Music Education (BM & MAT)
Masters in Music Education (BM & MAT)
Undergraduate students focus on music education by majoring in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance or Music Composition and completing the Music Education minor. Students who successfully complete the minor at UArts will then be able to complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Music Education degree and receive teacher certification in just one additional academic year. This “4 + 1” option allows students to earn a Music Education minor, a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and teacher certification in only five years. Coursework is based on current Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certification requirements. This program can be revised as needed to accommodate new state requirements.
Faculty Spotlight
Faculty of the program include widely celebrated musicians and educators, such as Michael Fein, Matt Gallagher MM ’01 (Jazz Studies), Kevin Hanson, Keith Hodgson, Jeffrey Kern, John Lindner, Michelle Przybylowski, Jenny Neff and Debbie Wolf. Through wide networks in the music and education fields, our faculty open up playing and teaching opportunities for students throughout their tenure at UArts and beyond.
Trumpet Department Chair
Curriculum
Undergraduate students can focus in music education by majoring in instrumental performance or music composition and completing the Music Education minor. Students who successfully complete the education minor at UArts will be able to complete the Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) and receive teacher certification in one additional academic year. This “4 +1” option allows students to earn a music education minor, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and teacher certification in only five years. Coursework is based on current Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certification requirements. This program may be revised as needed to accommodate new state requirements.
Coursework includes instruction in each of the instrument families, pedagogy of private instruction and improvisation, conducting, rehearsing jazz ensembles, the psychology of teaching and learning music, and the needs of special learners. Field experiences include working with ensembles in public and private schools.
Sample Curriculum
Applied Major Instruction
Ensemble
Music Theory I
Musicianship I
Class Piano
Writing I Placement
Brass Instruments
Applied Major Instruction
Music Theory II
Musicianship II
Freshman Improvisation
Music Technology Survey
Writing II Placement
Applied Major Instruction
Jazz Theory I
Jazz Ear Training I
Class Jazz Piano I
Jazz Improvisation I
Science (your choice)
Flute & Double Reed Instrument
Jazz Theory II
Jazz Ear Training II
Class Jazz Piano II
Jazz Improvisation II
Critical Studies (your choice)
Percussion Instruments
Applied Major Instruction
Comprehensive Musicianship
Chorus
Discipline history (your choice)
Critical Studies (your choice)
Music & Children with Special Needs I
Single Reed Instruments
String Instruments
Applied Major Instruction
Ensemble
Business of Music
Discipline history (your choice)
Critical Studies (your choice)
Music Pedagogy I
Field Experience I
Senior Recital
Psychology of Music Teaching & Learning
Music Pedagogy II
Field Experience II
Music Pedagogy III: Pre-K to Grade 4
Music Pedagog IV: Grades 5 to 8
Alternative Ensembles: Elementary & Middle School Ensembles
Student Teaching: Elementary
Student Teaching Seminar: Elementary
Curriculum & Assessment in Music Education
Historical & Philosophical Foundations in Music Education
Music Pedagogy V: Grades 9 to 12
Music Pedagogy VI: Vocal/Choral
Ensemble Rehearsal Techniques
Instrumental Conducting
Student Teaching: Secondary
Student Teaching Seminar: Secondary
Sociological Foundations of Music Education
Integration of Technology in Music Education
Explore the Full Curriculum
Alumni & Careers
BM '16 (Saxophone), MAT '17 (Music Education)
BM '12 (Trumpet), MAT '13 (Music Education)
BM '12 (Vocal Performance), MAT '13 (Music Education)
BM ’08 (Percussion), MAT ’09 (Music Education)
BM '07 (Percussion), MAT '12 (Music Education)
BM '03 (Saxophone), MAT '04 (Music Education)
BM '01 (Trombone), MAT '02 (Music Education)
About the School of Music
The School of Music at University of the Arts is dedicated to the preparation and training of musicians for careers in music performance, production, recording, all aspects of the music business, composition and music education. Your growth as a musician is the primary goal of the program. In 2020, the School of Music was ranked #2 in The 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Music Schools by Music School Central.
The school trains you to be a professional of the highest caliber through a comprehensive curriculum that includes private lessons with an actively performing faculty, an abundance and diversity of ensembles and performance experiences, and a focus on information literacy and critical thinking.
Performance opportunities sharpen your technical and improvisation skills and increase your knowledge of repertoire and styles. The school’s numerous performance ensembles represent a wide range of styles and categories of classical, hip-hop, jazz, R&B and world music. You’ll be involved in a rigorous schedule of performances: UArts produces over 150 concerts and recitals each year.
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