Music Education

Why study music education?

Students who study music education will engage in instrumental or vocal study, as well as pedagogy and directing classes to prepare for careers teaching music.

  • Choral, band, symphonic, contemporary, chamber and jazz ensembles are available for all students at Augustana, with music majors often acting as section leaders and soloists.
  • Music education students complete student teaching in surrounding school districts and guest-direct ensembles to best prepare themselves for running their own harmonious classrooms.
Music Education at AU

Music Education at AU

Course Descriptions

Major Map

Faculty


Related Programs of Study


Contacts


Social

Latest News

The Augustana University School of Music (SoM) is inviting the community to audition for the Augustana Orchestra — a rigorous and rewarding orchestral experience — this upcoming fall season.

Augustana University’s School of Music is excited to announce that Dr. Russell P. Svenningsen, associate professor of music and director of vocal studies, has been named the sixth tenured conductor of the Augustana Choir.

The Augustana University School of Music (SoM) received its first 7-figure gift in April 2022 — an anonymous $1 million designated for the purchase of new pianos.

Highlights

Trumpet School of Music

Careers

Graduates succeed in careers as band directors, choir directors, fine arts coordinators, K-12 music teachers and private instructors.

Hands-On Learning

Internship opportunities include:

  • Surrounding school districts
  • Arts South Dakota
  • Churches in the Midwest region
  • Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society (SF JB)
  • South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO)
  • Washington Pavilion

Music education students study away in:

  • Europe — with the Augustana Choir tour
  • Spain — with the Augustana Band tour
  • Germany — with Angelus at the Women's Choir Festival in Potsdam

Courses & Organizations

Music education majors can choose an emphasis in instrumental or vocal study. Participation in lessons, piano proficiency and ensembles is required. Music education majors also give both junior and senior recitals, as well as regular solo performances during recital hour.

Students study these areas:

  • Instrumental and vocal pedagogy
  • Theory
  • Aural skills
  • History and literature
  • Conducting
  • Music technology

Music education students often participate in:

  • Augustana Student Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
  • National Association for Music Education
  • Choral and instrumental ensembles
  • Ukulele Club
  • Hip-Hop Club