School of Music welcomes high school students for Music Education Day 

October 13, 2026 - 21:55

More than 40 high school students stepped into the role of music education majors during a campus event hosted by the John M. Long School of Music on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The visit gave participants a direct look at what the degree path involves, from the daily rhythm of classes to the demands of rehearsals. Students took part in workshops, sat in on rehearsals, and spoke with current undergraduates and faculty members about the realities of studying music education.

The program has been running since 2023 and is designed to bridge the gap between high school band or choir experience and the expectations of a college music program. Attendees also toured the campus, getting a sense of where they would live, practice, and perform if they chose to enroll.

For many of the visitors, the day offered their first real glimpse of how a music education major spends their time. Sessions covered topics such as lesson planning, conducting basics, and the balance between performance and teaching coursework. Current students shared stories about their own paths into the program and answered questions about auditions, scholarships, and student teaching.

Faculty members said the event helps prospective students see that music education is more than playing an instrument. It is preparation for a career in front of a classroom, where skills in instruction, patience, and communication matter as much as musical ability.

The school plans to continue the event in future years as part of its outreach to high school musicians considering a teaching career.