In education system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the music lessons from the 1st to the 4th or 5th grade of the primary compulsory schools are held by general teachers. General teachers don’t have special music education, but the basic one that gain at the Faculties of Pedagogy. From the 5th or 6th grade of the primary compulsory schools to the end of the secondary school, music lessons are led by the specialised music teacher who finished the university education at the Academy of Music.

Depending on the chosen department, the students of the faculty for general teachers are acquainted with the contents and basics of musical activities in preschool ages, the subject of Music Culture up to the 5th grade, and through a pedagogical and methodical group of subjects they are prepared to work in lower primary school classes. The curricula is comprised of familiarising students with the basics of music theory, musical forms, history of music, orchestra instruments, basics of piano playing and Orff’s instruments, didactic games, as well as attending classes and including specialised practical activities in in preschool ages and lower grades of primary compulsory schools.

There are 5 high music institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, East Sarajevo and Bijeljina (private faculty). High music education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is organized in three cycles: Bachelor/undergraduate studies (lasts 4 years, carry 240 ECTS credits), Master studies (lasts 1 year – 60 ECTS credits), PhD studies (lasts 3 years – 180 ECTS credits). In accordance to trends and situations in other countries, students in Bosnia and Herzegovina usually have to complete a Master studies in order to be able to work in any educational institution. Academies of Music train students to work in primary compulsory schools and gymnasiums on music classes, as well as to work in primary and secondary music schools on musical-theoretical subjects and instrument classes.

The Academy of Music in Sarajevo, as the oldest institution of higher music education, is the only one offering 3th cycle studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the course Methodology of Music Teaching/Music Teaching Methods students at this institution at the Department of Music Theory and Pedagogy, over the course of four years in 1st and 2nd cycle of studies, are familiarised with all the basics of music classes and activities in preschool, primary and secondary education. A course based on the knowledge from psychology and pedagogy prepares students to independently shape music teaching through the acquired knowledge and other theoretical subjects with respect to the laws and existing curricula in schools. Through regular classes, tutorials, and practical work in educational institutions, course offers a wide scope of knowledge and information – from basic methodical schemes to the use of modern technologies and didactic methods in music classes. During the 2nd cycle of studies, students are acquainted with the possibilities and basics of music classes with children with disabilities as well as inclusive classes. The school practice of the students lasts throughout all four years while attending methodical course, and from 2020, after a curricula audit on University of Sarajevo, it has been particularly intensified in the last semester of the 2nd cycle of studies in which the students spend the entire semester doing school practice and writing their final research work. In this way students are encouraged more on individual work and preparation for the labour market in the best possible way.

After graduating, students are instructed to do a one-year internship in schools after which they can pass a professional examination and receive a certificate on being able to individually conduct classes in educational institutions.

If you have any questions about music in schools or music teacher education in this country, feel free to contact the national coordinator!