WELCOME VIDEO: Music Teacher Education Chair James Dragovich
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VIDEO: FTC Music Student Felipe Rondon wins 2 ASCAP Awards
Bachelor of Music Degree (Mus.B.)
OVERVIEW
Five Towns College is proud to boast that it is the only college in Suffolk County, NY that is both an institutional accredited member of the National Schools of Music (NASM) and whose Music Teacher Education Division is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org, now the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The Music Teacher Education Program at Five Towns College is comprehensive course of study with a strong commitment to excellence leading to a Bachelor of Music Degree (Mus.B.) The program is designed to create collaborative, reflective, music educators that are dedicated to the growth and development of all learners. In addition to the above accreditations, the program fulfills the New York State Education Department’s requirements for initial certification in Music Education (pending the passing of all NYS written and practical assessments).
Concentrations
Students may choose between Instrumental and Vocal/Piano/Guitar concentrations both of which lead to K-12 New York State certification. Therefore, the music program consists of a rigorous mix of classes in liberal arts, music history, music theory, ear training, keyboard skills, private instruction, performance ensembles, conducting (both vocal and instrumental) and education courses. Overall, students receive expert instruction from highly qualified instructors who are experienced music educators, and distinguished practicing artists.
Student Teaching
Since it is strategically situated on Long Island, Five Towns College is a premier location for students to complete their required fieldwork/observation hours among one of the 127 public schools within Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The program culminates with a student teaching experience where students work with a cooperating teacher (both at the elementary and secondary levels) while under the supervision of the Music Education Director.
Relationship with New York State School Music Association
During their program of study, students participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA)-Collegiate Chapter. By doing so, they have opportunities to meet and be instructed by area educators on current topics in Music Education. In addition, NYSSMA-Collegiate members volunteer and participate in various NYSSMA sponsored festivals and events. As a direct benefit, student members get to meet and connect with music educators on Long Island. The Chapter also sponsors music workshops and service activities.
Admission to the Music Teacher Education Program
- Candidates are required to audition on their major instrument/voice (see Audition Requirements) and follow all other Five Towns College admissions procedures.
- In addition to an audition, the Director of Music Education and/or other Music Education Faculty members will interview potential candidates.
- Incoming freshman must have and 80% or higher High School GPA (Grade Point Average).
- Transfer students are required to have a 3.0 GPA or better to enter as Music Education majors.
- A GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained throughout the program in order to be placed in a student teaching assignment.
High School seniors or transfer students can learn more about the specifics of this excellent program by contacting Margaret.Thiele@ftc.edu. Dr. Thiele can set up a shadowing experience and students will see first-hand what a day at Five Towns College is like. Students accepted into the program will be required to acknowledge the FTC Student Dispositions Policy here.
Five Towns College is proud to support the professional and educational development of its graduates in the Music Division. Read about the Graduate Music Studies Incentive (GMSI) that encourages music graduates to continue their graduate studies at the College with financial incentives here.
