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Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification) Major

Study Music Education at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll build your résumé through firsthand experience in local classrooms and gain valuable skills necessary for success as a K-12 music educator. Experienced faculty-mentors will help you deepen knowledge in choral, instrumental, and general music, along with relevant teaching methodologies. You’ll earn your degree from a program endorsed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, well-prepared to pursue certification in music education.

Program at a Glance

The School of the Arts nurtures students’ faith and talents to develop and excel as world-class music professionals.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • October 5, 2024
  • October 25, 2024
  • December 6, 2024

Application Deadline

  • February 15, 2024: Priority deadline for Fall 2024
  • December 1, 2023: Priority deadline for Spring 2024

Learn How to Apply

Program Information

  • Program Units: 89

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Band

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Broaden instrumental and choral musical knowledge.
  • Explore the integration of faith and music.
  • Interact one-on-one with faculty-mentors invested in your story.
  • Volunteer with local schools and art organizations such as the Azusa Conservatory of Music.
  • Prepare to pursue certification in K-12 music education.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

Denney smiling

Denney Premkumar: Building Community through Music

As a music education major, Denney Premkumar ’23 discovered the value of a Christ-centered community and grew closer to God through music.

Program Details

The music education (pre-teacher certification) major provides future vocal, instrumental, and general music teachers the necessary skills, knowledge, and appropriate methodologies for success at all levels of music education within California.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

How to Apply

  1. Complete your APU Undergraduate Application
  2. Select your music major (if applicable)
  3. If eligible, complete your FAFSA (does not apply to international students)

Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to audition as soon as possible for best consideration.

Auditions

All music students are encouraged to audition.

2023-2024 Audition Dates:

  • October 20, 2023
  • November 3, 2023
  • November 17, 2023
  • January 19, 2024
  • February 9, 2024
  • March 8, 2024
  • March 15, 2024
  • April 5, 2024
  • April 9, 2024

Learn more about auditions and scholarships.

Priority Deadlines

Fall 2024 Applicants

February 15, 2024, is the priority deadline for the Fall 2024 Music Undergraduate Auditions. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application and their audition to be considered for a Music Talent Scholarship.

Spring 2024 Applicants

December 1, 2024, is the priority deadline for the Spring 2024 Music Undergraduate Auditions. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application and their audition by the deadline to ensure consideration.

Plan a Visit

Applicants are encouraged to visit a class or meet with one of our professors. Just fill out a COTA Visitation Form to visit us and explore our programs further. We look forward to meeting you!

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

  • Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
  • A degree from Azusa Pacific University is respected and recognized internationally, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Featured Faculty

John Burdett

John Burdett

Assistant Professor; Director of Music Education, Wind Ensemble Conductor

Alexander Koops

Alexander Koops

Professor; Director of Undergraduate Music Education; Conductor of Symphonic Band; Director of Azusa Conservatory of Music Community Music School

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Helena singing on stage

Helena Mayer ’20: Reaching the Lost Through Music

At just 25-years-old, Helena Mayer '20 has built a strong career as a musician. Her songs have been streamed more than 10 million times on Spotify and she performs four times a week for more than 9,000 followers on Twitch.​

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Related Programs

Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification) Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Choral, Instrumental

Commercial Music Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Audio Recording Track, Composing/Arranging Track, Instrumental Performance Track, Music Business Track, Vocal Performance Track