Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification), B.M.

Degree Program

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification) degree, formerly Music Education, is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements. The major requirements include completing a basic core of 38-39 credits of music and specific degree requirements of an additional 46-47 credits for Music Education. Total credits: 84-86.

Students interested in pursuing this degree must demonstrate a high level of performance potential and commitment to music education as a profession.

Special Programs/Opportunities

Ensembles

The Conservatory provides opportunities for experience in several types of vocal and instrumental ensembles, including the Biola Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, University Chorus, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Music Ensembles. All are open to non-music majors as well as music majors by audition.

Concert Series

The Conservatory concert series features outstanding guest artists and student ensembles.

Masterclasses and Artist-in-Residence Program

Opportunities for participating in masterclasses with guest artists are available annually. Of special note is the ongoing series of masterclasses and recitals by world-renowned artists, including Menahem Pressler, pianist, Artist-in-Residence.

Local Opportunities

The Southern California area provides exceptional opportunities for hearing the world's leading artists, as well as outstanding college and church music performances.

Service Opportunities

The Los Angeles metropolitan area offers many opportunities for remunerative service in music. There are frequent openings for competent church choir directors, soloists, accompanists, instrumentalists, and organists.

Scholarships

Music awards in varying amounts are available to qualified students. Complete information is available by emailing music@biola.edu or by writing:

Director, Conservatory of Music
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639-0001

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification), students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate competence in the foundation of musical knowledge related to musical theory, analysis, and history (ULO 1).
  2. Demonstrate integration of faith in the musical disciplines and anticipated future professional activities (ULO 2).
  3. Demonstrate synthesis of all degree-specific coursework and development of musicianship, knowledge, and skill expected in the professional field through expertise displayed in the degree capstone experience (ULO 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

All students seeking admission must demonstrate musical background and performance strengths necessary for successful completion of the stated curriculum. Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Conservatory as a music major. A student will be admitted to the Conservatory of Music after:

  1. Meeting requirements for University admission.
  2. Completing a Conservatory application with the required number of references.
  3. Completing a Conservatory audition.

After acceptance and upon entrance, students will be assessed with regard to their performance levels. They will also be given the option to take placement surveys in musicianship, written theory, and/or keyboard skills, or they may simply choose to begin their studies at the introductory level. Specific information concerning the content of these surveys and suggestions for preparation are available by contacting the Conservatory Office.

Transfer of Credits

Most courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States will be accepted on a comparable course basis. The following core courses will transfer directly:

In order to pass out of Theory III (MUSC 354​) or Keyboard Skills II (MUSC 119), the student must display proficiency by achieving favorable scores on the Theory and Keyboard placement surveys.  

No credit(s) will be given for waived courses. Waiver of courses on the basis of placement surveys without comparable prior course credit will increase elective credits required.

Credit for courses taken at a non-accredited college or university will be granted only through placement or challenge surveys.

Applied Music

In order to graduate, music students must reach primary applied proficiency level standards designated for each degree program. Applied Music lessons are guided by faculty or studio artists who have expertise and professional experience in the voice or instrument under study. Studio artists are affiliated with Biola via "special employee" contracts and thus do not undergo the same process for hire as do faculty. The studio artists are all highly competent individuals who appreciate Biola and endorse the goals of the Conservatory, but their theological conceptualization has not undergone the same close review as that of the faculty. For more information, see the Conservatory Office.

GPA Requirements

Students in the degree program must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and receive a minimum grade of C in each required course.

Curriculum Requirements

Integration Seminar Requirement

All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree program are required to take a Biblical Studies Integration Seminar. This requirement must be fulfilled by taking BBST 4658 Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music. 

Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification) meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 6 credits in behavioral science and integration seminar within the major, fulfill 3 credits of the 6 credit Core Curriculum requirement in history within in the major, and are exempt from the Core Curriculum requirement in foreign language, literature, and fine arts.
Program Courses
Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification) majors must choose either a choral or instrumental emphasis.
The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation. Please see a credential analyst in the School of Education for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor. 1
HIST 200United States History To 1865 23
or POSC 225 Survey of American Government
MUSC 102Voice Class 31
MUSC 118Keyboard Skills I 41
or MUSC 261 Keyboard Sight Reading I
MUSC 119Keyboard Skills II 41
or MUSC 262 Keyboard Sight Reading II
MUSC 145Applied Music 54
MUSC 153Musicianship I 61
MUSC 154Theory I 73
MUSC 160Essential Technologies for Musicians I1
MUSC 163Musicianship II 61
MUSC 164Theory II 73
MUSC 170Essential Technologies for Musicians II1
MUSC 200Performing Arts Forum 81
MUSC 205Introduction to Music Education2
MUSC 275Music Area Seminar 90
MUSC 315History of Western Art Music I: Medieval through Baroque3
MUSC 316History of Western Art Music II: Classical through Romantic3
MUSC 323Basic Conducting2
MUSC 324Advanced Studies in Conducting2
MUSC 328General Music Methods2
MUSC 332Music for Children2
MUSC 343Form and Analysis2
MUSC 353Musicianship III 61
MUSC 354Theory III 73
BBST 4658Integration Seminar: Redeeming Culture Through Music 103
PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology 113
Select three courses from the following:3-4
Music Education: Brass
Music Education: Percussion
Music Education: Strings
Pedagogy: Major Performance Area
Music Education: Woodwinds
MUSC 363Musicianship IV 61
MUSC 365History and Analysis of 20th Century Music3
MUSC 410Music Cultures of the World2
MUSC 445Applied Music 124
MUSC 451Advanced Studies in Music Education2
MUSC 470Senior Recital/Final Project0
MUSC 475Recital Conducting1
Professional Education Courses
LEDU 330Psychological Foundations of Education3
LEDU 341Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students3
LEDU 425Secondary Content Area Reading3
LEDU 438Secondary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment3
Ensemble Courses 138
Select 8 credits from the following:
Biola Chorale
Music Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Choir
Jazz Ensemble
Symphonic Winds
Handbell Choir
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
University Chorus
Women's Chorus
Men's Chorus
Program Course Requirements: 85-86 credits 3
Core Curriculum Requirements 1451
Total Credits136-137
1

See Professional Teacher Preparation Program under Liberal Studies, Elementary Education, B.A.

2

Fulfills 3 credits of the History Core Curriculum requirement. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that a teaching credential candidate must have completed a minimum 2-credit course that covers the U.S. Constitution or fulfill this requirement by examination. Biola University students may complete this requirement by taking either HIST 200 or POSC 225 with a grade of C or better. Students receiving AP college credit for either HIST 200 or POSC 225 will also meet this requirement. Transfer coursework must be reviewed by a credential analyst in the School of Education.

3

Voice principal students are exempt from MUSC 102 and are required to complete 84-85 program course credits and a total of 135-136 credits for the degree.

4

Keyboard principal students are exempt from MUSC 118 and MUSC 119. Keyboardists must take MUSC 261 and MUSC 262.

Students may take the Keyboard Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Keyboard requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 100 Introduction to Piano.

5

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 264.

6

Students may take the Musicianship Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of the Musicianship requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 153. Musicianship courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit. 

7

Students may take the Theory Placement Survey to potentially pass out of some or all of their Theory requirements. Students who do not take the survey will automatically be placed in MUSC 098 Introduction to Theory. The first two semesters of Written Theory courses already taken at the college/university level will directly transfer for credit

8

7 semesters of Performing Arts Forum required for graduation; at least 1 semester must be taken for 1 credit.

9

Taken every semester in conjunction with MUSC 145 or MUSC 445 Applied Music. Voice, String, Composition or Piano principal students only.

10

​Fulfills the BBST 465 Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

11

Fulfills the Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement.

12

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 468.

13

Keyboard primary students should take:

  • Instrumental focus: 4 instrumental, 2 choral, 2 with use of keyboard
  • Choral focus: 5 choral, 2 instrumental, 1 opera

All other students should take:

  • Instrumental focus: 6 instrumental, 2 choral
  • Choral focus: 6 choral, 2 instrumental
14

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification), B.M.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021Music7
Music10KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 2513
HIST 100 or 1013KNES 1071
LEDU 3413LEDU 4253
Music6PSYC 200 (fulfills Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement)3
Math (see Core Curriculum)3Music7
 18 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3543BBST 3653
HIST 200 or POSC 225 (fulfills 3 credits of History Core Curriculum requirement)3Music11
Music11Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
Writing Competency RequirementGraduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 17 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
Communication (see Core Curriculum)3BBST 4658 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
ENGL 3133LEDU 4383
LEDU 3303Music8
Music4 
 16 17
Fifth Year
FallCredits 
LEDU 45016 
LEDU 45216 
 12 
Total Credits 148
1

It is possible to complete LEDU 450 (6) & LEDU 452 (6) Secondary Student Teaching prior to graduation (cross-listed as SEED 514 & SEED 515 at the graduate level). Please meet with an advisor in the School of Education.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification), B.M. 

For students who enroll in more than 18 semester credits, please note the additional cost per credit in the catalog's Financial Information section.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Music7
Music9Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 18 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
KNES 1071LEDU 4253
LEDU 3413Music7
Music6 
 18 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
Music12PSYC 2003
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Music9
 19 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
ENGL 3133BBST 4658 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
LEDU 3303LEDU 4383
Music5Music9
Math (see Core Curriculum)3 
 18 19
Fifth Year
FallCredits 
LEDU 45016 
LEDU 45216 
 12 
Total Credits 158

Note: Certain Music courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Music department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.

1

It is possible to complete LEDU 450 (6) & LEDU 452 (6) Secondary Student Teaching prior to graduation (cross-listed as SEED 514 & SEED 515 at the graduate level). Please meet with an advisor in the School of Education.