The bachelor of music education prepares students to a high level within the discipline of music, including  performance, theory and history, and, at the same time, prepares future teachers for careers of distinction and leadership. The central philosophy of the degree is that  music  teachers  can be most  effective only by first becoming  accomplished musicians  themselves, capable of performing, conducting and analyzing at a sophisticated level.

Two half-hour recitals are required in successive years, usually during the junior and senior  year. A voice competency is required of all instrumental music education majors.  A proficiency in piano must be passed by all bachelor  of music  education majors. This competency should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Students planning to major in music are required to satisfactorily complete an audition for the music faculty, usually in the month of February preceding the freshman year.

Transfer students  must take a music theory placement examination  before registering for music courses.

Performing organizations are open to all students by audition. Qualified students may also receive ensemble credit by performing in the Waukesha Symphony, the Waukesha Choral Union, or the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band.

Students in the BME degree program must meet all requirements  of the secondary education minor including the required core (except EDU 100, EDU 209, EDU 265, EDU 353 and EDU 304), including the required core, all General Education courses required by  the  Education   Department, and state licensing requirements of the Teacher Education Program (TEP).