We believe that each person deserves access to a comprehensive music education, and prepare students to become articulate leaders, to develop greater understanding of learning and teaching processes, and to develop broad perspectives of music and education in contemporary cultures.
From the first semester onward, undergraduates observe exemplary music teachers, and they see learners in diverse settings. Innovative partnerships exist with a variety of schools, and these allow undergraduates to engage in meaningful, supervised music teaching experiences throughout their course of study. The theory and the practice of music education are purposefully linked for all music education majors.
Undergraduate music education majors study with resident artist faculty, perform in major ensembles, and are fully eligible for all performance opportunities at the School. Many students qualify for and undertake a double major in music performance and music education. The music education department’s comprehensive advising program assists in keeping undergraduates academically on track and helps graduate students develop individualized programs of study. Of special interest to applicants is the FORTE program, in which undergraduate students with a double major may apply for tuition remission for student teaching in a ninth semester.
Graduate student music education majors choose between degree programs in the division of professional studies (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts) and the division of research studies (Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy). These degree programs offer many options for professional development in music education. The MM and DMA programs provide students with a music education degree that has a strong performance component. Admission to these programs requires a successful instrumental or vocal audition. The MA and PhD degree programs emphasize research, and do not require an audition for admission.
The MM and MA degrees in music education are the only programs at Eastman that also offer the option of Summers-Only Study. Practicing music teachers from around the country gather in Rochester during the summers and pursue graduate work with Eastman’s distinguished faculty.
Full time MM and MA students may pursue music teacher certification in New York State.
Assistantships offered in the music teaching and learning department include departmental assistantships and assistantships for classroom teachers of music education techniques (instrumental and vocal). Applicants may qualify for awards outside of the department as well. Not all awards are available each year.
Graduate students are expected to teach, assist in teaching, assist in student teaching observations, or assist with assessment work in the department (e.g., administering musicianship skills or pre-internship review assessments in the Music Teaching and Learning curriculum) and/or local public schools during their enrollment at Eastman. Masters students, except those in the summers-only program, will assist for at least one year; doctoral students assist for at least two years. For this service, they will receive a stipend. The department views these teaching and assessment requirements as co-curricular preparation for a career in music teaching, in that it gives students important teaching experience, professional development, and faculty mentoring around teaching.
The Mission of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all.
NAfME (Chapter 50) at Eastman is dedicated to bringing music educators and students with interests in music education together by providing opportunities for professional development, participation in community outreach projects, and the option for national membership. Eastman’s chapter is committed to organizing guest-lecture and workshop panels that encourage students to think critically about various facets of music education; and devoted to coordinating events for the enrichment of community life.
All people have musical potential. Therefore, we maintain a long-standing commitment to democratic practices that ensure equity of access to music instruction for all. We prepare music teachers to provide learning opportunities that support musical growth in all students.
Our degree programs and courses help students develop musicianship and pedagogical skills. Students also gain the experience they need to prepare for the many ways that musicians teach.
We invite you to explore our department page to learn how we can help you widen your options as you consider a career in music.
