PIKEVILLE — The University of Pikeville has introduced a new major in music education, a program designed to prepare students for teacher certification in Kentucky and equip them with the skills necessary to teach music across all grade levels.

A collaboration between the university’s Department of Music and the Patton College of Education, the program will offer a comprehensive curriculum integrating music theory, performance, history, and pedagogical techniques. Students will participate in more than 200 hours of fieldwork in P-12 classrooms and complete Clinical I and II with cooperating music teachers during their senior year.

“Our new teacher education program in music bridges the gap between pedagogy and performance, equipping future educators with the skills to actively engage students through music,” said Coletta Parsley, Ed.D., director of teacher education and division chair at the Patton College of Education. “It is an exciting time for the Patton College of Education, and we look forward to working with the music department to train high-quality music teachers for P-12 schools.”

Graduates of the program will be qualified for careers in both instrumental and choral instruction.

“The music program is proud to partner with the Patton College of Education,” said Michelle Rutherford, associate professor of music at UPIKE. “Their expertise in teacher preparation helped guide the creation of this new program. Graduates will be prepared to enter the field with expertise in elementary music, instrumental, and choral methods, opening doors to many job opportunities.”

The addition of the music education major builds upon the university’s existing performing arts and teacher education programs, further expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.