Inspire the next generation of musicians with SUNY Buffalo State's Music Education program. You'll build expertise in performance, music theory, history, and teaching while gaining extensive hands-on experience in urban, suburban, and rural classrooms. Learn from experienced faculty, integrate innovative technology into your teaching, and work with local schools and community partners from your first year.
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Degrees Offered
Music Education, Mus.B: The Music Education program leads to a New York State Initial Certificate for teaching general, vocal, and instrumental music in New York State schools at the pre-kindergarten through grade 12 levels. The program requires intensive study in music performance, music history, music theory, and methodology of teaching, with an emphasis on world music and urban culture.
Music Education, M.M.: Designed for certified music teachers, this online program strengthens your expertise in music education, history, theory, and research while supporting your professional growth as an educator. Customize your studies with electives in areas such as ensemble leadership, musical theatre, educational foundations, or independent study, giving you the flexibility to align your degree with your career goals.
Where Our Alumni Work
Students who successfully complete the Mus.B. in Music Education at Buffalo State are granted New York State Initial Teaching Certification for Pre-K through Grade 12 for General, Choral, and Instrumental Music (Broadfield). Buffalo State is the only SUNY school that does not limit students to a single area of focus.
Buffalo State's online master's degree in music education is designed for in-service music teachers who already possess an initial teaching certificate. This degree is composed of courses that are critical to the ongoing professional development of music teachers.
Diverse Teaching Experiences
Buffalo State is the only urban SUNY school, allowing music education majors the unique opportunity to develop teaching skills in urban, suburban, and rural areas, which qualifies them for a variety of high-quality teaching jobs. Students enroll in three field experience courses before student teaching, gaining experience in diverse teaching environments and across subject areas, including band, chorus, and general music.
School and Community Partnerships
Music education majors have many opportunities to interact with Pre-K - 12 students. The Community Arts Academy music classes are lab classes where music faculty guide music education majors in interacting with children ages birth - 12 and their parents. We partner with Lindbergh Elementary School, a Professional Development School, which allows music education majors hands-on teaching experience.