BMME program equips well-rounded music teachers

Aspiring music teachers at Carthage can now earn a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, a degree that comes with more comprehensive training than a traditional Bachelor of Arts.

While teacher candidates can still concentrate in either vocal or instrumental music, this new BMME program equips them to teach both areas. That’s vital, given the number of schools that can only budget for one music teacher.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Carthage program prepares students for licensure to teach music in kindergarten through 12th grade. The distinctive curriculum goes beyond Wisconsin’s new licensing rules, featuring courses like Culturally Responsive Music Pedagogy.

“We believe this will make us competitive with some of the bigger schools,” says Peter Dennee, professor of music and coordinator of the music education program. “Having a Bachelor of Music opens more doors for you.”