Admission—Initial License

• Get started by registering for our applicant portal

  What can you do in the applicant portal? Much more than just start your application! You can:

  • Book an appointment with a member of our admissions team (choose from phone, virtual or in person appointments)
  • Direct message with our admissions and advising team
  • Start an application (You can save your progress and come back to finish any time)
  • Submit an application!

  Applicant Portal

  On the log-in screen, choose "Sign Up for access as a new user."

• Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Initial License program admission

  No application fee – there is no cost to apply to the program.

  Apply anytime during the calendar year – rolling admissions allow students to begin taking classes any semester: fall, spring or summer.

  All of the following requirements can be submitted electronically via the applicant portal:

  • Letter of Introduction
  • Professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation speaking to the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses related to his/her potential for success as a musician and as an educator
  • Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended
  • Three to four page essay on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses related to his/her potential for success as a music educator and reasons for pursuing initial licensure in music
  • MTEL Music Subject Matter and MTEL Communication & Literacy skill tests score reports (passing score report required)
  • Copy of teaching certificate with license type and certificate number clearly visible (if applicable)

  Instrument Proficiency Requirements

  Candidates for the Initial License Program must exhibit advanced proficiency on a major instrument.  Instruments can include winds, strings, percussion, voice, and piano.  Proficiency is validated by a review of the candidate’s undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree transcript with a major or minor in music education or music.

  MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure)

  In order to receive endorsement for the Initial License in K–12 music, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires candidates to achieve a passing score on the following MTEL exams.

  • Communication and Literacy Skills
  • Music Content

  For complete information about MTEL requirements including test preparation information and how to register for a test date and location, visit the MTEL website.

  Candidates are NOT REQUIRED to pass the MTEL exams in order to be accepted to the Post-Baccalaureate Initial License Program. Coursework in the program combined with advising prepares students to successfully earn passing scores. A passing score must be achieved before the student is enrolled in the final culminating teaching practicum course requirement.

Questions?
We are here to help. Please contact Kristen Harrington, Program Coordinator.
978.867.4429