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Home Academics Undergraduate Programs Music Music Education Degree Requirements

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Music Degree
Music Degree Program Requirements Music Education Degree Requirements Musical Theater Degree Requirements Music Performance Degree Requirements Admissions & Audition Process for Music Majors Applied Lessons for Non-Majors Music Ensembles Music Facilities Music Faculty

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General Education Program

Music Education Degree Requirements

These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.

Students who earn a Bachelor of Music in Music Education will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to effectively teach music in a variety of contexts, including classroom education, ensemble direction, and applied instruction.

2. Demonstrate technical proficiency and artistry on their primary instrument or voice, culminating in the production of a successful senior recital.

3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of music and music education through the study of music literature, history, theory, and educational theories or approaches.

4. Demonstrate a commitment to active involvement in professional associations. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of music education pedagogies, materials, and technologies.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of educational ethics and professional conduct.

Music Education majors must:

  • complete the BA.MUS requirements (45 credits)
  • complete the following additional music education and licensure courses (46 credits)

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Courses specified in the Gateways must be completed with a grade of B- or better.

Complete the following Music Education and Licensure courses

Code Course Credits

MUS 1080

Global Music

Complete these 12 courses (34 cr):

This course is a study of the world's musical cultures. The course is designed for music, music education, and non-music majors looking to develop an understanding of music in our global era.

This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement.

Fee Fee $20

Every Semester

3

MUS 1090

Foundations of Music Education

Foundations of Music Education acquaints prospective music education majors with the field of music education through the study and discussion of historical, psychological, sociological, philosophical, and methodological approaches held by the profession. Through readings, discussions, observations, and assignments, students will become more aware of the profession as a whole, what is needed to prepare for their future, and they will develop skills to become advocates for the profession. Students will complete a minimum of 10 hours of observation.

This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetic general education requirement.

Spring

3

MUS 2060

Special Populations in Music Education

This course examines the development and special needs of children and adolescents who have intellectual impairment, learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, emotional disturbance, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, intellectual giftedness and talents or other exceptionalities. Students will also investigate the evolution of school and special education laws and their implications for student equity and diversity and best practices for the inclusion of all students into music classroom environments.

Prerequisite: MUS 1090 or permission of instructor

Periodically

2

MUS 2110

Vocal Pedagogy

Tone production, breathing, diction, intonation, and similar vocal problems are explored.

Spring, even years

2

MUS 3165

Methods of Teaching General Music

This course includes methodologies for teaching music in the classroom (Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, Gordon and Fieraband approaches), computer applications, music textbooks, and classroom materials for music education (as a special as well as within the general classroom) grades preK-12. Course topics focus on the non-performance music curriculums. Course topics focus on the non-performance music curriculums. This course also includes the study of learning theories appropriate to elementary-aged music students combined with applications in developing practical lesson plans.

Prerequisite: EDU 1012

Periodically

3

MUS 3166

Choral Music Pedagogy and Literacies

This course will facilitate the development of skills, techniques, and professional dispositions that are necessary for choral leadership. Students will develop their philosophy of choral music education and understanding of administrative aspects of running a choral program; develop score study and rehearsal techniques, knowledge of literature, and assessment strategies appropriate for instrumental ensembles; and explore a variety of pedagogical methods and practices including literacy practices in relation to choral music. Classroom meetings are combined with a minimum of 10 hours of field observation.

Prerequisite: MUS 1090 or permission of instructor

Fee $30

Fall

3

MUS 3315

Instrumental Music Pedagogy and Literacies

This course will facilitate the development of skills, techniques, and professional dispositions that are necessary for instrumental program leadership. Students will develop their philosophy of instrumental music education and understanding of administrative aspects of running an instrumental program; develop score study and rehearsal techniques, knowledge of literature, and assessment strategies appropriate for instrumental ensembles; and explore a variety of pedagogical methods and practices including literacy practices in relation to instrumental music. Classroom meetings are combined with a minimum of 10 hours of field observation.

Prerequisite: MUS 1090 or permission of instructor

Fee Fee $30

Periodically

3

MUS 3870

Field Experience in Music Education

This course allows students to observe a variety of music classrooms in preparation for Student Teaching I and II. Students will complete fieldwork hours while interacting with professional music teachers. Observations can be completed in music at elementary and/or secondary levels and students will complete journal reflections as well as have the opportunity to involve themselves in classroom organization, planning, and instruction dependent on the needs of the field placement teacher. Students must complete 30 hours of field experience.

Restrictions Instructor permission required

Prerequisite: MUS 1090

Every semester

2

MUS 4610

Seminar in Teaching Music

The seminar prepares the music student for the student teaching experience, supports the student during the experience, and introduces or reviews competencies associated with the role of the professional music educator. Preparation of the teacher licensure portfolio is emphasized. Pass/ No Pass.

Prerequisite: Taken concurrently with student teaching.

Every semester

1

MUS 4720

Senior Recital

A capstone course in which the student synthesizes and publicly demonstrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the student's undergraduate study of music. This event will include a public presentation of representative literature in the student's primary applied area, a public lecture discussing this literature, and designing the program booklet and writing scholarly program notes.

Pass/No Pass only

Prerequisite: Fulfillment of all requirements outlined in the Music Department Handbook. Consent of department chair.

0

MUS 4871

Directed Student Teaching I

This course is an opportunity for the student to teach under the guidance of a qualified cooperating teacher and university supervisor. Students seeking teacher licensure in pre K-12 Music must apply, qualify, and be admitted to student teaching. This course is taken concurrently with MUS 4872 and MUS 4610.

Prerequisite: Completion of required major courses and GPA, departmental recommendation, professional and intellectual competencies as stated within the application requirements.

Spring

6

MUS 4872

Directed Student Teaching II

This course is an extension of student teaching in music for licensure in pre K-12 Music. This course must be taken concurrently with MUS 4871 and MUS 4610.

Spring

6

MUS 2031

History of Western Music: Ancient to Baroque

And complete 1 of these courses (whichever was NOT taken as part of the BA.MUS requirements) (3 cr):

A study of the forms and styles of music from medieval chant to the music of Bach. An emphasis is placed on experiencing the music through listening and, where possible, participation.

This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement.

Prerequisite: MUS 1231, MUS 2232 or consent of instructor. This prerequisite is under review.

Fall, odd years

3

MUS 2032

History of Western Music: Classical to Modern

A study of Western music from Mozart and Haydn to the present.

This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement.

Prerequisite: MUS 2232 or concurrent enrollment. This prerequisite is under review.

Spring, even years

3

MUS 2120

String Instrument Teaching Methods

And complete at least 3 of the following (6 cr):

Basic techniques of violin, viola, cello and double bass. Selection and presentation of teaching materials.

Prerequisite: MUS 1231 or concurrent enrollment.

Fee Fee: $30

Spring, odd years

2

MUS 2130

Woodwind Instrument Teaching Methods

Basic techniques of flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon. Selection and presentation of teaching materials.

Prerequisite: MUS 1231 or concurrent enrollment.

Fee Fee $30

Spring, even years

2

MUS 2140

Brass Instrument Teaching Methods

Basic techniques of trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba. Selection and presentation of teaching materials.

Prerequisite: MUS 1231 or concurrent enrollment.

Fee Fee: $30

Fall, even years

2

MUS 2240

Percussion Instrument Teaching Methods

Basic techniques of snare drum, tympani, mallet instruments and other instruments of the percussion battery. Selection and presentation of teaching materials.

Prerequisite: MUS 1231 or concurrent enrollment.

Fee Fee $30

Fall, odd years

2

PSY 1050

Human Growth and Development

And complete 1 of the following (3 cr):

A survey of human developmental psychology from the prenatal period to late adulthood. The major focus is on theoretical and practical implications of developmental research for cognitive, personality and social development. Special attention will be given to interactions between maturation and experience.

This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement.

Every semester

3

PSY 2210

Applied Behavior Analysis I

This is a service-learning course. As such, students will learn the content of the course while engaged in service in local schools. The course examines the principles of operant, respondent, and social learning. Emphasis is directed at the application of these principles toward classroom management, behavior change, and self-control.

Fall

3

PSY 2265

Child and Adolescent Development

This course surveys the major areas of the psychology of child and adolescent development, emphasizing an understanding of the important methods, terms, theories, and findings in the field of child development.

This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement.

Every semester

3

Credits required for the major: 46 (BM in Music Education) + 45 (BA in Music) = 91 cr

There are four Gateways required for successful completion of the Music Education program and recommendation for licensure.

Gateway 1

It is expected that students will complete Gateway 1 by the end of their second semester.

  • Receive a positive recommendation encouraging continuation in the program;
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in the music education program;
  • In addition, students are strongly encouraged to pass the Core Academic Skills Test (Praxis I). Students are responsible for completing the Praxis exam on their own accord; this is a state requirement;
  • Receive a "B-" or better in MUS 1090 and complete 10 field hours of observation.

Gateway 2

In the spring of Sophomore year, students must successfully complete the Midlevel Review, or Gateway 2.

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in the music education program;
  • Complete the Mid-Level Review and receive a positive recommendation encouraging continuation in the program as a result.
  • See Music Department Handbook for a full description of the Mid-Level Review.

Gateway 3

Prior to being approved for Student Teaching, students will satisfy the requirements of Gateway 3.

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in the education program;
  • Have passed the Piano Proficiency Exam
  • Have demonstrated that through Juries and Performance Labs that they are prepared to perform and complete their Senior Recital before Student Teaching.
  • Receive a grade of "B-" or better in MUS 2060, MUS 3165, MUS 3166, MUS 3315. In addition to completion of these courses, students should:

-Have completed 10 Field Hours of observation during MUS 1090

-Have completed 15 Field Hours of observation during MUS 3165

-Have completed 10 Field Hours of observation during MUS 3166

-Have completed 10 Field Hours of observation during MUS 3315

-Have completed 15-30 Field Hours of observation as part of Field Experience in Music Education

-Or be on track to finish these field hours prior to student teaching.

  • Exemplify in conduct and attitude the maturity, judgment, ethical standards, and dedication expected in the teaching profession;
  • Complete the Student Teaching Application; and
  • Receive a recommendation from Music Education faculty
  • In addition, students are strongly encouraged to Pass Praxis II - 5114: Music Content and Instruction. Students are responsible for completing Praxis exams on their own accord, as these are state requirements.

Gateway 4

To be recommended for licensure to teach in Vermont the student must complete Gateway 4:

  • Complete all university and departmental course requirements;
  • Pass the Core Academic Skills Test (Praxis I) and Praxis II (5114: Music Content and Instruction) examination;
  • Complete all coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0; earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the music education program;
  • Exemplify in conduct and attitude the maturity, judgment, ethical standards, and dedication expected in the teaching profession;
  • Receive a grade of "B" or better in Student Teaching I, II, and Seminar in Teaching
  • Submit Licensure Portfolio and appropriate application materials for review by the Castleton Licensure Committee.

And complete the University's Gen Ed requirements

View the General Education Requirements.

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