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Music Education (BMus)

Grow as a skilled musician in your instrument of choice, going on to be an effective, biblically minded educator.

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Why Music Education?

Music Education majors graduate with a strong knowledge of music theory, history, and skills, along with a core of education courses that prepare students to teach music. This program leads to a B.Mus. degree and two certificates, the K-12 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching and the Standard K-12 ACSI certificate for music education. The Music Education program is designed to prepare students to effectively teach music in either Christian or public school. 

Note: non-keyboard majors must pass the piano proficiency exam prior to student teaching. The School of Education requirements apply to students in this program.

Music Education at Cairn

Biblical Integration

Learn in an interdisciplinary program within a biblical, Christian context

Personalized Education

Choose your focus on Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Organ, or Guitar

Experienced Faculty

Develop under the direction of faculty who are accomplished musicians and educators

Career Preparation

Music Education majors at Cairn had 100% job placement over the past 4 years

Hands-On Education

Start teaching right away—students instruct in labs in their first semester. Utilize excellent student teaching opportunities in area schools

Campus Community

Join University ensembles like the symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, chorale, and opera theater

more Details

Get an inside look at our Music Education Program

There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.

Required Credits: 149/152

Curriculum Highlights: 

    • MUS Music Theory I-IV
    • MUS 281 Theories of Learning Music
    • MUS 382 Music for Special Needs Child
    • MUS 481 Teach Music Elem School
    • MUS 482 Teach Music Sec School

Educator in a private, public, or Christian school
Private lessons instructor
Graduate studies

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Connect With Us

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An Affordable Education

While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey.  You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance. 

Meet Our Faculty

Debbie Lynn Wolf web 1000

Debbie Wolf

Chair, Music Education; Professor, School of Music

Debbie Lynn Wolf is a professor of music and chair of music education in the School of Music. She teaches private piano and class piano, as well as music for ages preschool through adult for the Cairn Community Arts Academy.

Debbie also serves as consultant and chief reader for PRAXIS Music Tests, certification exams, at Educational Testing Services (ETS), Ewing, NJ, and teaches music education courses at University of the Arts, Villanova University, and Chestnut Hill College.

Her work in musical development, assessment, and music in special education has been presented at national and international conferences including NAfME (2004-2014), ISME Research Commission (Canary Islands, 2004; Bali, 2006; Portugal, 2008; China, 2010; Greece, 2012; Brazil, 2014; London, 2016), ISME World Conference (Canary Islands, 2004; Italy, 2008, China, 2010; Greece 2012; Brazil, 2014; Scotland, 2016), ICMPC (Italy, 2006; Greece, 2014), College Music Society (Argentina, 2013); European Early Childhood (Lithuania, 2007; 2009); SIMCAM (Brazil, 2007), and AOSA (San Jose, 2007; Charlotte, NC, 2008; Milwaukee, 2009; Spokane, 2010). Publications include contributions to CRME, ISME, PMEA, and ETS.

Scott Watson web 1000

Scott Watson

Faculty, School of Music

Dr. Scott Watson is a full-time faculty member teaching various courses in the School of Music. For 35 years prior to coming to Cairn, Scott was a band director and elective music teacher in the Parkland School District (Allentown, PA). Additionally, he taught music theory full-time at Temple University for one year and continues to serve as an adjunct instructor at several Philadelphia-area universities. Scott is a frequently commissioned and published composer, whose award-winning music has been performed at prestigious venues including Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and the White House. Scott is an exclusive composer for Alfred Music, with over 100 published works for band and orchestra at all levels. Watson is also a sought-after clinician who has delivered sessions and professional development training at music conferences and for school music departments around the U.S. His book, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity, is published by Oxford University Press.

Scott and his wife, Kim, have two adult children, Benjamin and Abigail, who are both music teachers themselves. The Watsons attend Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, where Scott plays keyboard in the worship. Whenever he can get away, you can find Scott with his family “down the shore” visiting his parents in Cape May, reading a good non-fiction book.

What Our Students Have To Say

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Max Brustle

The Music Education Program has given me the opportunity to engage with quality musical instruction that is both centered on biblical teachings and practical to the educational environment. Through my studies, the connections this program has to local school districts, and the performance opportunities provided by the School of Music as a whole, I have received an education that has allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my college experience while simultaneously equipping me for a career beyond my University studies.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step? You can apply today!