Program PhilosophyDegrees OfferedAccreditation Information Faculty and Staff

Program Philosophy

The Music Education Program prepares instrumental, vocal, and general music teachers for grades N-12. The Music Education Program philosophy is that ALL children and adolescents should be provided musical experiences leading to appreciation for creation and performance, understanding of the role of music in daily living, and opportunity to develop musical skills and knowledge. To implement this philosophy, a body of music knowledge, skills, practices, and insights must be developed; each student to some extent must become a performer, listener, historian, composer, theorist, and teacher. The National Standards for Music provide a framework for the processes and outcomes of music education. Comprehensive Musicianship frames the organization of the content of music (spiral curriculum of concepts related to essential elements) and the roles of music making: performer, historian, composer, and theorist. Digital technologies are used in all music education courses as means to develop the musician-teacher.

In addition to courses in Music Education degree programs, the Music Education Program provides preparation in teaching music and related arts to Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education undergraduates. The philosophical underpinnings for this area of curricular support are the same as for music education majors; the objectives for the program vary in that the emphasis is given to integrating music education into the school curriculum. Students are also oriented to teaching music in collaboration with a specialist.

The Master of Education Music Education traditional program provides certified instrumental, vocal, and general music teachers with focused study of music education appropriate to a graduate level. Helping teachers relate theory to practice, the program develops advanced skills and knowledge of music content and music education with supporting study of selected topics including evaluation, technology, and research. The program enhances the professional development of the music educator and provides a thorough foundation for those students eventually choosing to pursue doctoral study.

The Specialist in Education in Music Education program provides certified instrumental, vocal, and general music teachers with focused study of music education appropriate to a graduate level. Helping teachers relate theory to practice, the program develops advanced skills and knowledge of music content and music education with supporting study of selected topics including evaluation, technology, and research with an emphasis upon making connections between theory and practice. The Specialist in Music Education program provides for advanced training in music education and culminates with a field project in which students demonstrate thorough understanding of application of research and theory in music education.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education program provides students with focused study of music education appropriate to an advanced graduate level. The program develops advanced skills and knowledge of music content and music education specialization with supporting study of selected topics including evaluation, technology, and research with an emphasis upon research and scholarship. The Ph.D. in Music Education program provides for advanced training in music education and culminates with a dissertation in which students conduct a comprehensive scholarly examination of a selected topic in music education.