BME Milestones
Students in Baylor's BME Program take extensive coursework in both music and education — all of which is housed in the School of Music. Each student will craft their own journey based on their primary instrument, secondary instrument(s), and ensemble choices. No matter the choices that you make, there are six significant milestones every BME student passes on their way to graduation.
1) Admission
To study in the Baylor Music Education program, you must be apply to BOTH Baylor University and the School of Music. Audition dates are chosen on the School of Music application. For more information check out Admissions.
2) Audition
Every student seeking an undergraduate music degree at Baylor, education or otherwise, must audition and be accepted to the School of Music. For more information check out Admissions.
3) Music Education Evaluation
During the second year of study, every BME student undergoes a review process prior to entering upper-level study in the Baylor Music School and for admission into the Teacher Education Program. This evaluation occurs through the MUS 3001 course and is designed to assess our students' musical and academic performance and fitness for continued study towards a BME. The experience is intended to be an honest conversation about each student's future We want every student that graduates from our program to be ready for the joys and challenges that teaching music can bring.
4) Recital
In the final year of study, all BME students are required to give a 25-minute recital. This recital is the capstone project of a student's applied music study at Baylor, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the outstanding musicianship learned in years of study. More information on student recitals can be found on the "for Current Students" resource page.
5) Fieldwork in Music Education
In the semester prior to student teaching, all BME students demonstrate readiness by fulfilling all requirements for the BME degree and toward TEA certification. MUS 4001 Fieldwork in Music Education is the course where you will complete all the procedures and make your student teaching placement requests. It is an exciting time (even if filled with paperwork) to look forward to entering the classroom.
6) Student Teaching
You made it! The final semester of the BME is completed off-campus, in the music classroom of your choosing. Here you will combine everything you have learned in the Music Education Program as the foundation of your student teaching experience. We work with our students as much as possible to provide assignments in line with their career goals. Student teaching takes place either in Waco, or in communities within a 200-mile radius of the Baylor campus. Student teaching is challenging, rewarding, and a big step on your journey as a music educator.