Double Major in Music Education and Theatre, but what degrees should I choose?

<p>I believe at most schools it would be nearly impossible to do a BFA in theatre and a BM in Music Ed. Both of these degree paths are very time consuming, and many BFA programs will not allow you to double major. Even if they did you would have to be admitted by audition to both the BFA and the BM program which could be very difficult. Generally speaking, a BFA is a degree that is intended for students who plan to enter theatre professionally after graduation as a performer, designer, technician, etc… The BM in Music Ed. is for students who plan on teaching k-12 music in the public schools after graduation. The two degrees are not particularly compatible in terms of goals. This is not to say that people with BFAs in Theatre may not choose to teach, but that is not the focus of the degree. You may find that you are able to double degree with a BM in Music Ed. and a BA in theatre at some schools, but this would most likely take 5 to 5.5 years. Because of the student teaching requirement for the BM many students often will choose to finish their student teaching in a 9th semester. The addition of the BA in Theatre would add to the time. The most practicle route if you want to teach music in the k-12 public schools and teach theatre might be to pursue a BM in Music Ed. and minor in theatre, taking as many additional theater classes as you can fit into your schedule. Where I teach there is a strong Music Ed. program and Theatre program. Many of the Music Ed. student choose to take this path. Many times the music teacher is the one directing the musicals and plays, so the theatre experience would set you up well to be able to do this. Because Music Ed. Is such a specialized degree it could be difficult to pursue a masters in Music Ed. Without the requisit undergraduate music course work.</p>