Mission, Goals, & Objectives

The mission of the Master of Music Education Program at Lebanon Valley College is to enhance the practice of music educators by implementing current research methods and innovative technologies. We are committed to a pedagogy that values cultural diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to inspire educators with ideas and techniques that are immediately applicable to the 21st-century classroom.

Program Goals & Objectives

Program Goal 1

To provide a rigorous study of relevant topics and the pedagogical skills necessary for teaching 21st-century children in diverse K-12 settings.

Learning outcomes: Students experience, understand, learn, and implement techniques utilizing Modern Band, STEAM, world music, and contemporary musicianship pedagogies throughout the program for their classrooms.

Students will develop and implement:

• New approaches for teaching diverse student groups.
• Programs of study through a global perspective in music education.
• Contemporary approaches to music teaching and learning.
• Advanced skills in music theory and analysis.

Program Goal 2

To provide a comprehensive understanding of research methodology leading to fluency in reading, applying, and disseminating research in education.

Learning outcomes: All students successfully complete an action research project implementing new pedagogies, practices, and assessment into their classrooms, or currently a thesis that encourages analysis of current music education research.

Students will:

• Read and write papers utilizing scholarly modes of expression
• Analyze research in music education and identify strengths and weaknesses in content and presentation.
• Apply concepts of educational research methodologies in thesis and/or project-based assignments.
• Engage in academic discourse with peer teachers designed to clarify and persuasively communicate one’s own beliefs.

Program Goal 3

To provide a comprehensive study in how music is best learned to further develop and articulate a robust philosophy of music learning and teaching.

Learning outcomes: Students develop a teaching philosophy that engages them in academic discourse with peers and to persuasively communicate one’s own beliefs. This happens through weekly discussion boards within each course as well as through scholarly papers.

Students will:

• Develop and articulate a philosophy of music education grounded in experience and research study.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how children learn and develop pedagogical strategies to foster optimal music education experiences.
• Demonstrate knowledge of learning theories and teaching strategies.

Program Goal 4

To prepare students to advance in their profession and given discipline by becoming communicators, mentors, and leaders in the ever-changing field of education.

Learning outcomes: Students develop communication skills through oral presentations to peers and weekly discussion board activities. The Modern band program has provided many avenues for mentorship to students. Graduates of the certificate program mentor current students through video Q & A that are a part of some courses as well as develop a collegial relationship to exchange ideas for their programs. Our first modern band cohort was approved to present at the state music conference demonstrating leadership in the field of contemporary music-making.

Students will:

• Engage in activities and classroom experiences that will promote community and foster strategies for the development of life-long learning and professional and service-related collaboration.
• Be engaged in reflective practice to promote continuous learning and excellence in teaching.

For more information on learning goals and outcomes, contact institutionalresearch@lvc.edu.