07.02.05.01 MA – Major in Music Education (leading to New York State Initial plus Professional Certification in Music)

See also: 02.17 Teacher Certification in New York State

Degree requirement checklist for MA Music Education (Initial plus Professional Certification – Instrumental)

Degree requirement checklist for MA Music Education (Initial plus Professional Certification – Vocal)

Degree requirement checklist for MA Music Education (Initial plus Professional Certification – General)

Note: This degree program may be pursued only through full-time enrollment.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites for entrance to the program include a high standard of scholarship, and breadth of musical and general education.

Completion of an undergraduate degree in music (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent) is necessary for matriculation. In rare cases where the undergraduate degree was obtained in another field, the transcript must show the equivalent of 40 hours of music content area study in applied music lessons, ensemble participation, music theory and aural skills, music history, and keyboard.

Upon entry to the program, master’s students take placement exams in music theory and history. If remediation is required, the appropriate courses are taken, but their credit does not count towards the master’s degree program of study. MM and MA students seeking New York state teaching certification must fulfill prerequisite courses, including conducting, technique classes (e.g., clarinet, trumpet, percussion), and foreign language. These may be fulfilled through prior courses indicating successful completion on the student’s transcript, or coursework outside the program of study. The department of Music Teaching and Learning reviews the transcripts of incoming students to determine whether or not additional prerequisite coursework will be required, and students are notified of specific requirements at the time of their acceptance.

Residency: This degree program may be pursued only through full-time enrollment. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.

Courses Credits
Pedagogical-Content Courses  
MTL 402 (Measurement and Evaluation) 3
MTL 403 (Introduction to Research) 3
MTL 501 (History and Philosophy of Music Education) 3
MTL 502 (Curriculum Seminar) 3
Other  
Electives in Music Theory, Orchestration, and/or Composition1 3-4
Electives1 6
Pedagogical Core (see below) 17-18
Final Project MTL 473 (Field Project in Music Education)2 4
Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation.
Total Credits 42-44

Pedagogical Core: Instrumental Music Emphasis

Courses Credits
MTL 411 (Early Childhood Music Education) OR MTL 412 (Elementary General Music Methods) OR MTL 413 (Secondary General Music Methods) 2
MTL 419 (Secondary Instrumental Rehearsals: Winds/Perc) OR MTL 420 (Secondary Instrumental Rehearsals: Strings) 2
MTL 465 (Instrumental Techniques: Winds/Percussion) 3
MTL 466 (Instrumental Techniques: Strings) 3
ED 447 (Disability in Schools) 3
MTL 472 (Internship for Certification) 4
ESM 475 Music Education Certification Workshop 0
Total Credits 17

Pedagogical Core: Vocal Music Emphasis

Courses Credits
MTL 412 (Elementary General Music Methods) 2
MTL 413 (Secondary General Music Methods) 2
MTL 414 (Elementary and Middle School Choral Methods) 2
MTL 415 (High School Choral Music) 2
MTL 465 (Instrumental Techniques: Winds/Percussion) OR MTL 466 (Instrumental Techniques: Strings) 3
ED 447 (Disability in Schools) 3
MTL 472 (Internship for Certification) 4
ESM 475 Music Education Certification Workshop 0
Total Credits 18

Pedagogical Core: General Music Emphasis

Courses Credits
MTL 411 (Early Childhood Music Education) 2
MTL 412 (Elementary General Music Methods) 2
MTL 413 (Secondary General Music Methods) 2
MTL 414 (Elementary and Middle School Choral Methods) 2
MTL 465 (Instrumental Techniques: Winds/Percussion) OR MTL 466 (Instrumental Techniques: Strings) 3
ED 447 (Disability in Schools) 3
MTL 472 (Internship for Certification) 4
ESM 475 Music Education Certification Workshop  
Total Credits 18
  1. Courses must be numbered 200 or higher.  Arts Leadership (ALC) courses do not count for elective credit.  No more than 6 credits may be taken in applied study and no more than 2 credits in ensembles or chamber music.

  2. Please note that course work contributes and leads up to the Field Project, thus notes and text books from all courses should be retained through to the completion of the entire degree. For further information on MTL 473 Field Project, please see: MA MTL Field Project Guidelines and Research Subjects Review Board (RSRB) Requirements.