Course Description : 

Designed to provide an introduction to the music education profession and to develop a familiarity with the way music is taught in classrooms throughout the country. The tools of discussion, observation, journaling, planning, and peer-teaching, are used to illustrate the essential tools required to be an excellent educator. Special emphasis is given to recent developments in learning theories, instructional strategies, teaching materials, and music technology.

Course topics and activities:  

• History of music education
• Prominent philosophies in music education
  • Music Education as Aesthetic Education, Praxial
• MENC National Standards
• Advocacy
• Learning theories
  • Piaget, Bloom's taxonomy
  • Music learning theory
  • Constructivism
• Teaching methods
  • Orff, Kodaly, Dalcrose,
  • Gordon
• Multicultural education
• Special learners
• Early childhood music
• Elementary and secondary general music
  • Teaching a rote song
  • Teaching a musical activity
• Instrumental music
• Choral music
• Educational technology
  • Presentation software
  • Notation software (Sibelius, Finale)
  • Internet
  • Resources for music education
  • Web page design (Dreamweaver)
  • MIDI
  • Digital Media and recording tools
  • Sequencing/Looping software (Garage Band)
• Developing an articulate and well-supported philosophy of music education