Music Education (K-12), Initial License

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The program in this section is designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts field or discipline other than music education and do not yet hold the Initial License in Music. Students will need to have passed the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) in communication and literacy and in the applicable content areas in music prior to their enrollment in the Initial License program.

With a summer component and evening classes during the academic year, the program is meant to meet the needs of career changers and current educators. Upon completion of the courses listed below and the practicum, the student will be eligible for recommendation to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Initial License. This may enable the student to secure a full-time teaching position while continuing study in the master’s degree program. See Master of Music Education section for M.M.Ed. admission and program requirements.

Requirements

The following core courses are required for students who desire to obtain initial licensure and be eligible for recommendation for the Initial License. Total program credit hours will vary based on individual applicant’s educational and professional backgrounds.

Core Courses for Initial Licensure in Music (total credits vary)

Instrumental Classes (1)

GMU 543 - Woodwind Class Credits: 1
GMU 544 - Brass Class Credits: 1
GMU 545 - Strings Class Credits: 1
GMU 546 - Percussion Class Credits: 1
GMU 547 - Guitar Class Credits: 1
GMU 550 - Conducting Credits: 2
GMU 555 - World Music Credits: 2
GMU 557 - Choral Methods and Literature Credits: 3
GMU 558 - Instrumental Methods and Literature Credits: 3
EDU 562 - Human Development and Learning Credits: 3
GMU 565 - Music Education I Elementary Methods (K–5) Credits: 3
GMU 566 - Music Education II Secondary Methods (6–12) Credits: 3
GMU 577 - Music Education Seminar Credits: 2
GMU 580 - Practicum Credits: 3-6

Total Program: Credits vary

Prepracticum Field Experiences

Prior to the practicum, all graduate students seeking the Initial License are required to complete a minimum of 100 documented clock hours of monitored, field-based experience. These field experiences will prepare candidates by acquainting them with the school and classroom environment at the appropriate grade level and content area(s) with a variety of typical and atypical students of different gender, racial, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Gordon College places students for practicum.

Practicum

For the practicum, students are placed in appropriate school settings for a 3-6 credit (minimum 15-week) student teaching experience supervised by College faculty, staff and cooperating practitioner(s). Students must apply for their practica prior to their student teaching and be registered and finalized prior to starting the student teaching assignment.

Academic records are reviewed to determine that candidates have completed all academic and field requirements, and have passed all applicable tests of the MTEL. As licensure requirements are subject to change by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and are beyond the control of the College, the College reserves the right to alter program requirements as necessary.