row of students playing the saxophone with a row of students playing the trombone behind them, at the jazz music festival

College of Arts & Sciences

Music Education

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Dr. Trilla Lyerla

Chair & Professor of Music

Department of Music & Theatre

What is music education?

About

Have you ever had a day where nothing is going right, and then you pop in your earbuds, and your favorite song starts to play? Instantly, you feel a shift because music is powerful.

Hundreds of scientific studies demonstrate the benefits of music. It enhances cognitive ability by improving memory, creativity, and self-confidence. Music also plays a vital role in cultural traditions and their impact on humanity. Instruction, music labs, therapeutic music classes, band camps, and performing arts productions are all important parts of music education. If you are ready to be a real-world influencer, keeping musical traditions alive, a music education degree is for you.

Why study music education at Baker University?

If you are passionate about music and ready to share it with the next generation of learners, then Baker University’s music education program is for you. You will receive the personal attention of a small school and the performance opportunities of a large one. Baker University has one of the best music programs in the region. You will have the chance to perform in music labs or even take that performance on the road in regional or national competitions. Most important, Baker’s music education program gives you the skills and confidence to educate the next generation of musicians.

         

Shaping Tomorrow’s Musicians: Teacher Licensure

Along with music curriculum, our students complete a core of education courses that lead to preK-12 licensure in general music, vocal music, or instrumental music. Students pursuing a degree in music education and teacher licensure work closely with faculty advisors from the School of Education to fulfill the requirements for a degree from Baker University and teacher licensure in Kansas. Graduates leave with the skills and confidence to take on a classroom of their own.

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Male student playing the clarinet at a band concert

Career Opportunities for Music Education Majors

Here are jobs for music education majors:

  • Music teacher
  • Music therapist
  • music historian
  • Musician
  • Singer/songwriter
  • Music conductor
  • Choreographer
  • Musicologist
  • Music director
  • Ethnomusicologist

Music Education Course Descriptions

Scholarships

Music Education Majors

The Department of Music and Theatre gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Music
  • Chris Grubb Memorial Jazz Scholarship
  • Robert E. Dunham Memorial Scholarship
  • Linda H. Dreyer Endowed Scholarship
  • Dorothy Foreman Memorial Scholarship
  • Kristin Cooper Memorial Scholarship
  • Dr. John and Dr. Susan Buehler Choral Music Education Scholarship
  • Talent-based scholarships for participation in Baker University music ensembles and activities.

Vocal Ensembles

Baker University’s vibrant music ensembles form a vital part of the performing arts experience. With abundant performance opportunities, students of any major can join and showcase their talents, driven by a shared passion for music. The auditioned Concert Choir and Chamber Singers welcome all dedicated and enthusiastic musicians.

Vocal Ensembles

Instrumental Ensembles

At Baker’s Music Department, we welcome musicians of all backgrounds, from tuba players to cellists. Explore a wide array of ensembles, including Symphonic Winds, Wildcat Pep Band, Drum Line, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble, alongside various chamber groups. No matter your major, your passion for music is all you need to join and shine.

Instrumental Ensembles

Ensemble Rehearsal Schedules

Meet the Faculty

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Dr. Trilla Lyerla

Professor of Music, Chair of the Department of Music & Theatre

B.A., B.M. University of Kansas; M.A., D.M.A. University of Iowa

Expertise: piano, music theory, world music

Office: Owens 200

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Dr. Tom Becker

Adjunct Teaching Artist

B.M. University of Nebraska at Omaha, M.M. Northwestern University, M.A. University of Denver, Ph.D. University of Kansas

Expertise: guitar

Office: Owens 106

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Andy Fukasawa

Adjunct Teaching Artist

B.M. Southern Illinois University; M.M. University of Texas, Arlington; D.M.A. in progress, University of Kansas

Expertise: flute

Office: Owens 106

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Brian Jackson

Adjunct Teaching Artist

B.M.E. Wichita State University; M.A. Baker University

Expertise: percussion, drumline, percussion ensemble

Office: Owens 101

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Edward Laut

Adjunct Teaching Artist

M.M. Catholic University of America, B.M. Indiana University

Expertise: cello

Office: Owens 100

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Dr. Robin Liston

Professor of Music

B.M.E. The Ohio State University; M.M., Ph.D. University of Kansas

Expertise: music education, music history

Office: Case 302

Nicholas May

Adjunct Teaching Artist

B.M. University of Nebraska at Lincoln, M.M. University of Kansas

Expertise: saxophone, clarinet

Office: Owens 106

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Brooklynn McGonagle

Adjunct Teaching Artist

B.M. Valdosta State; M.M. in progress, University of Kansas

Expertise: French horn

Office: Owens 106

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Dr. Ryan Olsen

Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Ensembles

B.M.E., M.A. University of Missouri at Kansas City; D.M.A. Arizona State University

Expertise: choral ensembles, choral music education

Office: Owens 102

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Dr. Frank Perez

Associate Professor & Director of Bands

B.M., B.M.M.E., M.M.Ed. Thorton School of Music, University of Southern California; D.M.A. University of Kansas

Expertise: wind ensembles, athletic bands, low brass, music technology, music education, electro-acoustic music

Office: Owens 203

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Dr. Mark Pretzel

Director of Orchestral Activities

B.M., M.M. University of Cincinnati; M.M. Bowling Green State University; D.M.A University of Missouri at Kansas City

Expertise: orchestra, piano, conducting

Office: Owens 215

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Dr. Sang Young Lee

Adjunct Teaching Artist

B.M. Ottawa University, M.M. University of Cincinnati, D.M.A. University of Cincinnati

Expertise: violin, viola

Office: Owens 100

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Marci Ziegler

Adjunct Teaching Artist

M.M. University of Kansas

Expertise: applied voice, class voice, vocal pedagogy, opera & musical theatre workshop

Office: Owens 102