Join a tightly knit community of students developing the technical skills, musical sensitivity, and social awareness to become exceptional jazz music educators. Small classes, courses balancing theoretical and practical instruction, and ongoing mentorship highlight the program.
Why it stands out
This program addresses the fundamentals of music education from a jazz perspective. It approaches jazz pedagogy with a focus on the uniqueness of the art form and its history. Students gain insights into challenges and opportunities specific to teaching jazz.
Who it's for
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is intended for people passionately committed to teaching jazz and jazz music culture. It offers students avenues to satisfying teaching careers in jazz that can make a difference in their communities.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
Students receive expert guidance from instructors with deep professional experience as educators, performers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. They also benefit from the many opportunities to connect with the vibrant music education scene within the university and the City of Toronto at large.
Opportunities after graduation
Many graduates teach in community organizations or (after obtaining an additional Bachelor of Education degree) in educational institutions, from preschools to high schools. Some build careers as artist-teachers or as leaders in arts organizations in which a broad musical background is an asset.
Postgraduate opportunities
The Bachelor of Music qualifies graduates for further study. Students who want to teach in a school system will apply to a teacher certification degree such as the Bachelor of Education or the Master of Teaching; students in year 3 can apply for early entry into the Master of Teaching program at the University of Toronto via a combined degree program with the Bachelor of Music in Music Education. In addition to deepening knowledge of music pedagogy, obtaining a Master of Arts in Music Education may serve as a stepping stone to doctoral studies and a university teaching and research career.
During my time at U of T, I’ve developed as a performer under the instruction of U of T’s exceptional jazz faculty, along with exploring the vibrant Toronto music scene. I’ve also been able to expand my skillset to include composing, arranging, and interpretation of diverse musical styles by taking part in courses like the Brazilian music ensemble. Being in the education stream of the jazz program, I’ve also had the pleasure of studying with the music education department, where a broad offering of courses in instrument techniques, rehearsal methods, pedagogy, and conducting has helped me develop as an aspiring music educator. I’m very pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to combine my interests for jazz performance and music education, making the jazz education program a great fit for me.
– Isaac Kashino
Bachelor of Music 2025 - Music Education (Jazz Trombone)
Students choose from among electives inside and outside the Music Faculty. Music Education electives range from Jazz Education and Jazz Improvisation to Music Education in Cultural Perspective and Child and Adolescent Development in Music Education. Breadth electives include courses from Arts and Sciences subjects. For Music Education students interested in teaching at the High School level, breadth electives should be used to develop a second teachable outside of Music.
– Isaac Kashino
