Bachelor of Music Education

The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree program combines an outstanding faculty with a challenging curriculum designed to develop the professional competencies necessary for a successful career as a music educator. Students may choose either a vocal or instrumental emphasis. The music education and teacher certification programs emphasize thorough preparation in the fundamentals of music. Students learn how to structure successful learning experiences for others as they become familiar with classroom and rehearsal techniques. Music education students are systematically introduced to principles and strategies of teaching voice, instruments, and ensembles. In addition, they study the music literature appropriate for various levels of orchestra, band, chorus, and general music settings. Along with class work, practical experiences are an integral part of the program. Students learn by example through observation of professional music educators at work both at UA Fort Smith and in the community at large. The program culminates with elementary and secondary student teaching experiences, leading to Arkansas K-12 Music Certification.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree provides a broad coverage of the entire field of music, with the option of choosing an area of concentration or developing an individualized program tailored to meet the educational and career goals of the student. Areas of concentration are: Instrumental Performance, Piano Performance, Vocal Performance, and Jazz Studies. The BA in Music provides career opportunities in music business, church music, songwriter, performer, arranger/composer, and private music instruction. For those students who plan on continuing their studies following graduation from UA Fort Smith, the concentrations in performance provide the foundation for pursuing graduate studies in performance.