Program Requirements for Initial License In Music

Program Description 

Download Program Description PDF Here. This program is designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts field (music or other) and do not yet hold the Initial License in K- 12 Music from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

With a summer component and late afternoon/evening classes during the academic year, the program is meant to meet the needs of working professionals, career changers, and current educators. Upon completion of the courses listed below and the practicum, the student will be eligible for recommendation to the Mass Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Initial License. This may enable the student to secure a full-time teaching position with the option of continuing study in the Master of Music Education Program. See Master of Music Education section for separate M.M.Ed. admission and program requirements.

An undergraduate transcript evaluation is highly recommended, as any previous coursework in music or music education may be considered for transfer credit and a waiver of certain course requirements listed below.  Please contact Program Coordinator Kristen Harrington with questions or concerns.

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Program Requirements

The following core courses are required for students who desire to obtain Initial Licensure. Total program credit hours vary based on the individual applicant's educational and professional background, and a detailed undergraduate transcript review.

GMU601  Music Theory Review (1) *if not covered by previous undergraduate coursework
GMU602  Music History Review (2) *if not covered by previous undergraduate coursework

Instrumental Classes (1 credit each)
        GMU543  Woodwinds Class
        GMU544  Brass Class
        GMU545  Strings Class
        GMU546  Percussion Class
        GMU547  Guitar Class

GMU550  Conducting (2)
GMU555  World Music (2)
GMU557  Choral Methods and Literature (3)
GMU558  Instrumental Methods and Literature (3)
EDU562  Human Development and Learning
GMU565  Music Education I/Elementary Methods (3)
GMU566  Music Education II/Secondary Methods (3)
GMU580  Practicum (3–6)
EDU641  Sheltering English Immersion Endorsement Course (3)

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Practicum Requirement **
GMU580 Practicum (6 credits)

For the practicum, 6 credits is the equivalent of 150 practicum hours at the elementary level and 150 hours at the secondary level. Students who are already employed in a music classroom or ensemble teaching position may complete the practicum requirements in their own school setting. Both the elementary and secondary hours must be met. Supervision and mentoring is required in the form of a supervising practitioner from the student's own school/district and a program supervisor from Gordon College. The practicum may be completed in one semester, or over two semesters, contingent on meeting the elementary and secondary hour minimums.

Students who are not employed in a music teaching position are placed in an appropriate public school setting for the minimum 15-week student teaching experience, and supervised by the College faculty, staff, and cooperating practitioners.  In this case, the candidate must commit to student- teaching full time, 5 days a week for one semester.

Before beginning the practicum, students must have completed all initial license coursework, and be fully admitted and matriculated into the licensure program, with all formal application and admission materials on file.

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Music Theory and History Validation Requirements
If not covered by previous undergraduate or graduate-level coursework, students must enroll in a music theory and/or history and literature review sequence, arranged by the program coordinator and Department of Music faculty.

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MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure)
Before enrolling in the culminating GMU580 Practicum course, students must demonstrate a passing score on both the Communication and Literacy Skills test (01), and the Music Content test (16). Comprehensive information about the MTELs including test dates, practice exams, and test content can be found online at http://mtel.nesinc.com

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Program Completion & Endorsement for the Initial License
Academic records are reviewed to determine that candidates have completed all academic and field requirements, and have passed applicable tests of the MTEL. As licensure requirements are subject to change by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and are beyond the control of the College, the College reserves the right to alter program requirements as necessary.
 

Initial License Course Descriptions

Instrumental Classes (1) Laboratory courses prepare students to teach instruments (woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, guitar (Orff/Kodaly Method) in the public schools. Techniques of tone production, fingering, and class procedures are learned through individual and ensemble playing experience under supervision. Group instrument course fee.

        GMU543  Woodwind Class
        GMU544  Brass Class
        GMU545 Strings Class
        GMU546  Percussion Class
        GMU547  Guitar Class

GMU550 Conducting (2) Studies beat patterns and fundamental baton techniques; laboratory experience in conducting literature of medium difficulty.

GMU555 World Music (2) Introduces study of world music in social, cultural and political contexts; folk and native music of North and South Americas and Africa; current critical approaches to contemporary forms of Western popular music such as rap.

GMU557 Choral Methods and Literature (3) Explores selected repertoire and organization and administration of choral program; emphasizes choral tone, blend, balance and intonation.

GMU558 Instrumental Methods and Literature (3) Explores purpose, aims and techniques of instrumental program; emphasizes rehearsal, repertoire and organization.

GMU565 Music Education I (K-5) (3) Introduces methods and materials for teaching music to younger children; discussion, development and implementation of individual lessons for general music classes and curriculum planning. Field Work.

GMU566 Music Education II (6-12) (3) Introduces methods and materials for teaching music to older children and adolescents; discussion, development and implementation of individual lessons and total curriculum; general music, music theory, music appreciation and performing classes. Field Work.

EDU562 Human Development and Learning (3) Introduces the student to some major theories of human development from infancy through adulthood. Special emphasis will be placed on educational needs and implications of each aspect of the lifespan. Students will be encouraged to integrate their knowledge of human development and learning with theological principles and ethical considerations. The course format will include lecture, discussion, group participation, case studies and audio-visual presentations.

EDU641 Sheltering English Immersion (3) The purpose of this course is to prepare teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively shelter their content instruction so that English Language Learners (ELLs) can access curriculum, achieve academic success, and contribute their multilingual and multicultural resources in the classroom and beyond. Teachers will have opportunities to practice strategies, analyze their practice, provide and receive feedback and to reflect on their experiences.

GMU580 Practicum (2-6) Field placement in elementary, middle and/or high school. Supervision by College faculty and cooperating teacher(s) in schools. Fifteen weeks of full-time student teaching required. Students must be registered and finalized prior to starting teaching assignment.