B.A. Degree with a Major in Music Education with a Vocal or Instrumental Emphasis with P-12 Teaching Certification

Requirements for the Major

All Music Education majors, regardless of emphasis, must complete the following core curriculum in order to graduate.

Core Music Curriculum (Adjusted for Music Education Majors)

Theory Skills
MUS 220 & 222	Materials of Music I and II (1/2 credit each)	1
MUS 221 & 223	Aural Harmony I and II (1/2 credit each)	1
MUS 320 & 322	Materials of Music III and IV (1/2 credit each)	1
MUS 321 & 323	Aural / Keyboard Harmony III and IV (1/2 credit each)	1
History and Literature
MUS 115	Introduction to Music Literature	1
MUS 330	Music History I	1
MUS 331	Music History II	1
Applied Skills
MUA	Applied lessons – primary instrument (or MUS 100, 102, or 103)	2
MUS	Ensemble—primary instrument	1
Capstone Course	(see Professional Year on next page)
	Total Credits for Core	10

 

The additional courses beyond the basic core courses listed above under Music are as follows for each Music Education emphasis:

Music Education—Vocal Emphasis

MUA	Applied	2.0
MUS 131	Concert Choir	.75
MUS 326	Vocal Methods	1.0
MUS 335	Materials and Methods of Elementary Music	1.0
MUS 337	Conducting	1.0
MUS 342	Vocal Pedagogy and Diction	1.0
EDS 150	Introduction to Education: Thinking About Learning, Teaching, and Schooling	1.0
EDS 330	Extended School Experience	1.0
EDS 349	Education and Culture	1.0
EDS 355	Extended Experience in Alternative Settings	1.0
Professional YEAR
EDS 481	Methods and Materials for Teaching in Secondary Schools	1.0
EDS 482	Teaching Practicum in Secondary Schools (P-12, 5-12, and 8-12)	3.0
	Total Emphasis Courses	15.75
	Core Music Courses (no senior seminar)	+10.00
	Total Music Credits Required	25.75

 

It is recommended that, during the first term of enrollment at the College, those who plan to teach consult with the Music Program advisor about admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and about state certification requirements.

Music Education—Instrumental Emphasis

MUA	Applied	2.0
MUS 132	Wind Ensemble	.75
MUS 328	Teaching of Brass and Percussion Insts.	.5
MUS 329	Teaching of Woodwind Instruments	.5
MUS 335	Materials & Methods of Elem. Music	1.0
MUS 336	Fundamentals of Teaching Instr. Music	1.0
MUS 337	Conducting	1.0
EDS 150	Introduction to Education: Thinking About Learning, Teaching, and Schooling	1.0
EDS 330	Extended School Experience	1.0
EDS 349	Education and Culture	1.0
EDS 355	Extended Experience in Alternative Settings	1.0
Professional YEAR
EDS 481	Methods and Materials for Teaching in Secondary Schools	1.0
EDS 482	Teaching Practicum in Secondary Schools (P-12, 5-12, and 8-12)	3.0
	Total Emphasis Courses	15.75
	Core Music Courses (no senior seminar)	+10.00
	Total Music Credits Required	25.75

 

It is recommended that, during the first term of enrollment at the College, those who plan to teach consult with the Music Program advisor about admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and about state certification requirements.

Recommendations for the Music Education Major (Vocal and Instrumental)

Exploring the Major (also see Teacher Education Program below)

Students considering Music Education as a major should meet with an Education Studies faculty member as soon as possible. They also should begin exploring the music discipline through private applied music lessons (MUA), piano or voice classes (primary instrument or MUS 101, 102, or 103), and participation in one or more music ensembles (see Course Description section to follow). It is recommended that students complete or waive MUS 118A and MUS 118B during their first year. Students also begin in the first or second year with MUS 115 (after MUS 118A and 118B are completed or waived), as well as the sequence of theory-skills courses (MUS 220/222 and MUS 320/322) and ear-training courses (MUS 221/223 and MUS 321/323). .

Private applied music lessons (MUA) are offered as one or two half-hour lessons weekly, or as one full-hour lesson, depending on the decision of the teacher and needs of the student. Students taking two half-hour lessons per week or one full-hour lesson receive one-half (1/2) course credit. Students who take one half-hour lesson per week receive one-fourth (1/4) course credit.

A maximum of two (2) full course credits in ensemble will count toward the Music Education major curricula. Also see "Admission to and Completion of the Teacher Education Program" below.

Admission to the Major

The work of all prospective Music Education majors is reviewed by the Music faculty at the end of the sophomore year, prior to formal admittance to either emphasis of the Music Education major program. This review includes performance on the major and minor instrument, if applicable, and a three-minute oral presentation by the student about his or her background and interest in music, choice of major, and career goals. All students seeking a Music Education major must pass the sophomore interview with the Music faculty. See the “Requirements for Admission to the Teacher Education Program” under Education Studies for that program’s admission requirements, as well, including the minimum overall GPA of 2.5.

Course Sequencing Considerations and Program Recital Attendance Requirement (in order to complete degree requirements within nine terms)

First- and second-year courses (see Exploring the Major, above) are followed by more advanced courses in music history, literature, and methods designed to advance the student toward a P-12 certification as a music educator. All Music Education majors are required to attend a minimum of eight Music Program recitals each term as part of their applied music study. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an "incomplete" grade being assigned for the applied major instrument lessons for that term. The "incomplete" grade will remain in effect until the student makes up for the shortage by attending extra events during the following regular term (the amount of the shortage plus that term's eight regular events). If the shortage is not made up by the end of the next regular term, the incomplete grade will be recorded as an "F." Also see Teacher Education Program sequencing recommendations below. All students enrolled in applied lessons must also attend three program performance classes per term.

Proficiency Requirements for Music Education Majors

All Music Education majors are required to accomplish the following before admission to the Professional Year:

1. 1. Declare a major instrument and a keyboard instrument. Instrumental Music Education students should choose a traditional band or orchestral instrument for their applied studies, in addition to a keyboard instrument. Vocal Music Education students should choose voice for their applied studies concentration, in addition to the keyboard instrument.

2. Perform in a public or studio recital in both a keyboard and a non-keyboard medium.

3. Pass a keyboard proficiency examination. Copies of the music for the exam are available in the Music Program Office. Members of the keyboard faculty can answer questions about exactly how each piece is to be played. Music Education students should take Part II of the Piano Proficiency exam at the end of the term in which they are enrolled in MUS 323. If their keyboard facility is such that they are able to play successfully the pieces in Part I, they should take this part of the exam at the same time. Both parts of the exam must be passed before admission
   to the Professional Year (eighth and ninth terms).

4. Pass the level-two sight-singing proficiency examination.
5. Maintain certification requirement of a minimum 2.5 GPA at graduation.

Course Sequencing for EDS Requirements

Students are strongly encouraged to take EDS 150 in the second term of the first year, but no later than the first term of the sophomore year. (Multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Fall and Spring term.) Those students past their first year (including transfers) will be given priority for registration in EDS 150. Prior to the first day of the EDS 150 class, students must have completed a state criminal records clearance, which takes 6-8 weeks to be processed. Students will learn about this procedure during pre-registration. MUS 328 and 329 must be completed either prior to or in the eighth term. EDS 349 and 355 (or approved alternative) must be completed prior to the eighth term. EDS 479 and 480, together with a school practicum of 3-4 hours daily, must be taken in the eighth term. Up to two (2) additional course credits may be taken in the eighth term. Only EDS 481: Student Teaching Seminar (1 credit) and 482: Student Teaching (3 credits) may be taken in the ninth term. Throughout their preparation, students seeking teacher certification are expected to seek out rich and substantive experiences with students of the ages they plan to teach beyond those associated with EDS courses. Such activities include SFA-related service work (e.g., One-on-One Tutoring), working with after-school programs, summer camp experiences, etc. Completion of teacher certification requires nine terms. For further information about the Teacher Education Program, including Student Teaching and Recommendation for Certification, see “Requirements for all Students Seeking Certification” In the Education Studies section of this publication.

Admission to and Completion of the Teacher Education Program (TEP) for Music Education Majors

Step I

In the Spring of the first year, or while enrolled in EDS 150, prospective Music Education majors will be assigned an Education Advisor from within the Music Program. The Education Advisor will assess the student’s progress, along with establishing a reasonable growth plan, and identify weak areas of performance while further developing areas of strength. The Education Advisor also will act as a liaison between the Music and Education Studies Programs.

Step II

The first annual review (sophomore interview) ideally will take place in the fourth regular term of enrollment. The review, which takes place before the entire Music faculty, will consist of applied performance juries in the major instrument and keyboard, as well as an oral presentation.

Step III

At the beginning of the seventh regular term, the Music Education major will apply for admission to the TEP. Admission will be based upon the education portfolio and other assessments, including the recommendations of the Education Advisor and the Music faculty. (See the “Requirements for Admission to the Teacher Education Program” under Education Studies for that program’s admission requirements, including the minimum overall GPA of 2.5.) To be recommended to the TEP, the prospective Music Education major must demonstrate:

1. successful completion of the sophomore interview and acceptance as a Music major;
2. completion of MUS 115 with a grade of C or higher;
3. completion of the music theory courses with a grade of C or higher in each course;
4. successful progress on the major applied instrument and the keyboard, as demonstrated in lessons, juries, performance classes, ensembles, and the sophomore interview;
5. effective participation in the major ensemble for four regular terms;
6. an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher;
7. involvement in activities sponsored by appropriate professional music organizations;
8. a personal commitment to the art of music;
9. evidence of capacity or potential to inspire in others the desire for music knowledge and experience;
10. within the most recent two-year period, evidence of at least three experiences of working with children of the age group for certification, with at least one in a school setting; and
11. evidence of service-learning experience with children.

The second annual review, the junior interview, ideally will take place at the end of the sixth regular term and will consist of applied music juries on the major instrument and keyboard, and a second and more rigorous oral presentation. The junior interview is done by the entire Music faculty, including the Education Advisor, and again will conclude with suggestions for improvement and growth. The Education Advisor will continue the Portfolio review.

Step IV

At the beginning of the eighth term, the student will apply for admission to Student Teaching. The Education Advisor will conduct the third annual review, including a review of the education portfolio. The student must pass the Praxis content examinations prior to Student Teaching, as well as meet other requirements (see requirements for admission to Student Teaching under Education Studies).

To be recommended to Student Teaching, the Music Education major must:

1. successfully complete the junior interview, including Level 2 sight-reading proficiency;
2. meet proficiency levels on the major applied instrument and keyboard;
3. successfully complete the piano proficiency examination;
4. complete all MUA and MUS courses with grades of C or higher in each,
5. show evidence through public performance of ability to conduct an ensemble;
6. become a member in at least one professional music organization, e.g., ACDA, MENC, or KMTA;
7. properly maintain the Education portfolio;
8. show evidence of ability to inspire and lead students;
9. demonstrate appropriate oral and written communication skills; and,
10. have the recommendation of the Education Advisor and Music faculty.

Music

• Program
• Program Web Site

Courses

• All Courses
• Music Theory, Literature, and Methods Courses
• Applied Music Courses
• Ensemble Courses
• Applied Music Lessons