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Teo home > Programs >Teacher Education (BEd) > 12-Month Secondary > Music Education
Teaching music in secondary schools is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in education. Music education makes an essential and unique contribution to students’ lifelong intellectual, physical, and emotional development. Students in music classes acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to be involved in music as a lifelong interest or to pursue careers in music and related fields. They acquire important insights into culture and history. Many secondary school students and graduates say that their times of learning and performing music in school choirs, bands, orchestras, guitar ensembles, and other music classes have been some of the best times of their lives. It’s great to be a music teacher and to have such an important impact on secondary school students.
What’s special about the UBC BEd program in Music Education: Secondary?
Teacher Candidates in Music Education progress through the 12-month (Sept-Aug) UBC teacher education program in a cohort group. You complete specialized courses in Music Education together, and your cohort stays together when taking a number of non-Music Education courses. Also, you have the dedicated support of instructors and advisors who have extensive experience as musicians and music educators. Even more remarkable, past UBC Music Education graduates typically stay in touch with the members of their cohort group, their instructors, and their advisors as professional associates (and friends) throughout their music teaching careers.
Where would my teaching practicum take place?
Our Teacher Candidates complete their two-week and thirteen-week “practice teaching” practicums with respected teachers who lead strong music programs in secondary schools throughout the greater Vancouver area. We do our best to place you in a school that is a good fit with your musical strengths and is convenient for you to reach.
Am I likely to be hired as a music teacher when I graduate with a BEd degree in Music Education from UBC?
Unlike many students who hold only a BMus degree or even a MMus degree, over 95% of those who complete the UBC BEd program specializing in Music Education are hired upon graduating. Some take teaching positions in public schools outside the greater Vancouver area, some teach in private schools, and others choose to work as teachers-on-call (“TOCs”) in Vancouver and nearby districts to earn seniority toward full-time positions in those districts. (The fewer-than-5% of those who are not hired upon graduating have usually chosen to travel or pursue other interests for a year or two before taking their first music teaching position.)
Am I less likely to be admitted to the BEd program in Music Education (and hired later as a music teacher) if I already have a master’s degree?
We’re glad to accept musicians who hold a master’s degree into the BEd program. While school districts are most accustomed to hiring recent graduates who hold BMus and BEd degrees, some actually prefer to hire new teachers who already have a master’s degree as well.
If I earn a degree in Music Education at UBC, could I teach in another province or in another country?
The UBC BEd degree in Music Education: Secondary is highly regarded throughout Canada and around the world. Past graduates are now teaching music in BC and other Canadian provinces, in the US (New York, California, Connecticut), and in the UK and various parts of Asia. (Note that it might be necessary to complete one or two additional courses to hold a continuing teaching position in some places.)
What are the prerequisites for entrance into the program, and how do I apply for admission?
Download the prerequisite courses to be completed as part of the BMus degree.
Contact the Secondary Admissions Advisor to ask a question.
Apply for the UBC BEd program in Music Education: Secondary.
We invite you to apply
for the UBC BEd program in Music Education: Secondary!
Daniel Hersog
 Daniel Hersog is a graduate of the renowned Capilano University Jazz Studies Program. He is currently studying Secondary Teacher Education at UBC specializing in instrumental and choral music. Daniel is an active member of the Vancouver music community, performing with a variety of rock and pop bands as well as leading his own jazz sextet. Daniel aspires to lead a strong music program with emphasis on both choral and instrumental music.
Sherry Lee
 Sherry Lee has taught violin and piano for over 12 years, and since 2003, has co-taught music classes in elementary, middle, and high schools. She is a member of both BCMEA and CMEA. As the recipient of several scholarships, Sherry completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Victoria. Sherry is passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and performing music. Her goal is to make learning fun, to motivate students, and to follow her passion for teaching thus, enriching the lives of others through music.
Rouvin Seah
 In grade 11, Rouvin Seah decided on a music career, and later graduated from Douglas College’s Bachelor of Music (2008) program having studied with Douglas Sparkes, Gregory A. Cox, and Gordon Cherry. He performed in Dues Band and Night Band, under the direction of Blair Fisher and Robin Shier. He currently attends UBC’s BEd Secondary program, specializing in Music Education. Rouvin believes, "It is the duty of music educators to help our students to become better people. We are there to help them find their identity and to find their passions in life. We need to encourage higher levels of thinking and push for higher standards." With this in mind, he hopes to inspire his students to love and learn music.
Eric Tsang
 Eric graduated from Capilano College’s Bachelor of Jazz Studies Degree Program having studied with renowned saxophonists Mike Allen and Campbell Ryga. While currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Music Education at UBC, Eric is a member of the Band of the 15th Field Artillery and a former member of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa. Recently, he became music director of VCEFC (Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church) children’s choir as well as the Band Officer of the 135 cadets squadron. In addition, he is a faculty member of O Music Studio where he works with college students in their endeavor in musical education.
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