Choral Voice Music Education Degree
Earn Your Choral Voice Music Education Degree from GCU
Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and borders, and music education is a vital component in a well-rounded curriculum. If you aspire to share your love of music with future students and to inspire them to strive for new heights, a choral music education degree can help you pursue your goal.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Education: Choral Voice degree program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) blends theory and instruction with hands-on, immersive practices. You will develop your own creative talents while you learn how to educate the next generation.
Offered by the College of Arts and Media, this choral music education degree program for aspiring choral educators includes an intensive, skill-oriented curriculum that can empower you to combine passion with purpose. You will have the opportunity to explore advanced choral and voice techniques, examine the latest in music and classroom technology, be taught how to use assessment strategies and dive into educational psychology theories.
The GCU campus allows you the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. In this degree program, you will regularly participate in choral groups and are encouraged to participate in the Ethington Theatre Series.
The BA in music education at GCU is aligned with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). Students pursuing teacher licensure are required to complete practicum hours, state exams and a student teaching experience, in order to obtain an institutional recommendation from GCU. All music education degree program applicants are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment. Performance scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants are encouraged to audition early.
Learn the Foundations of Teaching and Choral Voice Techniques in Music
Students who graduate from this choral music education degree program are taught the knowledge and skills they need to instruct students in K-12 music settings. While becoming competent with instructional and assessment methods, you will have opportunities to develop your own creative talent and work toward becoming a confident performer. Opportunities for public and solo recitals are embedded throughout the curriculum, along with required private instruction for a rigorous, immersive experience.
In choral music education courses, you will examine the following topic areas:
- Composers and choral literature for K-12 settings, with a look at common performance and teaching problems
- Theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices, including behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning
- Advanced techniques of conducting, including score reading, artistic interpretation, rehearsal techniques and programming
- The integration of music technologies into the curriculum to foster inquiry, collaboration and interaction in a diverse classroom
In addition, all students are required to complete an eight-week student teaching experience in an elementary classroom and an eight-week student teaching experience in a secondary classroom.
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Pursue a Career in Music Education as a Choral Teacher
Students enrolled in music education may benefit from better memory retention, language, reasoning and emotional development.1 As an aspiring choral educator, you may one day share your love of music with others and inspire your students to work toward lifelong personal and professional success.
Graduates with a BA in Music Education - Choral: Voice may be prepared to pursue a career as a certified K-12 music teacher in public or private schools. Some graduates may choose to open their own private music studios or music instruction businesses.
This choral music education degree leads to initial teacher licensure. You are expected to understand the specific licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to teach.
BA in Music Education: Choral Voice Degree FAQs
Explore frequently asked questions about the BA in choral music education to gain insights into the program's specifics and expectations. Whether you're considering enrollment or already part of the program, these comprehensive answers can guide you on your academic journey in a music education degree.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Program availability varies and is not offered in all states or modalities. If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the “Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website page for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c). Policy information is located in the University Policy Handbook on gcu.edu. Scholarship information is available on gcu.edu.
1 Dege, F., Wehrum, S., Stark, R., and Schwarzer, G. (2010, July 27). The influence of two years of school music training in secondary school on visual and auditory memory. Taylor & Francis Online. Retrieved on Jan. 5, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), High School Teachers as of May 2022, retrieved on Feb. 2, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as high school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). High School Teachers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Feb. 2, 2024.
4 Indeed. (2022, Oct. 26). 10 Jobs In Music Education (With Duties and Salaries). Retrieved on Feb. 2, 2024.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Required General Education Courses
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the principal political, economic, and cultural themes and constitutional developments that shaped the United States from the Colonial period into the 20th Century.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of music from primitive times to the mid-18th century. It presents the growth of music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the contrapuntal schools, culminating in the work of J. S. Bach and the development of opera and oratorio during the Baroque period. Prerequisite: MUS-125.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of music from the mid-l8th century to modern times. Study is devoted to the rise of homophonic music, the art song, the nationalistic schools, and the principal composers of the classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. Prerequisite: MUS-355.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Study is devoted to the structure of music which includes harmony, melody, form, and rhythm. Skill development in analysis and composition is emphasized. The music of the “common practice period” will be studied. Prerequisite: Theory Placement Examination.
Course Description
This course is designed as class instruction for students with limited or no previous piano training. Instruction includes the study of piano technique and literature designed to pass Part I of the Piano Proficiency Examination.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This large choral non-auditioned campus community ensemble performs masterworks of the choral-symphonic literature, with major presentations in the Fall and Spring. The Canyon Choral Society is open to the students, faculty, and staff of Grand Canyon University and to the Phoenix community at large. Members of the Canyon Chorale, Critical Mass, and Canyon Singers are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society. This course must be repeated each semester of residency This course must be repeated each semester of residency
Course Description
The Canyon Chorale is an auditioned ensemble presenting the best in choral literature from historic masterworks of all stylistic periods and different cultures. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. The chorale performs on campus, in the metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson areas, and in churches and schools throughout the region. All members of the Canyon Chorale are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission. This Course must be repeated each semester of residency
Course Description
This course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Prerequisite: MUS-125.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MUS-102. It includes passing Part II of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-102 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
Students will study and utilize a variety of music technologies such as computer software, hardware, networking, multimedia, interactive media, and the Internet in order to foster inquiry, collaboration, and interaction in classroom to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course emphasizes advanced rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Music examples are selected from Bach through Wagner. This course also includes an advanced study in analysis and part writing utilizing modulation and chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS-155.
Course Description
This course is class instruction for students with limited or no previous voice training. Content includes the study of vocal skills for personal performance and beginning voice instruction.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of string instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of brass instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MUS-103. It includes passing Part III of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-103 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
In this course, candidates identify the developmental milestones of children, prenatal to adolescence. Students examine the progression of these milestones in all areas of development, including psychological, social, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and physical. Additional focus is placed on typical and atypical child development, and analyzing the effects of environment, trauma, and family dynamics on the development progression. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MUS-202. It includes passing Part IV of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MUS-202 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of woodwinds instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both practical and theoretical information relating to the pedagogy and performance of percussion instruments. Students will learn similarities and differences between standard instruments while beginning to develop physical techniques required to play them. Students will learn pedagogical skills necessary for teaching instruments to others, including a survey and critique of standard literature for each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: 2. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course considers choral literature, publishers, and composers, arrangers, and their styles through study of techniques and literature for rehearsing and conducting choral music in the schools. Common performance and teaching obstacles encountered are addressed via examination and analysis of prevailing pedagogies for choral ensembles, including performance techniques, score preparation, rehearsal techniques, programming, and the administration of a choral program. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This course is a study of the fundamentals and techniques of conducting. Emphasis is placed on basic conducting skills, fundamentals of baton technique, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, conducting terminology, transpositions, and score reading. Techniques of score study, artistic interpretation, and programming will be explored. Prerequisite: MUS-155.
Course Description
This course is a beginning study of developing and conducting a music program in the schools—focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in music education will be examined. Sample activities implemented within each grade level will be studied and associated lesson plans prepared. Classroom observations to examine a variety of music-teaching situations are required. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MED-260 or MED-261.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, teacher candidates will explore multicultural education by engaging in research, communication, and ethical decision-making, focusing on developing educators' skills in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. Through analysis of evidence and virtuous practice, the course will examine the critical role of educators as advocates for all students, empowering participants to address disparities and promote equitable opportunities for academic success. With a specific focus on the principles of multicultural education, teacher candidates will be encouraged to reflect on the influence of their own worldviews and perceptions. Emphasizing the concept of imago Dei, which sees every individual as made in the image of God, this course aims to foster culturally responsive classrooms that welcome diversity in all forms. Teacher candidates will explore strategies to effectively bridge the gaps between various diversities and academic achievement, to foster human flourishing within the educational sphere. The course blends content with practical application, highlighting the educator's role as an advocate for all students and promoting equitable academic opportunities.
Course Description
This course is an advanced study of developing and conducting a music program in the schools—focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in music education will be examined. Sample activities implemented within each grade level will be studied and associated lesson plans prepared. Classroom observations to examine a variety of music-teaching situations are required. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MED-375.
Course Description
This course is a study and application of techniques of scoring and arranging music for various instrumental and vocal ensembles. Programmatic technology requirements apply, as outlined in the University Policy Handbook. Prerequisite: MUS-260 or WSA-301.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
This capstone course provides students an opportunity to develop their skills in an area of interest. Students will complete an independent project under faculty supervision.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify preventative and responsive practices related to cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate times to differentiate, modify, or accommodate to support student learning. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course is a survey of the Arizona constitution and government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course provides class instruction for students with limited or no previous guitar training. Instruction includes the study of guitar technique and is designed to prepare worship leaders to perform with basic guitar skill and to understand strategies of guitar playing in worship ensembles. Various guitar techniques and performance styles are explored, with an emphasis on popular music genres.
Course Description
A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length and format appropriate to the major. The recital may consist solely of performance or may be in the form of a lecture-recital. The recital is to be given in the student's final semester of residency. Students must pass a formal hearing prior to final approval of the recital presentation. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisite: Instructor or Music Department Approval.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are required to fulfill an 8-week internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards within the classroom. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. Prerequisites: for A: Fingerprint Clearance and one of the following combinations: 1) Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study, a 2.8 GPA, and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience and Certification; or 2) Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I ® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II ® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
Course Description
Teacher candidates are required to fulfill an 8-week internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards within the classroom. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. Prerequisites: for B: Fingerprint Clearance and one of the following combinations: 1) Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study, a 2.8 GPA, and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience and Certification; or 2) Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I ® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II ® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
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