Music Education Programs of Study
Students will follow program of study under guidance from an advisor.
The Music Education program produces dynamic, responsive and ethical musical leaders in diverse school and community-based settings. The program serves student musicians from all musical traditions, offering rigorous training required to access a variety of careers in the music teaching profession.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates are eligible to pursue the Initial Teaching Certificate in Music (grades Pre-K - 12) from the New York State Education Department. This professional credential qualifies program graduates to teach in New York State public schools.
Progression Requirements
- A grade of "C+" or higher is necessary for all required music courses. A grade of "B" or higher is necessary for all required music education courses. These courses may be repeated one time. Failure to attain course grade minimums while taking a course for the second time will necessitate withdrawal from the program.
- Students must pass a music education jury for four consecutive semesters (which is a formal evaluation of musical and pedagogical skills by departmental faculty) with a minimum score of "85" before progression is permitted into the Education Division's Apprentice Phases.
- Students must pass two Music Education juries with a minimum score of "90" in order to progress to the Pre-Professional Semester and Professional Semester. These juries may be repeated one time. Failure to attain at least a "90" when taking a jury for the second time necessitates withdrawal from the program.
- Students repeating a jury may be required to take additional applied instruction in piano, voice and/or a secondary instrument at their own expense. The Undergraduate Music Education Coordinator will assign applied instructors.
- Failure of a music education jury can result in a delay in completing the necessary sequential coursework needed to graduate within four years and/or necessitate a withdrawal from the program.
- Students may withdraw from a required music course only one time.
- Student development of professional dispositions will be guided and reinforced by program faculty. In the Fall semester of the junior year, the Music Education Faculty Dispositions Committee formally evaluates students' readiness for admittance into the School of Education. Students must receive committee approval to proceed into the Education Division.
- Additional requirements and GPA minimums are imposed by the School of Education. Refer to policies set forth by the School of Education for more information.