Education and Training for Becoming a Band Director

Becoming a band director requires extensive education and training. To achieve success in this field, it is essential to pursue relevant degrees, gain practical experience, and develop critical skills. In this blog article, we will discuss the essential education and training required to become a band director in music education.

Pursuing Relevant Degrees

Pursuing relevant degrees is the first step towards becoming a band director in music education. The following degrees are recommended for aspiring band directors:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education: This degree provides students with a strong foundation in music theory, performance, and education. It usually takes four to five years to complete.
• Master’s degree in Music Education: This degree provides students with advanced knowledge in music education theory, research and practice. It usually takes two years to complete.
• Doctoral degree in Music Education: This degree is for those interested in conducting research in music education or operating at the post secondary levels. It usually takes four to six years to complete.

Gaining Practical Experience

Gaining practical experience is crucial for aspiring band directors. The following are ways to gain practical experience:

• Internships: Internships provide students with hands-on experience in music education. They can work with experienced band directors and gain practical skills in conducting, rehearsal techniques, and classroom management.
• Volunteer work: Volunteering at local schools or community centers is an excellent way to gain practical experience in music education. College students can work with students of different ages and backgrounds and learn valuable skills in teaching and classroom management.
• Student Teaching: Student teaching is an essential part of the education process for aspiring band directors. College students can work with experienced teachers and gain practical experience in teaching and classroom management.

Developing Critical Skills

Developing critical skills is essential for aspiring band directors. The following are some critical skills required for this profession:

• Communication Skills: Band directors must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Leadership Skills: Band directors must be able to lead and manage a group of students effectively.
• Music Skills: Band directors must have a strong foundation in music theory, performance, and education.
• Classroom Management Skills: Band directors must be able to manage a classroom effectively, ensuring that all students are engaged and focused.

Common Curriculum Required of a Music Education Major

Top 75 Music Education Colleges

The following is a list of the top 75 music education colleges in the United States. Please note the rankings of these establishments often change over time. 

1. Northwestern University
2. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
3. Indiana University – Bloomington
4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
5. University of Texas at Austin
6. University of North Texas
7. University of Southern California
8. University of Maryland – College Park
9. University of Cincinnati
10. Florida State University
11. University of Miami
12. Ohio State University
13. University of Colorado Boulder
14. Michigan State University
15. University of Wisconsin – Madison
16. University of Georgia
17. Arizona State University
18. University of Nebraska – Lincoln
19. University of South Florida
20. University of Missouri – Columbia
21. University of Iowa
22. University of Kentucky
23. University of Kansas
24. University of Oklahoma
25. University of North Carolina School of the Arts
26. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
27. Ball State University
28. Central Michigan University
29. University of Massachusetts Amherst
30. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
31. University of Arkansas
32. University of Mississippi
33. Texas Tech University
34. University of North Florida
35. University of Tennessee – Knoxville
36. University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
37. Bowling Green State University
38. University of Utah
39. University of South Carolina
40. University of Northern Colorado
41. University of Akron
42. University of Central Florida
43. Louisiana State University
44. University of Montevallo
45. California State University – Fullerton
46. University of Wisconsin – Platteville
47. Western Michigan University
48. University of Nevada – Las Vegas
49. University of Alabama
50. University of North Texas at Dallas
51. University of North Dakota
52. University of Oregon
53. University of Tennessee at Martin
54. Georgia State University
55. University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
56. University of West Georgia
57. University of Wisconsin – River Falls
58. University of Northern Iowa
59. University of St. Thomas – Minnesota
60. University of Central Missouri
61. University of Southern Mississippi
62. University of Missouri – St. Louis
63. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
64. University of Kentucky at Lexington
65. University of Texas at San Antonio
66. University of Minnesota – Duluth
67. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
68. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
69. University of South Dakota
70. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
71. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
72. University of Missouri – Kansas City
73. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
74. University of Wisconsin – Stout
75. University of Louisiana at Monroe

It is important to note that these rankings are based on a variety of factors, including student reviews, graduation rates, and faculty qualifications. However, it is just as important to keep in mind that the best school for you may not be the highest ranked. It is essential to consider factors such as location, cost, and program offerings when selecting a school.