In any of the roles as performer, composer, scholar, or teacher, the professional musician must function as a practitioner who exhibits not only technical competence but also a broad knowledge of music literature, sensitivity in musical style, and insight into the role of music in the life of humankind.

The Music Education program focuses on preparing prospective music educators for teaching instrumental and vocal music in grades K-12. The program is based on the National Standards for Arts Education in Music and the requirements for licensure established by the Tennessee Department of Education.

All undergraduate degree programs in Music Education culminate in a Bachelor's degree in music and a Tennessee K-12 music teaching license. The music education programs include a full year internship, which in most states may count as one year of teaching, and twenty-four credit hours or graduate work which may be applied to a Master of Music degree in music education.