Music Education (MUE)

For beginning music education students, this overview of the total music program in today's public schools will include a brief history, observation in K-12 music classrooms and discussion of relevant approaches to teaching general, choral and instrumental music at all levels.

Study of teaching piano to beginning pupils privately and in groups. Includes a survey of materials and teaching methods appropriate for these levels. ~Prerequisite: Two semesters of MVK 2021, Sophomore Applied Piano.

Study of teaching piano to intermediate and advanced pupils privately. Designed to provide an in-depth study of materials, repertoire, musical and technical development, and curriculum planning for the intermediate and advanced pre-college student.

This course examines methods for teaching general music in grades K–5, with an emphasis on music literacy and performance in vocal and instrumental contexts. Students will explore the musical development of children and develop skills in lesson planning, peer teaching, classroom observation, and instructional decision-making. Emphasis is placed on alignment with the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and the NAfME National Core Music Standards.

Designed to prepare students to teach choral music in the secondary school. Includes observation of secondary choral music programs. Teaching general music to secondary level students who do not elect performance ensembles.

The study of string pedagogy, performance, and research.

The study of the physiological and acoustical properties of the vocal mechanism and of the various techniques used in developing the singing voice. Includes supervised teaching of beginning voice students. Two semesters of MVV 2021, Sophomore Applied Voice.

The study of woodwind pedagogy, performance, and research.

The study of brass pedagogy, performance, and research.

The study of percussion pedagogy, performance, and research.

This course studies techniques, literature, and different methodologies of instrumental studio pedagogy for brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Graded literature, ranging from scales and etudes to solo literature, is analyzed from beginner through collegiate/pre-professional levels. Different approaches to studio pedagogy will be included. Students will give mock lessons to one another for demonstration and analysis purposes. Students will also consider and discuss the profession of studio teaching, including ethical considerations in dealing with students of varying ages, and practical business/entrepreneurship issues. Additional subject areas include professional development as studio teachers and competition/adjudication procedures and practices.

Development of skills in teaching instrumental music in the schools; includes principles of organization and administration of a comprehensive instrumental music program. Study of methods and materials used to teach orchestra, concert band, and jazz and chamber ensembles. Teaching general music to secondary level students who do not elect performance ensembles.

Fundamental principles of effective instruction for the contemporary marching band. Application of skills in preparing, organizing, teaching, and rehearsing this ensemble.

Students gain an understanding of and become familiar with jazz performance practice and pedagogy.

Survey of octavo choral literature from multiple style periods appropriate for middle school, high school and church choirs as well as overview of pivotal choral/orchestral works. Study of related conducting/rehearsal techniques.

Taken concurrently with MUS 4940 Internship in Music, this course provides a structured capstone experience for music education majors. Students will document their instructional impact on PK–12 learners through pre/post assessment data and complete all components of the Teacher Work Sample. The course emphasizes professional reflection, goal setting, and the development of career materials such as a teaching statement and professional development plan to support employment and future learning.