Music Education (B.M.E.) - J

The Music Education major assists students with the application for State of Vermont Certification for all specializations in Music, grades PK-12. This program guides students through the licensure procedures from the earliest levels of their collegiate education through to the completion of the student teaching internship, and includes requirements in instrumental, choral, and general music methods. The hallmark of the program is the comprehensive nature of the major supported by strong curricular sequencing of the course work.

The Music Education Department of NVU-Johnson endeavors to create an inviting learning environment that provides a systematic, experience-based curriculum in the areas of self-reflection, curiosity, and enthusiasm in its future educators. Successful music educators exhibit personal qualities of leadership, intellectual curiosity, and social commitment. They approach life, music, and the teaching profession in a positive, creative, and enthusiastic way.

Musicians are most successful as teachers if they understand current structures, systems, and practices in education. The music educator in this age of educational change and accountability must be able to express knowledge of teaching and learning through verbal communication and through overt, demonstrable high-level musical and teaching skills. NVU-Johnson graduates plan and implement effective, developmentally-appropriate lessons and curricula based upon sound principles of content knowledge, skill development, and pedagogy. They employ the National Standards in Music Education and use appropriate materials and strategies to develop students’ critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills, all while conveying their deep love of music.

NVU-Johnson faculty are dedicated to preparing its candidates for careers as professional music educators and to emulate and convey the following principles: pursuing excellence in education; a commitment to diversity and cultural awareness; and excellence in musicianship, pedagogy, research and scholarship. Music educators from NVU-Johnson enter the field with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm to successfully provide their future students with a complete and fulfilling musical experience.

Learning Outcomes:

Music Education majors have student learning outcomes provided in the B.A. in Music program, the Department of Education, and those provided below specific to the Music Education major. These learning outcomes are consistent with guidelines from the National Associations of Schools of Music and licensure requirements for the State of Vermont.

1. Knowledge, performance ability, and pedagogical skills sufficient to teach students effective use of instruments and/or voice.
2. Knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development in music education for the general music, instrumental, and vocal music settings in grades K-12.
3. Demonstrate the ability to teach technique and lead performance-based instruction in a variety of settings including individual and small group and large group ensembles for both instruments and voices.
4. Performance ability sufficient to use at least one instrument as a teaching tool and to provide, transpose, and improvise accompaniments.
5. Ability to teach music at various levels to different age groups and in a variety of classroom and ensemble settings in ways that develop knowledge of how music works syntactically as a communication medium and developmentally as an agent of civilization. This set of abilities includes effective classroom and rehearsal management.
6. An understanding of child growth and development and an understanding of principles of learning as they relate to music.
7. An understanding of evaluative techniques and ability to apply them in assessing both the musical progress of students and the objectives and procedures of the curriculum.

All students shall demonstrate these learning outcomes by:

1. Successfully completing the Praxis II exam for the Music Content area with a score that meets the Vermont Certification Guidelines,
2. Developing well-organized, standards-based lessons and unit plans in all content areas of certification (K-12 instrumental, choral & general music),
3. Demonstrating the teaching skills expected of a beginning music educator through required peer teaching activities, practicum, and student teaching experiences,
4. Successfully completing the licensure portfolio required by the College and for Vermont State Certification.

To earn a Bachelor of Music Education, students must complete the B.A. music performance core requirements, the music education requirements, and the Department of Education course requirements. In addition, students must complete the General Education requirements outlined below.