Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Music Education Program, M.A.T.
HEGIS Code: 0832.00 Inventory of Registered Program Code: 42795
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education with Initial Certification (MAT) is a degree designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in music (e.g., Performance, Theory, Composition, History, Ethnomusicology or Therapy) but not Music Education and who are interested in a career as a music teacher in a public or private school. The program leads to New York State Initial Certification in Music K-12 (pending passing of NYS certification exams). The program also includes New York State Field and Clinical experiences.
Students in the MAT program will be expected to refine their musicianship and performance skills, develop proficiency in music methods and pedagogy, and build a solid foundation in educational theories, assessment, and preparation for teaching to a diverse population. Additionally, the Music Education candidates will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become certified music teachers, starting with the conceptual framework of the Five Towns College Music Education division: Teaching is Prepared Performance.
Learning goals for students focus on mastering content knowledge, knowledge of the learner, diversity, instructional methodology, communication skills, reflective-assessment strategies, collaboration, and shared inquiry.
Candidates will be prepared for the teaching profession through musicianship and performance, music education (pedagogical training), and professional development (education courses) to develop into collaborative, reflective music educators of excellence that are dedicated to the growth and development of all learners.
Admissions Standards
All applicants for admission must have Provisional/ Initial Certification and demonstrate by audition significant musical skills and a commitment to advance their personal and professional accomplishments.
The following is required for application to the program:
1. A bachelor’s degree in music with at least 14 credits (or 7 semesters) of applied music courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall. (Transcript must be submitted at time of application.)
2. An Audition performing two selections in contrasting styles that demonstrate technical ability, tone quality, musicality, and improvisational ability. Virtual auditions are permissible when travel or extenuating circumstances are present.
• Instrumental candidates will perform scales (two octaves major, minor, and chromatic with various articulations), chords and arpeggios (major and minor triads, dominant seventh and major and minor seventh chords), a technical study or etude from any standard method book.
• Vocal candidates will perform standard vocalizes to demonstrate the singer’s range and technical facility. Sight singing and aural skills will also be assessed. Repertoire performed for the audition will be memorized, and sheet music is required for both. An accompanist will be provided; however, the singer may use a pre-recorded accompaniment.
3. Submit a personal statement addressing the reasons for applying for the MAT and any prior experience in teaching.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation.
5. An official copy of transcript(s) from previous institution(s). A review of the student’s transcript(s) will be conducted at the time of application. Any deficiencies in a candidate’s bachelor’s program will be addressed through a review of the student’s transcript and a diagnostic exam. Remedial course work will be offered the semester prior to matriculation.
6. Applicants must have an interview with the Chair of the Music Education Division, and/or the Coordinator of Graduate Music Studies.
7. An entrance exam in music theory, sight singing, ear training, and keyboard (equivalent to the fourth semester undergraduate exams) is given at the time of the audition to ensure students have sufficient musical competencies. Students needing more work in keyboard skills may take MUE286 Keyboard Skills 4 to improve their skills to pass the Keyboard Qualifying Exam. Any deficiencies in a candidate’s application can be addressed through remedial course work offered the semester prior to matriculation.
8. International students take an onsite English test to assess writing skills at the time of the audition.
9. Immunization records will be required upon acceptance.
Audition Requirements
Instrumental candidates may bring an accompanist or backing track if needed. For vocal candidates, sheet music is required for both selections and should be performed with live accompaniment.
Vocal:
Repertoire: Two memorized selections of contrasting style and tempo that best represent the singer’s stylistic abilities, technique, and stage presence. Two genres preferred.
Sight Singing expected.
Instrumental:
Scales: Major, minor (natural, harmonic, melodic), and chromatic scales (two octaves).
Chords: (guitar, keyboard, mallet percussion). Major, minor triads, dominant seventh, and major and minor seventh chords.
Repertoire: Two selections in contrasting styles are required, which will demonstrate technical ability, tone quality, musicality, and sense of style.
Piano, Woodwinds, Brass:
Applicants should be prepared to perform two pieces of contrasting style or genre which represent technical ability, tone quality, musicality, and sense of style. Please be advised all selections should be at a NYSSMA level 5 or above. If you have further questions about repertoire selections, please reach out to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
Guitar, Bass:
Applicants should be prepared to perform two pieces of contrasting style or genre which represent technical ability, tone quality, musicality, and sense of style. Please be advised all selections should be at a NYSSMA level 5 or above. If you have further questions about repertoire selections, please reach out to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
Percussion:
Percussion applicants should be prepared to:
-Play two drum set selections in contrasting styles. OR
-Play 2 contrasting percussion selections (i.e. snare and mallets) OR
-Play one percussion selection and one drum set selection.
The College will provide guitar and bass amps, drum set, and vibraphone.
Transfer Credits
Students do not transfer credits into the M.A.T. program from their Bachelor programs. Students may transfer in up to 18 credit hours of graduate level coursework, for courses that apply to the M.A.T. degree, not electives. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended must be received before students complete their first semester. The College reserves the right not to accept transfer credits. Grades below B in graduate classes do not carry credit. There is no residence requirement for the MAT program.
Graduation Requirements
1. Completion of all course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
2. Complete the Student Teaching experience with a grade of 3.0 or higher and receive Disposition reviews by cooperating teachers with an Effective rating of (4) or higher,
3. Successful submission of the Teacher Preparation Assessment Exit Portfolio with a score of 3.75 (75%) or higher.
Grades
Only courses for which a student receives a final grade of A, or a B can be applied towards the MAT degree. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Failure to maintain the required 3.0 GPA maybe subject to dismissal from the program.
Program Course Requirements
The courses below are required of all students in the graduate program in Music Education leading to the Master of Art in Teaching degree. Students in the graduate program in Music Education take 12 credits of courses in Musicianship and Performance, 20-29 credits of Music Education courses, and 9 Professional Education credits to complete the 41+ credit requirement for the Master of Art in Teaching degree.
Musicianship and Performance
Code Course Name Credits
ENS Ensembles (1 – 3) …………………………………… 3
MUE 533 Keyboard Methods for the Teacher…………. 3
MUS 604
or MUS 607 Advanced Instrumental Conducting or Advanced Choral Conducting………………. 3
MUS ___ Music Theory/Analysis Course…………………. 3
Total Musicianship and Performance Credits 12
Music Education
EDU 510 Music in the Secondary School………………… 3
EDU 542 Music in the Elementary School………………. 3
EDU 720 Teaching Practicum…………………………………. 2
EDU 721 Student Teaching……………………………………. 6
MUE 635/637
or MUE 620 Instrumental Music Education Band/Strings Methods or Choral Music Education Methods………. 3
Instrumental Methods – Minimum of 3 required
MUE 520 – Guitar Methods 1*………………………. 1
MUE 540 – Graduate Percussion Methods*…… 1
MUE 550 – Upper Strings Methods*………………. 1
MUE 560 – Brass Methods 1*………………………… 1
MUE 562 – Brass Methods 2*………………………… 1
MUE 570 – Lower Strings Methods*………………. 1
MUE 580 -Woodwinds Methods 1*………………. 1
MUE 582 – Woodwinds Methods 2*………………. 1
MUE 586 – Graduate Keyboard Preparation*… 1
MUE 590 – Vocal Methods*…………………………. 1
*Selection is based on a review of candidates’ Primary instrument
and transcripts of course work completed at the undergraduate
Total Music Education Credits 20-29
Professional Education
EDU 614 Learning Theories in Music.……………………. 3
EDU 714 Literacy in Schools……………………………………. 3
EDU 741 Health and Learning Disabilities………………. 3
Total Professional Education Credits 9
Total Program Credits: 41+
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Semester 1
EDU 510 Music in the Secondary School……………… 3
MUE 520 –
MUE 590 Instrumental Methods Courses………………. 1-4*
MUE 533 Keyboard Methods for the Teacher………… 3
MUS ___ Music Theory/Analysis Course………………… 3
ENS Ensembles (1) ………………………………………… 1
Total 11+
Semester 2
EDU 542 Music in the Elementary School……………… 3
EDU 614 Learning Theories in Music.…………………. 3
MUS 604
or MUS 607 Advanced Instrumental Conducting or Advanced Choral Conducting………………. 3
ENS Ensembles (2) ………………………………………… 1
MUE 520 –
MUE 590 Instrumental Methods Courses………………. 1-4*
Total 11+
Semester 3
EDU 714 Literacy in Schools………………………………… 3
EDU 720 Teaching Practicum………………………………… 2
EDU 741 Health and Learning Disabilities……………… 3
MUE 635/637
or MUE 620 Instrumental Music Education Band/Strings Methods or Choral Music Education Methods………… 3
ENS Ensembles (3) ………………………………………… 1
MUE 520 –
MUE 590 Instrumental Methods Courses………………. 1-4*
Total 13+
Semester 4
EDU 721 Student Teaching……………….…………