How do undergraduates become music education majors at Iowa?

First, undergraduates must apply and successfully audition on their instrument or voice to become a music major in the School of Music.

Second, undergraduate students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Instructions for the application for admission are located here; applications are submitted through the TK20 application portal. The music education faculty reviews and admits students based on their application materials, their academic performance, and available space in the program. 

PRIORITY Deadlines for application are as follows:

• For Spring admission: October 1 (rolling through December 1)
• For Fall admission: March 1 (rolling through May 1)

Students should plan to attend an informational meeting with the music education faculty at the beginning of the Fall Semester to start the TEP application process.

What degree will I be earning?

Students in the program simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Performance and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music Education. Graduates will hold K-12 certification in music education (instrumental, choral/vocal, and general music).

What is the Practicum?

After admission to the TEP, students complete 70 hours of practicum in local K-12 schools observing and assisting music teachers. Ten of those hours take place in EDTL:3610, Introduction & Practicum over roughly 10 weeks of the semester. The three methods courses (instrumental, choral/vocal, and general music) require an additional 20 hours of practicum each. These requirements are in addition to the class sessions on campus.

When do I apply for student teaching?

Applications are due a year in advance of the semester you plan to student teach. The application for admission should be submitted to the College of Education Office of Field Experiences here.