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MUSIC and MUSIC EDUCATION
Area of Music Mission Statement
We will strive to educate, train and develop students to excel as musicians and educators, as a career and passion. Our professional and supportive ensembles will develop the musicianship in all students, whether seasoned performers or new to their instrument. Our diverse, talented faculty will broaden students’ appreciation of musical styles and genres and give them a sound understanding of the importance of music in society past and present to provide the best possible education at the undergraduate level.
Stillman College offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music with certification in Music Education. Did you know that music is the only activity that stimulates both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously? Research also demonstrates that music education improves physical health and cognitive functioning, including information storage, and increases positive social interaction. Your musical training in our department may improve your performance in the general education classes you take as part of the liberal arts curriculum!
In order to earn the degree and teaching certification, students majoring in this department will fulfill the College’s general education requirements, the School of Education’s requirements, and major requirements, including a capstone thesis and recital. Also, the Alabama State Department of Education requires students to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for teacher certification.
The Music Education certification, conferred on successful completion of STEP (the Stillman Teacher Education Program) will prepare degree candidates to teach P-12 learners in the public school system. Students will train in pedagogical theory and methods and enjoy an immersive field experience, as they work side-by-side with cooperating teachers in P-12 settings.
Our music program enhances educational and cultural programs at the College by providing:
- musical performance opportunities to talented students;
- creative musical experiences to enrich the life of the college; and
- public performances for the surrounding and extended communities.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music
Students in the Bachelor of Arts degree program in music enroll for studio instruction in one major or principal applied instrument (piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, and percussion). An audition or permission from the applied instructor is required to enroll in applied study. Music majors must enroll in principal applied study (MUS 113-114, 213-213, 313-314, 413-414), major ensemble participation (MUS 111-112, 211-212, 311-312, 411-412), and student recital (MUS 001) in every semester of their undergraduate experience. Music majors also must complete 12 hours of music theory courses (MUS 131-132, 231-232), including an aural skills laboratory. Ear training, sight-singing, dictation, and keyboard skills are practiced throughout the sequence. The required sequence of 6 hours of music history and literature (MUS 335-336) provides a basic knowledge of music history through the present time. Conducting (MUS 426) is required of all music majors.
Sophomore Qualifying Examination
The Sophomore Qualifying Examination is to be successfully completed at the end of the fourth semester of principal applied study (or the equivalent), and must be passed in order to proceed to 300-level applied study. Grading will be Pass, Fail, or Postpone (the exam may be rescheduled one time). The Sophomore Qualifying examination may only be taken once per semester.
Piano Proficiency Examination
The piano proficiency examination is to be successfully completed at the end of the second semester of class piano studies. Grading will be Pass, Fail. The student must fulfill the requirement of passing the piano proficiency examination in order to graduate. Students who enter the department as a music major with previous piano experience may be exempted from the class piano requirement by passing the piano proficiency examination. The student will be required to attempt the piano proficiency examination during each semester until the requirement is fulfilled.
Junior and Senior Recitals
A junior recital (30 minutes) and a senior recital (45 minutes) are required of all music majors. Students must register for the appropriate recital course (Junior Recital MUS 301, or Senior Recital MUS 401) in the semester in which the recital is to be performed. A faculty jury holds a pre-hearing of each recital before it can be performed publicly. The jury may pass, postpone, or cancel the recital.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Music major, students will be able to:
- Display a working knowledge of music history and theory (Content & Critical Thinking).
- Display an appropriate level of competency in solo and ensemble performing (Critical Thinking & Communication).
- Display the ability to prepare and lead an ensemble rehearsal and performance (Content & Communication).
- Display the ability to effectively communicate about music in a written and oral form (Content, Critical Thinking & Communication).
Program Outcomes
As a result of successful completion of the Music Program, graduates will:
- Be prepared to pursue graduate study.
- Be prepared to pursue viable careers in music.
- Be prepared to effectively communicate about music in written and oral form.
In addition to the above Outcomes, students completing the Music Education certification program will enjoy the following:
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Question and analyze concepts, theories, structures, and models in the teaching fields while acquiring the requisite knowledge, skills and dispositions to help music students learn.
- Identify, organize, and integrate knowledge, skills, and resources for scholarly growth as well as planning meaningful learning experiences in inclusive P-12 music classrooms.
- Translate instructional plans into active and meaningful learning experiences while engaging in reflection to refine and improve his or her music practice.
- Actively collaborate with the community of educators, students, and other stakeholders to support and enrich the educational process for all music students.
Program Outcomes:
- Apply knowledge and learning at the appropriate progression levels. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of and can apply critical concepts and principles of learner development, learning differences, creating safe and supportive learning environments in order to work effectively with diverse P-12 music students and their families.
- Apply content knowledge in the development of equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 music students and their families.
- Apply knowledge of standards relating to instructional practices at the appropriate program levels. Candidates can assess, plan for instruction, and utilize a variety of instructional strategies to provide equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 art students and their families. Candidates model and apply national and /or state approved technology standards to engage and improve learning for music students.
- Apply knowledge of professional responsibility at the appropriate progression levels. Candidates engage in professional learning, act ethically, take responsibility for student learning, and collaborate with others, to work effectively with diverse P-12 music students and their families.
Career Options
Performer
Studio musician
Entertainment industry
Music educator
Honor Societies
Kappa Kappa Psi
Major Area Course Requirements
The major in Music consists of 36 hours. The following courses are required for the major:
Certifications in Music Education Requirements
In addition to the above major area requirements, the following Stillman Teacher Education Program (STEP) professional studies courses are required for secondary certification in Music Education (27 credits):