Our Philosophy

The Music Education Program philosophy is that all levels of learners should be provided with musical experiences that lead to appreciation for creation and performance of music, understanding of the role of music in our everyday lives, and opportunities to develop musical knowledge and skills. 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's abilities and skills.

The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) prepares undergraduates for initial-level N-12 teaching certification in instrumental, vocal, and general music areas. In this degree, an initial body of musical knowledge, skills, practices, and insights must be developed; each student must become a performer, listener, historian, composer, theorist, and teacher.

The music education program also provides preparation in teaching music and related arts to students earning the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, and the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. 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 music specialist.

The Master of Education Music Education (M.M.E.) 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 (Ed.S.)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 (Ph.D.) 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.

Last Updated: Nov. 22, 2011