Music Education

Yes. The majority of our graduates student teach in the spring of senior year and begin applying for teaching positions for the following academic year.

Yes. Most students elect to study abroad during a January term due to the rigor of the degree. Students who desire to study abroad for a full semester will need to plan ahead, and anticipate adding a ninth or tenth semester to their degree path.

Yes, however, due to the rigor of our licensure program, the faculty discourages students from seeking licensure in both vocal and instrumental music. Rather, we encourage students to specialize in one area of strength. In the event that a student receives faculty support to pursue double licensure, they should anticipate attending St. Olaf for a fifth year, as well as student teaching for more than one semester.

Yes. For more information on the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music Double Degree option, click here.

This degree requires 120 field experience hours in the public schools. Thus, we strongly encourage students to make plans to have a car on campus by sophomore or junior year. We require that student teachers have access to a car by the time they student teach.

Students have the option to student teach in either the spring of senior year (eighth semester), or the following fall (ninth semester).

Students are asked to indicate their preference for a placement (rural, suburban or urban setting). All placements are within a 60-mile radius of the St. Olaf campus. In addition, we offer opportunities to student teach abroad. Please refer to this link for more information.

Senior Recitals should be completed prior to student teaching.