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

Total Program: Credits vary

Practicum

**For the practicum, 6 credits is the equivalent of 150 practicum hours at the elementary level and 150 hours at the secondary level. Students who are already employed in a music classroom or ensemble teaching position may complete practicum requirements in their own school setting. Both the elementary and secondary hour requirements must be met. Supervision and mentoring is required in the form of a supervising practitioner from the student’s own school/district and a program supervisor from the college. The practicum may be completed in one semester, or over two semesters, contingent on meeting the elementary and secondary hour minimums.

Students who are not employed in a music teaching position are placed in an appropriate school setting for the minimum 15-week student teaching experience, and supervised by College faculty, staff, and cooperating practitioners.

Sheltered English Immersion

Before or during the practicum, take EDU 641 - Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement Course for Teachers . This course is required for MA state licensure and is not part of the degree program.

Music Theory and History Validation Requirements

If not covered by previous undergraduate or graduate level coursework, students must enroll in a music theory and/or history and literature review sequence, arranged by the program coordinator and Department of Music faculty.

MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure)

Before enrolling in the culminating GMU580 Practicum course, students must demonstrate a passing score on both the Communication and Literacy Skills test (01), and the Music Content test (16). Comprehensive information about the MTELs including test dates, practice exams, and test content can be found online at http://mtel.nesinc.com.

Program Completion & Endorsement for Initial Licensure

Academic records are reviewed to determine that candidates have completed all academic and field requirements, and have passed 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.