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Music Education Major

About Music Education Major more

  • K-12 Instrumental Music Education Major
  • K-12 Vocal Music Education Major

Students majoring in K-12 Education at Concordia develop the skills and insights to become effective teachers and life-long learners.

Students can specialize in a variety of subject areas in which they would like to teach. It is a personalized program in which students work closely with professors in the classroom, in an advising setting and in clinical experiences that allow them to develop the ability to become effective teachers in a variety of settings.

Students will engage in a series of classes ,clinical experiences and student teaching opportunities which offer an effective blend of theory and practice. Rich clinical experiences allow students to make choices about their career. The department of Teacher Education has key partnerships with Concordia’s Hmong Culture and Language program, Twin Cities public schools, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod schools and five Twin Cities public charter schools that Concordia authorizes. Students often obtain teaching opportunities through these partnerships.

Teacher Education programs at Concordia have been the pride of the University for nearly 60 years. They are widely recognized for excellence in curriculum, faculty, staff and candidates, and regarded as among the finest in the state of Minnesota and in the Concordia University System. The program is fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (continuously since 1969) and the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

Students who have a passion to help children learn will find fulfillment in Concordia’s Teacher Education program. K-12 Education majors are typically interested in teaching a particular subject to students from age 5 to 18 and have the desire to learn a variety of teaching methods. Because of Minnesota’s rigorous teacher licensure standards, students graduating from the state’s colleges and universities are favorably regarded nationwide

Careers in Music Education more

This major prepares students to teach Vocal Music within private or public elementary or secondary schools.

On-campus, Online or Both?

Can I do this all on campus?
You can meet all the requirements for this
Yes
Can I do this entirely online?
Sorry, this major cannot be earned entirely online at this time.
No
Can I take some courses online?
Some courses are offered online.
Yes
Course for Music Education Major

ED-200 Introduction to Teaching

An introduction to Concordia's teacher education program including its rationale and procedures for admission, retention and completion of the program. Students are introduced to the teaching profession and explore their own currently held understandings, beliefs and dispositions about teaching. 25 Human Relation hours are required.

ED-330 Human Diversity and Relations

This course helps students experience, understand and become sensitive to human diversity and presents strategies for teaching human relations skills in the classroom setting. A 15-hour field experience that satisfies a portion of the university's human relations requirement is included.

ED-336 Educational Psychology

This course applies the basic principles of human development and behavior to the classroom situation. Emphasis is given to the teacher education conceptual framework, theoretical backgrounds in learning, and their application to the classroom. Topics include the characteristics of children, student variability, educational planning and instructional objectives, classroom management and assessment. A 15 hour field experience that satisfies a portion of the university's human relations

ED-346 Effective Middle School Teach

The historical, sociological, psychological and philosophical aspects of the middle school are studied. Discussion and activities focus on the purposes, functions and implications of the curriculum and the learner. Students explore middle school teaching practice and student learning in the classroom and current middle school organization and practice. (Prerequisite: admission to Teacher Education Program)

ED-347 Effective Secondary Teacher

This course provides a study of the purposes, history, philosophy, organization, operation, students, curriculum, teaching practices, and current problems of secondary schools in the United States. Emphasis is on the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively in a secondary school. (Prerequisite: admission to Teacher Education Program)

ED-439 The Inclusive Classroom

Prospective educators are introduced to legislation and practices related to the inclusion of students with unique learning needs into regular classrooms. Topics include the classroom teacher's role is assessing, developing, and implementing unique learning experiences and managing group and individual behaviors. A 15-hour field experience that satisfies a portion of the university's human relations requirement is included. (Prerequisite: upper level standing)

ED-471 Student Teaching

Student teaching provides direct teaching experience for students to develop the understanding, skills, and dispositions necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in classrooms for young children. Typically, students are assigned to work with two cooperating teachers in two different classrooms for one full semester. Seminars are held on campus and a capstone portfolio is required. (Birth-Grade 3 Practicum.)

ED-487 Reading Across Content Areas

The range of standardized and informal assessment options will be studied. Techniques will include the administration of procedures including analyzing data and making instructional and placement decisions. Communication of results to students' parents, caregivers and other professionals; impact on career skills affecting employability; and ethical issues will be discussed. (Prerequisite to Student Teaching.)

KHS-470 Health Education for Teachers

This course investigates personal and community health issues facing society and especially children. The National Health Education Standards and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Priority Health Risk Behaviors are addressed. (Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education Program)

MUS-101 Basic Musicianship

Basic Musicianship is designed for the student with little background in music. This course will present concepts needed for an understanding of the basic fundamentals of music theory. Students will also have an introduction to ear training and the keyboard. (Offered every spring. No prerequisite. This course can serve as a prerequisite for MUS201 and ED446. Studio course.)

MUS-111 Class Piano I

This is the first of two courses in a beginning piano instruction sequence. Through group class instruction students are given a practical knowledge of the keyboard and an understanding of the tonal-rhythmic structure of music. Keyboard skills requisite for handling classroom music situations or for personal enjoyment of music are developed. (Offered every fall and spring. No prerequisite. Players with previous keyboard experience may be exempt by examination. Can serve as a prerequisite to

MUS-112 Class Piano II

This is the second of two courses in a beginning piano instruction sequence. Through group class instruction students are given a practical knowledge of the keyboard and an understanding of the tonal-rhythmic structure of music. Keyboard skills requisite for handling classroom music situations or for personal enjoyment of music are developed. (Offered every fall and spring. No prerequisite. Players with previous keyboard experience may be exempt by examination. Can serve as a prerequisite to

MUS-115 Beginning Guitar I

This course is designed for those with no knowledge of the instrument. Areas covered include tuning the guitar, strumming techniques, chords-two keys, and transposing. Open to all students. (Offered every fall and spring. No prerequisite. Players with previous guitar experience may be exempt by examination and move on to private guitar if desired or needed for program. Studio course.)

MUS-121 Listen to Life: Global & Pop

Using global folk and art music and contemporary popular idiom music, this course teaches music listening skills, relates music to history and culture, and reveals music as a conveyer of human emotions, thoughts, and ideals. This course contributes to the Fine Arts/Aesthetic component of the General Education curriculum. MUS121 is required for Music Education students.

MUS-201 Musicianship I

This course begins with a brief review of music fundamentals (scales, keys, intervals and triads) and continues with four-part harmonic writing, and basic analysis. Exercises in keyboard harmony, sight singing, and dictation are included in the course.(Offered every fall. Prerequisite: MUS101 or equivalent as determined by music placement test.)

MUS-202 Musicianship II

Students continue to learn four-part harmonic writing, including the use of inversions and seventh chords. Exercises in analysis incorporate the study of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and form. Dictation, sight singing, and keyboard harmony are continued. (Offered every spring. Prerequisite: MUS201 or equivalent.)

MUS-261 Beginning Conducting

The goal of this introductory course is to begin to develop a clear and expressive conducting technique. Students will conduct in class frequently, videotaping their work and receiving immediate feedback and suggestions for improvement. Students will learn to conduct regular beat patterns, preparatory gestures, cues, cutoffs, deadbeats, fermatas, asymmetrical patterns, and subdivided gestures. Students will learn to make thoughtful decisions in varying their conducting pattern to show changes

MUS-301 Musicianship III

Students learn to write in the contrapuntal style of the 18th century. Chromatic harmonies and a study of classical period forms are also included in the course. Dictation, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are continued. (Offered every fall. Prerequisite: MUS202 or equivalent.)

MUS-302 Musicianship IV

Students explore the new directions composers have taken in the 20th century and compose their own pieces in various contemporary styles. Keyboard harmony, dictation, and sight-singing are continued. (Offered every spring. Prerequisite: MUS301.)

MUS-321 Music History I

This course explores the Ancient, medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque periods of Western music. (Offered every third semester in sequence with the other two Music History Courses). Prerequisites: MUS120 or MUS121, MUS201.)

MUS-322 Music History II

This course explores the 18th and 19th centuries of Western music. (Offered every third semester in sequence with the other two Music History Courses). Prerequisites: MUS120 or MUS121, MUS201. MUS321 is preferred, but not required.)

MUS-323 Music History III

This course explores Western Music from the late 19th century to the present. (Offered every third semester in sequence with the other two Music History Courses). Prerequisites MUS 120 or 121 and 201. MUS 321 and 322 preferred but not required.

MUS-356 K-6 General Music Tchng Mthds

This course will deal with the planning and implementation of instruction in the non-performance-based music class from kindergarten to the senior high at the elementary school levels. Students will examine curriculum, textbooks and teaching materials available for these classes. The National Standards for Arts Education receive special attention in relation to planning a spiral curriculum. A strong emphasis is placed on unit and lesson planning. The course is required for all Music Teaching

MUS-360 String Techniques & Pedagogy

This course acquaints students with the techniques and challenges of playing and teaching stringed instruments. (Offered even falls. Prerequisite: music reading ability. Studio course.)

MUS-361 Woodwind Tech & Pedagogy

This course acquaints students with the techniques and challenges of playing and teaching woodwind instruments. (Offered odd springs. Prerequisite: music reading ability. Studio course.)

MUS-362 Brass Techniques & Pedagogy

This course acquaints students with the techniques and challenges of playing and teaching brass instruments. (Offered odd falls. Prerequisite: music reading ability. Studio course.)

MUS-365 Elect Instrmt Tech & Pedagogy

This course introduces students to a range of computer-based music technologies. Extensive work is done with the music notation/MIDI program, Finale. Students will also explore using pre-set patches, sequencing, and creating new synthesized sounds. CD ROM programs for music history, music education, music theory, and ear-training will also be explored. Students will be expected to log lab hours in the music technology studio. This course is an elective in all music majors, minors, and emphases.

MUS-366 Vocal Techniques & Pedagogy

This course is designed for advanced singers who wish to gain techniques and practice in teaching vocal technique, both in working with individual voice lessons and with choral groups. This course is required for the vocal tracks of the director of parish music (DPM) program and the music teaching major. Activities include leading warm-ups and teaching peer voice lessons. (Offered even falls. Prerequisites: private voice study and consent of instructor. Studio course.)

MUS-367 Percussion Tech & Pedagogy

This course acquaints students with the techniques and challenges of teaching and playing percussion instruments. (Offered even springs.l Prerequisite: music reading ability. Studio course.)

MUS-368 Jazz Improvisation

Students will explore concepts used in jazz improvisation. (Offered odd springs.Prerequisites: A workable knowledge of scales, chords, chord progressions, sight-reading, and a familiarity with the musical vocabulary. Studio course.)

MUS-369 Art of Accompanying

This course is designed as a practice and provides students with the skills necessary to become artistic and capable accompanists. Areas explored include vocal, instrumental, and choral accompanying. (Offered odd falls. Prerequisite: MUS840 or other previous private piano study. Studio course.)

MUS-425 Choral Literature

A study of the choral literature from the Renaissance through the present (including global choral music) forms the material for this course. Choral composers and representative compositions from each era are studied. The historical perspective on choral music is discussed and a filing card reference library developed. (Offered odd falls. Prerequisites: MUS120, MUS202 or consent of instructor.)

MUS-426 Instrumental Literature

Instrumental literature will emphasize literature for school-aged groups. Instrumental composers and compositions are studied through lecture, listening, reading, and student presentations. Students also develop a level II and III, four-year curriculum for band and orchestra. Teaching strategies based on the National Standards for Arts Education will also be discussed. (Offered even falls. Prerequisites: MUS120, MUS202 or consent of instructor.)

MUS-444 Instrumental Arranging

Instrumental arranging focuses on the practical aspects of scoring and is approached in terms of understanding how composers have traditionally written for instrument(s) and ensembles. (Offered even springs. Prerequisites: MUS201, current or previous enrollment in MUS202.)

MUS-445 Choral Arranging

This course is designed for the musician wishing to make effective settings for choral groups. (Offered odd springs. Prerequisites: MUS301, current or previous enrollment in MUS302.)

MUS-456 Choral Conducting & Methods

This advanced conducting course will apply and develop the skills gained in MUS261, focusing on leading choirs. Topics will include literature selection/programming for various school and church choirs, choral score study, audition procedures, seating formations, rehearsal planning and execution, working to develop vocal quality and musicianship in rehearsals and administration of church and school choral programs. A major component of the course will be the preparation and conducting of a

MUS-457 Instrumental Conducting & Meth

Rehearsal techniques, transcriptions, performance practices and score study of standard concert band and jazz ensemble repertoire will be presented. The organization and management of an instrumental program will be covered. A major component of the course will be the preparation and conducting of a public instrumental ensemble performance. Requirement for Instrumental Music Education majors. (Offered odd springs. Prerequisite: MUS261. Studio course.)

MUS-713 Jubilate Choir

This choir regularly provides music for chapel worship. Special projects include the Fine Arts Christmas Concert and choral worship services throughout the year. While full-year membership is desired, students may audition to enter the choir at semester breaks. Jubilate is an excellent ensemble for students who wish to sing but are involved in other touring ensembles or will be off-campus part of the year as student teachers or interns. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: choral

MUS-714 Christus Chorus

This group presents major choral works in a series of concerts, including the Fine Arts Christmas and Concert. Weekend tours/retreats and an extended annual spring tour are part of the schedule. Trips abroad are planned occasionally. Auditions are held at the beginning and end of each academic year. Full-year membership is required. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: choral audition for placement by instructor.)

MUS-720 Concert Band

Concert Band performs works drawn from worldwide genres. Performances include chapel services, fall and spring concerts, and Commencement. Occasional off-campus performances are also scheduled. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: prior instrumental experience and seat audition placement.)

MUS-730 Chamber/String Ensemble

Chamber Ensemble performs works drawn from worldwide genres. Performances include chapel services, fall and spring concerts, and Commencement. Occasional off-campus performances are also scheduled. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: prior instrumental experience and seat audition placement.)

MUS731 MUS731 String Trio/Quartet/Quintet

This is an ensemble for 3-5 advanced string players to explore upper level string literature. The group meets one hour/week and performs.

MUS-739 CSP Ringers

This course is open to any student with limited or no handbell experience. It teaches basic handbell techniques. Members of this class will perform 1-2 times/semester in chapel.

MUS-740 Handbell Ensemble

This ensemble is open to any student with handbell experience or sufficient music reading ability. It will perform both on campus for chapel services and the Fine Arts Christmas Concert as well as for area congregations. Members of this ensemble may also belong to other music organizations on campus. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisites: music reading ability, audition for placement by instructor.)

MUS-750 Jazz Band Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble and Jazz combos from the group perform works from various jazz styles. Performances include fall and spring concerts, chapel service playing, and occasional off campus performances. (Offered every fall and spring.) Prerequisite: previous instrumental experience.

MUS-760 Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble is open to all students and is designed to develop mastery of various percussion instruments. Students will develop and refine percussion techniques through the rehearsal and performance of standard percussion ensemble repertoire.

MUS-770 Woodwind Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of woodwind students. Woodwind ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts.

MUS-772 Flute Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of flute students. Flute ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts.

MUS-774 Clarinet Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of clarinet students. Clarinet ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts

MUS-776 Saxophone Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of saxophone students. Saxophone ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts

MUS-778 Brass Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of brass students. Brass ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts

MUS-780 Guitar Ensemble

Open to intermediate and advanced guitarists, the players will learn and perform duets, trios, quartets, etc. in styles ranging from classical to jazz to blues to reggae. (Prerequisite: audition by instructor.)

MUS-840 Piano

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-860 Voice

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology

This course introduces the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic and social-cultural perspectives are explored. Topics such as scientific method, statistical reasoning, neuroscience, learning, cognitive processes, development, psychological adjustment, therapy, social psychology, diversity and community are studied.

PSY-210 Child Psychology and Dev

A broad sketch of human growth and development is provided from the prenatal stages to the adolescent years. Developmental processes are studied from both a biological and social-cultural perspective to understand physical and perceptual development, cognition and language, personality and social development. Child studies of children at the students� projected levels of teacher certification are required. (Prerequisite: PSY101)

PSY-215 Child & Ad Dev Psy for K-12 Ed

This course will provide K through 12 educators an understanding of human growth and development from the prenatal stages through adolescence. Developmental processes are studied from both a biological and social-cultural perspective to understand physical and perceptual development, cognition and language, personality and social development. Child studies, examining various aspects of child and adolescent development, are required. (Prerequisite: PSY101)

PSY-220 Adolescent Psychology

This course examines developmental phenomena of adolescence, its physiological, emotional, cognitive, parent-child, social, vocational and religious dimensions, with opportunity for personal exposure to youth's needs and interacting societal institutions. (Prerequisite: PSY101)

Requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program

  • Take MTLE Basic Skills (240 score required for MN license) test                          
  • Prepare e-folio during ED201                            
  • Complete faculty interview    

Requirements for Graduation                    

  • Complete minimum 128 credits with minimum 2.5 CGPA, 2.75 GPA in content major, no grade below "C-"in licensure major                                        
  • Complete MN Teacher Licensure Exam: Content and Pedagogy Tests              
  • Apply for Graduation with the University Registrar the semester prior to graduation    
  • Submit completed music portfolio to Music Dept. 3 months prior to completion (document GPA, Keyboard Exam, recital attendance, 4 performances)                        

Requirements for Licensure                  

  • Complete First Aid/CPR Requirements                                        
  • Pass MTLE Basic Skills:  Rdg (240), Wrtg (240), Math (240) Test                        
  • Complete MN Teacher Licensure Exam: Content (240) and Pedagogy (240) Tests        
  • Apply for teaching license w/MN Department of Education                                               

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