All about the University’s new pilot program
In early Autumn of 2025, the University published a survey gauging student interest for an education degree, announcing the potential development of the program. However, on Feb. 5, 2026, Provost and Vice President Academic and Research Richard Isnor announced plans for a different kind of education: a Bachelor of Music Education (BMusEd), with the program opening its doors to its first round of six incoming students in September 2026.
According to the overview of the new degree found on Mt.A’s website, “Music Education combines musical training, teaching theory and practice, and hands-on classroom experience to develop students into well-rounded musicians and music educators.” The BMusEd program will feature four core elements: pedagogy, music, electives and 18 weeks of in class teaching practicums.
Electives will permit students to graduate with another teachable subject [as a double major? A minor?], such as English, history, biology, etc… This will be an asset as the next generation of teachers prepare to take on versatile positions within the New Brunswick education system. The focus on pedagogy will allow them to develop interpersonal skills, and learn more about areas like psychology and sociology. The teaching practicums will be performed over the last three years of the degree, with both music and non-music classroom experience. This hands-on learning will be beneficial in learning how to connect, interact, and inspire future classrooms.
This program will also be a welcome addition to Mt.A’s strong music department, and broadening future employment options for students. While many Mt.A students have gone on to be music teachers; they have previously had to complete an education degree after graduating. Students graduating with this degree will now be able to teach music without attaining a second degree. This program will allow them to apply for Teaching Certificate Four within the province of New Brunswick, facilitating the entry of more music educators into the workforce. However, graduating students from the Music Education program will have the option to upgrade to qualifying for Teaching Certificate Five post-graduation, by finishing 30 extra credits.
This program will only offer seats for six students per year, and will be conducted for the first five years as a pilot program. Mt.A is known for promoting small class sizes, but this first cohort will be able to provide feedback about the new program, permitting adjustments and modifications to best serve the students and staff participating. Other benefits of a smaller class size include access to practice rooms and accessible communication with professors. As with the current Bachelor of Music degree Mt.A offers, classes will be held in the Marjorie Young Bell Conservatory of Music.
“This new degree responds directly to the need for well-prepared, creative music educators in our schools and communities […] It offers students a strong academic foundation alongside practical teaching experience, ensuring they graduate ready to lead and inspire in the classroom,” said Isnor, in a press release issued by the university. Dean of Arts, Vicki St. Pierre, also discussed how this program will enrich Mt.A’s academic and cultural engagement with music. “This new degree deepens that legacy by preparing students to share their passion for music through teaching, while grounding their education in community engagement and experiential learning.”
The deadline to apply for the BMusEd program passed on Feb.10 2026. The Argosy looks forward to cheering on the next generation of vocalists, instrumentalists, music lovers, and educators as Mt.A takes on this new chapter.