At PSU, we know that the best educators are also the best musicians, so we start by building strong fundamental music theory and performance skills followed by a wide variety of pedagogy and techniques classes, instrumental and choral conducting, and a full year of K-12 teaching methods.
Our future teachers gain proficiency in piano, guitar, percussion, winds, strings, voice, and music technology, then choose a targeted track for their final year: elementary, strings, band, or vocal.
Prospective music majors must apply to PSU, submit a secondary application to the School of Music & Theater, and pass the entrance audition.
Social Justice and Culturally Responsive Music Teaching
We believe our students will change the face of music education by creating inclusive and diverse music programs that celebrate and energize the communities in which they work.
At PSU, we don’t just talk about social justice, we act. Our future teachers dive deep into culturally responsive music teaching practices including issues of representation, repertoire, curriculum, and classroom management. They participate in our social justice choir connecting unhoused members of the Portland community through music. Our students understand the importance of universal designs to connect all students to music in their future schools. They may focus on band, orchestra, choir, or elementary music teaching, but they are also prepared to teach courses such as music production, modern band, and mariachi.
We are proud to be a national College of Distinction for our commitment to helping students to succeed.
At PSU, you will gain the experience and knowledge you need to make a difference in your career and community.
PSU's Music programs are fully accredited National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and holds the All-Steinway School designation.
The four-year professional degree provides all the content and pedagogy to prepare our future teachers for the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) where they do a full year of student teaching and advanced course work to earn a Master's Degree and an Oregon Teacher’s License.
Our GTEP graduates have enjoyed 100% placement in music education jobs upon graduation for over a decade. Recent graduates have earned teaching positions in districts throughout the region including Portland Public, Beaverton, Vancouver, North Clackamas, Salem-Keizer, David Douglas, Lake Oswego, and many others. Some are teaching music in schools throughout the U.S. and abroad. Students who choose not to go on to GTEP find other positions in music education or general education such as teaching private or group lessons, working in music stores, or working in public or private schools as teaching assistants or in other capacities.
TRANSFERRING INTO THE PSU MUSIC EDUCATION DEGREE
Whether you are transferring from a community college or another four-year college or university, your first step is to meet with an advisor to determine where you are in your journey. In some cases, students are ready to start their music education courses immediately, but others may need additional courses as prerequisites to the music education classes.
POST-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
Our postbaccalaureate program is designed to bridge the gap between your first Bachelor's Degree and the Graduate Teacher Education Program at Portland State University, which you will need to attend in order to get a teaching license.
Before you apply, schedule a meeting with a program coordinator to plan a course of study that is tailored to your needs. The postbac sequence takes one to three years to complete, depending on your previous coursework and current skills.
PREPARING TO TRANSFER OR ENTER AS A POSTBACCALAUREATE
The best way to prepare is to review your music theory, ear-training/sight-singing, and piano skills; keep practicing your primary instrument or voice; and consider adding a second instrument or voice. You will be required to demonstrate proficiency on piano, guitar, conducting, and secondary instruments or voice prior to completion of the degree.