Music Education Program
The Bachelor of Science in music education (B.S.), approved by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education and accredited by the National Association of Schools of
Music, is designed for the preparation of public school music teachers, kindergarten
through grade 12, instrumental and vocal. Piano and voice proficiencies for the
music education major prepare the candidate to meet the standards of the Pennsylvania
Department of Education and are administered by competency jury. Students participate
in student teaching in area elementary and secondary schools. In all field experiences,
as well as the student teaching semester, each student is responsible for transportation
arrangements. During the student teaching semester, the candidate is not required
to register for recital attendance, private lessons, or an ensemble.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science in music education
Required courses:
MED 110 Foundations of Music Education| This course is a study of foundational matters that shore up an understanding of the music education process in schools, framing philosophical issues cross-culturally and comparatively, so that prospective teachers might grasp a broader and more varied view of music in education across time and place. It will include a balance of the strong traditions of school music programs with the program transitions that are unfolding as society expands into technology and mediates popular culture. One component of the course will be a weekly field experience (two hours per week, minimum) to orient students into practical matters of curriculum and instruction linked to philosophical and theoretical issues. |
| A study of the brass family. Emphasis on pedagogical techniques. Mixed brass ensemble experience. |
| A study of the percussion family. |
| A study of the woodwind family. |
| A study of the string family. |
| A comprehensive study of general music teaching at the elementary school level, the philosophy of music education, varied approaches for developing conceptual learning and music skills, creative applications and analysis of materials. |
| A study of literature, materials and approaches appropriate for choral and general music classes in grades 5-12. |
| A study of literature, materials, philosophy and methods applicable to the teaching of instrumental ensembles (including marching band) from elementary through high school levels. |
| This course is designed to introduce theories of learning with application to music education. Topics include stage and phase theories, theories of musical play and socialization, constructivist theory of meaning making, social learning and reinforcement theories, learning style theories, and theories/strategies of instruction. One component of the course is a weekly field experience in the local schools (one hour per week, minimum) to orient students into practical matters of music instruction and curriculum linked to principles of learning. Current and emerging education technology will be infused in the course. |
| This course is designed as the application of learning theories to the teaching of music, with particular focus on elementary/middle (gr. 4-8) and secondary (gr. 9-12) education. Topics include curriculum design, contemporary practices, and instructional materials, with an emphasis on current and emerging technology. One component of the course will be a weekly field experience (one hour per week, minimum) in the local schools. |
| Music education majors spend a semester in the music department of a school district under the supervision of cooperating teachers. |
| Score reading and the realization of figured bass at the keyboard, transposition and improvisation. |
| A study of instrumentation and the devices and techniques for scoring transcriptions, arrangements and solos for orchestra and band, with special emphasis on practical scoring for mixed ensembles as they occur in public schools. Laboratory analysis and performance. Scoring of original works. |
| This course is designed to introduce all categories of disability. Specific attention will be given to the potential cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language differences in children with disabilities. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study discussions, and student presentations. |
| This course will begin with a historical overview of the field of special education, including key legislation and litigation that drives current practice. Assessment tools for diagnosing disability will be introduced, as well as assessment tools for documenting student progress. In addition, collaboration and communication skills essential for working as a part of the special education team will be practiced and further developed. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, field experiences, and hands-on experience with various assessments. |
| The focus of this course content will be on (a) behavioral principles and their application in the classroom, (b) literacy development and literacy interventions for students with disabilities, and (c) evidence-based instructional strategies in other content areas, such as mathematics, social studies, science, and the creative arts. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study applications, field experiences, hands-on experience with various literacy programs, and student presentations. |
One of:
MSC 345 Adv. Instrumental Conducting| Emphasis on practical work with instrumental groups. Rehearsal techniques are applied through individual experience. |
| Emphasis is on advanced technique with and without baton, score preparation, interpretation and pedagogy relating to choral organizations. |
One of:
EDU 240 Lang, Diversity, Achiev.: Pk-8| This course is designed for the pre-service music, art, language, early childhood education, or middle school educator to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. |
| This course is designed to allow the pre-service music, art, language, or grade 7 - grade 12 secondary teacher certification candidate to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. |
Additional requirements:
- Two college-level mathematics
- One American or English literature course
- A 3.00 cumulative grade point average
- Music education majors are permitted to register for only one half-hour lesson in their principal performance medium during the student teaching semester if they are preparing a recital. This is accomplished by petition.
Note: Students transferring credits into the program frtom other institutions may also need to take the following:
SPE 258 Instruct & Behav. Strategies
| The focus of this course content will be on (a) behavioral principles and their application in the classroom, (b) literacy development and literacy interventions for students with disabilities, and (c) evidence-based instructional strategies in other content areas, such as mathematics, social studies, science, and the creative arts. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study applications, field experiences, hands-on experience with various literacy programs, and student presentations. |