Music Education

Why study music education?

Students who study music education will engage in instrumental or vocal study, as well as pedagogy and directing classes to prepare for careers teaching music.

  • Choral, band, symphonic, contemporary, chamber and jazz ensembles are available for all students at Augustana, with music majors often acting as section leaders and soloists.
  • Music education students complete student teaching in surrounding school districts and guest-direct ensembles to best prepare themselves for running their own harmonious classrooms.
Music Education at AU

Music Education at AU


Related Programs of Study


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Latest News

As part of the Sacred Arts Series at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, the Augustana University School of Music presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s “St. John Passion,” BWV 245, on Tuesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. Under the direction of Dr. David Chin, the performance is a collaboration between Augustana’s Bach Collegium and the Augustana Choir — bringing together some of the region’s finest musicians for an unforgettable evening of sacred music, drama and profound reflection.

In collaboration with the Office of Faith & Spiritual Life, the Augustana School of Music (SoM) invites the public to join the university community for its 2024 Christmas Vespers concert, “Prepare the Way.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit augie.edu/vespers.

For the second year, Augustana University students will have the opportunity to perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through the School of Music’s Bach Collegium, led by Dr. David Chin, visiting assistant professor of music. The collegium’s first-semester performances will take place on campus in September and November.

Highlights

Trumpet School of Music

Careers

Graduates succeed in careers as band directors, choir directors, fine arts coordinators, K-12 music teachers and private instructors.

Hands-On Learning

Internship opportunities include:

  • Surrounding school districts
  • Arts South Dakota
  • Churches in the Midwest region
  • Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society (SF JB)
  • South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO)
  • Washington Pavilion

Music education students study away in:

  • Europe — with the Augustana Choir tour
  • Spain — with the Augustana Band tour
  • Germany — with Angelus at the Women's Choir Festival in Potsdam

Courses & Organizations

Music education majors can choose an emphasis in instrumental or vocal study. Participation in lessons, piano proficiency and ensembles is required. Music education majors also give both junior and senior recitals, as well as regular solo performances during recital hour.

Students study these areas:

  • Instrumental and vocal pedagogy
  • Theory
  • Aural skills
  • History and literature
  • Conducting
  • Music technology

Music education students often participate in:

  • Augustana Student Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
  • National Association for Music Education
  • Choral and instrumental ensembles
  • Ukulele Club
  • Hip-Hop Club