5-Year BM/MAT in Music Education

Professional musicians teach in various settings such as K-12 public and private schools (kindergarten through high school), as higher education faculty, as directors of ensembles, and as artists in residence. The 5-Year Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (BM)/Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Music Education program is open to all Music majors desiring preparation for these roles. The program allows students to complete their BM degree with a concentration in Composition, Instrumental or Vocal Performance while simultaneously taking additional courses towards the completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching.

Coursework includes immersion in each of the instrument families, pedagogy of private instruction and improvisation, conducting, ensemble rehearsal methodology, the psychology of teaching and learning, and the needs of special learners. Field experiences include observing and exploring entry-level teaching with Pennsylvania-certified music education professionals.

Students in the 5-Year BM/MAT in Music Education program will be able to complete the MAT degree and receive teacher certification in one additional academic year. This "4 +1" option allows students to earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree and teacher certification in only five years.

Application to the MAT program is required during the senior undergraduate year. Acceptance is based upon a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, successful completion of the Music Education minor, the review of three letters of recommendation, the applicant's current professional resume, and through an interview with the MAT advisory committee.

Coursework is based on current Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certification requirements and through the philosophy that a highly qualified musician-educator is both a deep musician and an individual who understands the application of compelling teaching, assessing and classroom strategies via the design of purposeful learning.

This program may be revised as needed to accommodate new state requirements.