In the field of teacher education, the NASM cooperates with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The NASM is also a constituent member of the American Council of Education. Baccalaureate programs accredited are the professional degrees in performance, music education, music business, and the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music. Primary emphasis in the professional degrees is on the development of knowledge, understanding, concepts, and sensitivity essential to life as a professional musician. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music is the traditional liberal arts degree.
Emphasis is on a broad coverage of the field and on flexibility.
Within the Bachelor of Arts program, the student can construct a program which will provide a background for the pursuit of advanced study in music theory, music history and musicology, composition, and music librarianship. Students who wish to emphasize one of these areas in their studies should consult their advisor early in the sophomore year. An audition is required of all incoming students who wish to major in music or who wish to be considered for scholarships. A student need not be a music major to be awarded a music scholarship. Audition dates and times should be arranged through the Music Admission office.