Examining Ensemble Requirements for Music Education Majors

To better understand existing ensemble requirements for music education majors at U.S. institutions, we conducted a content analysis of ensemble requirements for 1,021 degree programs at 465 colleges and universities accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The mean number of ensemble credits required for each degree program was 7.25 (SD = 2.89), and the mean number of semester enrollments required was 7.86 (SD = 1.95). There were significant differences between degree types (e.g., instrumental-focused, choral-focused) in terms of total ensemble credits required and number and kind of subrequirements (e.g., chamber or small ensemble). A majority of programs did not contain specific subrequirements beyond traditional large ensembles, suggesting that many students may not undertake the varied complement of ensemble experiences called for in the NASM standards. By continuing to diversify ensemble offerings and encouraging or requiring students in all degree specializations to develop their musicianship through a variety of ensemble experiences, music programs may be able to make valuable ensemble experiences even more beneficial for undergraduate music education students.