WELCOME VIDEO: Music Teacher Education Chair: Kristi Adams

Bachelor of Music Degree (Mus.B.) in Music Education

Five Towns College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). 

Overview

The Music Education Program at Five Towns College is a 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 education professionals and teachers who are dedicated to the growth and development of all learners. In addition to the above accreditation, 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).

Opportunities for Students in the Music Education Program

In addition to studying to be a dedicated and competent music educator, many Five Towns College students enjoy performing as part of their program and to further develop their competencies as musicians. Five Towns College regularly hosts concerts and performances in the FTC Performing Arts Center for this purpose. Visit our FTC YouTube channel and the Music Division Playlist by clicking here to enjoy some samples of these concerts. Also, visit our FTC Performing Arts Center site to see upcoming events by clicking here.

Music Education Outreach

Undoubtedly, Five Towns College Music educators support the professional and educational growth and development of their students and graduates. With strong academic and practical support in their craft, music educators at Five Towns College host several outreach programs for prospective undergraduate students passionate about music. They also create opportunities for interested graduate students. For example, the Music Division hosted the 2025 High School Honors Band Festival for interested students and created a platform for young musicians to engage musically in the FTC Performing Arts Center. Hear what the FTC Director of Bands James Dragovich had to say about this initiative by clicking here.

Furthermore,  our esteemed Music faculty has researched and brought to campus-over the summer and sometimes during the academic year-an interesting program for graduate students and music educators. Through a collaboration with TeachRock, the Music Division serves the community and public at large by hosting a one-week long opportunity to enhance and enrich the pedagogy of music educators. This is something the institution is very proud of and will be hosting again this summer. Read more about what’s happening this summer by clicking here!

VIDEO: The Music Teacher Education Program at Five Towns College

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 education 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 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 in music education. Further, the program culminates with a music education 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 (NYSSMA)

Moreover, during their program of study, music education 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 music 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 education workshops and service activities.

Admission to the Music Teacher Education Program

• Candidates are required to audition on their major instrument/voice and follow all other Five Towns College admissions procedures. See Audition Requirements here .
• 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 [email protected]. or [email protected]. They 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.

For curriculum and faculty information, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.