Master of Arts with Initial Certification (grades K-12)
The M.A. degree with Teacher Certification is a program designed for students with an undergraduate degree in music who wish to prepare for teaching music in the public schools.
Students admitted to the program should seek guidance from the initial certification advisor at their first registration. All requirements for certification can be completed in this M.A. program if the candidate is identified at the first registration. Students in this M.A. program take coursework followed by two semesters of carefully guided student teaching in schools that reflects the Music Program’s philosophy of authentic and relevant musical pedagogy. Please see the Office of Teacher Education website for additional specific certification requirements and exams for program completion and graduation.
In order to graduate, students must complete the necessary coursework, student teaching, and the summative project (electronic portfolio); they must also demonstrate competent musicianship in a musical performance.
Admissions Information
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 40
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification
- NY State Initial: Music Pre-K-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- GRE General Test
- Performance recordings required (included in online application)
Additional Notes
- Applicants for the Master of Arts, Master of Arts - Initial Certification, Master of Arts - Professional Certification, and the Master of Education, must have an undergraduate degree with a major in music or music education, or an undergraduate degree with evidence of sufficient musical training and experience to qualify the student for graduate work in this field.
- The Master of Arts and Master of Arts (Hybrid) programs do not lead to certification. Applicants should have initial certification or should not seek teacher certification.
- The GRE is only required for students entering the teacher certification programs.
- Master of Education - Initial Certification program applicants must hold a Master's degree in Music.
Course Requirements
Master of Arts w/Initial Certification (40 points)
Description
The M.A. degree with Teacher Certification is a program designed for students with an undergraduate degree in music who wish to prepare for teaching music in the public schools.
Curriculum Guide
The 40‑point degree program leads to both the M.A. degree and New York State Teacher of Music, PreK‑12 Certification. Students admitted to the program should seek guidance from the initial certification advisor at their first registration. All requirements for certification can be completed in this M.A. program if the candidate is identified at the first registration. Students in this M.A. program take coursework followed by two semesters of carefully guided student teaching in schools that reflects the Music Program’s philosophy of authentic and relevant musical pedagogy. Please see the Office of Teacher Education Website for additional specific certification requirements and exams for program completion and graduation.
In order to graduate, students must complete the necessary coursework, student teaching, and the summative project (electronic portfolio); they must also demonstrate competent musicianship in a musical performance.
State Certification
All of the following:
- A&HM 5022 Children’s Musical Development (prerequisite for 4021), 3 points*
- A&HM 4021 Designing Musical Experience, 3 points*
- A&HM 5020 Foundations of Music Education, 3 points
- A&HM 5025 Creativity and Problem Solving Music Ed (prerequisite for 5026), 3 points*
- A&HM 5026 Composing Collaboratively Across Diverse Styles, 3 points*
- A&HM 4029 New Technologies in Education, 2 points
- Child Abuse Workshop and Violence Prevention Workshop, 0 points (On-Line or In-Person please see: www.childabuseworkshop.com www.violenceworkshop.com )
- DASA Training, 0 points (http://www.tc.columbia.edu/continuing-professional-studies/conferences-programs-workshops/all-offerings/dignity-for-all-students-act/)
One Special Education Course in consultation with advisor*
- Course work in arts for children with disabilities, 3 points
- C&T 4001 Differentiating Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms, 3 points
- HBSE 4000 Introduction to Special Education, 3 points
Pedagogy (6 points)
Required:
- A&HM 4033 Approaches to Teaching Musical Instruments, 2 points*
- A&HM 4023 Choral Pedagogy, 2 points*
In consultation with advisor one of the following:
- A&HM 4050 Strategies for Ensemble Rehearsal, 2 points*
- A&HM 5023 Vocal Pedagogy (or secondary applied lessons or secondary piano), 2 points*
- A&HM 5021 Instrumental Experiences with Children 2 points*
Music Performance (4 points)
At least 2 courses of the following:
- Instrumental/Voice Applied Lessons, 2 points
- Secondary Instrument Applied Lessons, 2 points
Performance Requirement
Participation in a musical performance is required as part of the Musical Teachers of Tomorrow concert, given each Spring*
Courses marked with * must be completed prior to student teaching
Fieldwork
Both of the following courses:
- A&HM 4701 Student Teaching – Elementary, 3 points
- A&HM 4711 Student Teaching – Secondary, 3 points
Out of Program Courses
In consultation with your advisor, select two courses (in addition to the Special Education course) for a minimum of 2 points each from the following programs or departments: Curriculum and Teaching, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, and Sociology and Education. A&H 4003, 5001, and 5002 can count as music electives but cannot be used to fulfill the College’s Breadth requirement.
Portfolio Requirements for Initial Certification
Each student will create a professional electronic portfolio, completed in the final semester of student teaching. The electronic portfolio is expected to include artifacts and reflections from the duration of study. The Director of Initial Certification in Music and Music Education will provide all necessary details.