Program Overview

Music Education Program

The Music Education program is a master's program that prepares students to teach music to students of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and interests in elementary, middle school, or high school settings. The program is run jointly by the Music Department in the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education.

Program Overview

This program will prepare students to teach music in various school settings. Courses are offered in the afternoon and evening, with some courses available in an online or hybrid format. Select courses require a specific number of hours of classroom experience (fieldwork) in a New York City public school. Students also participate in supervised teaching (student teaching and/or practicum) as the culmination of their course of study.

Coursework and Clinical Experiences

Courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in music teaching. Student teaching and/or practicum requires five full days per week for at least one semester.

Credits

The program requires:

• 39 to 46 credits for those who do not hold NYS certification in Music
• 30 credits for those who have initial NYS certification in Music

Certification

The program leads to Music PreK to 12 certification.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

For Applicants Who Do Not Hold New York State Certification in Music

To be eligible, applicants must have:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0
• A major in music or music education with a minimum of 24 credits in music, including:
  • Three semesters of music history (including at least two of Western music history)
  • Three semesters of music theory (including at least two of traditional college music theory)
  • Two semesters of musicianship (sight singing, ear training, and keyboard studies)
• Two letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• An audition and interview

For Applicants Who Hold New York State Initial Certification in Music

To be eligible, applicants must have:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0
• A major in music or music education with a minimum of 24 credits in music, including:
  • Three semesters of music history (including at least two of Western music history)
  • Three semesters of music theory (including at least two of traditional college music theory)
  • Two semesters of musicianship (sight singing, ear training, and keyboard studies)
• New York State certification in Music, PreK to 12
• A 3-credit course in special education that focuses on supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom
• Two letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• An audition and interview

Application Deadlines

Fall Start

• March 15
• April 15 – Extended Deadline

Spring Start

• October 15