemble leadership—all within a Christ-centered learning environment. With early field experience, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and opportunities to teach in diverse settings, graduates are prepared to inspire the next generation of musicians in schools, churches, and communities.
Getting Started
To begin the process of applying for the music program at ACU, please sign up for an audition at this link: https://www.arizonachristian.edu/music-auditions/.
For more information and guidelines regarding music auditions, please follow this link: https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Music-Department-Audition-Guidelines-3.pdf.
Program Highlights
In Fall 2024, every choral conducting student stepped into real-world leadership by conducting the Grace Bible Church choir during Sunday morning worship—gaining hands-on experience in live ministry settings.
Just a few months later, in May 2025, the ACU Chorale traveled to Poland as guest artists of the Count, performing ten concerts of advanced choral repertoire—including new works composed by ACU students.
And for music education majors, the transition to the professional world is seamless: nearly every graduate steps directly into a full-time teaching position after earning their degree. From the local church to international concert halls, ACU music students are already making an impact.
Career Paths
With a degree in Music Education & Pedagogy, graduates can pursue diverse careers including:
- Private Music Educator
- Music Arranger
- Songwriter
- Music Director
- Music Producer
- Film Score Orchestrator
- Orchestra or Choral Director
- Creative Arts Director
- Band Member
- Music Instructor in Charter/Private School
- Private Lesson Instructor
Department of Music
Arizona Christian University
Building 2500
1 W. Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306
Phone:
(602) 489-5300
Email:
[email protected]
Academic Major Courses
Core requirements: 30 credits
General Biblical and Theological Studies: 15 credits
Upper Division Bible and Theological Studies electives: 3 credits
Science w/lab: 8 credits
Music Core w/Applied Lessons: 45 credits
Music Concentration – Theory and Composition: 19 credits
Free Electives: 6 credits
Total: 126 credits
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUP 101 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 193 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 194 | Sight Singing/Dictation I | 1 |
| MUP 201 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MTE 220 | Computer Based Music Production | 3 |
| MUS 293 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 294 | Sight Singing/Dictation II | 1 |
| MUP 301 | Class Piano III | 1 |
| MUS 342 | Music History & Literature II | 3 |
| MUP 360 | Junior Recital | 1 |
| MUS 393 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS 394 | Sight Singing/Dictation III | 1 |
| MUP 401 | Class Piano IV | 1 |
| MUS 493 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS 494 | Sight Singing/Dictation IV | 1 |
| MUS 490 | Music Capstone | 3 |
| ML_ 111 | Applied Lessons: _________________ | 8 |
| MEC 100 | Chorale | 4 |
| Choose One | MED 315 Instrumental Conducting * MED 316 Choral Conducting * MTC 331 Choral Arranging & Conducting ◊ | 3 |
| MUS 341 | Music History & Literature I | 3 |
| MUP 371 | Musical Theatre: Performance | 1 |
| MED 411 | Choral Music Education Methods | 3 |
| MED 412 | Instrumental Music Education Methods | 3 |
| MED 413 | General Music Education Methods | 3 |
| MEC 100 | Chorale | 2 |
| Choose One | MED 315 Instrumental Conducting * ~OR~ MED 316 Choral Conducting * ~OR~ MTC 331 Choral Arranging & Conducting ◊ | 3 |
| ME_ 100/ MUP 371 | Music Ensemble: MEA, MEC, MEF, MEJ, MEL, MEP, MER, MES, MEV, or MUP 371 | 1 |