M.S. in Music Education (Birth to Grade 12)

M.S. in Music Education (Birth to Grade 12)

To teach music is to introduce children to an art form that is basic to all of humanity. But the benefits of music education go far beyond learning to sing, play and appreciate music. Cognitive development, fine motor skills, cultural awareness and increased intellectual capacity all progress from the study of music. Music education combines the joy of artistic expression with the challenge and rewards of classroom instruction.

The Master of Science in Music Education at LIU Post prepares professional music teachers and leaders to work with children of all ages, from infants, toddlers and preschoolers to elementary, middle and high school students in New York State. The program includes a semester of student teaching in elementary and secondary schools as well as comprehensive coursework in the social and psychological aspects of teaching and modern educational methods and materials. Students who elect to waive student teaching are required to take an additional 6 credits lieu of student teaching and pass a comprehensive examination.

A joint program of the LIU Post College of Education, Information and Technology and College of Arts, Communication & Design, the M.S. in Music Education offers two plans of study – a 33-credit plan for initial teaching certification by the New York State Education Department and a 36-credit plan leading to professional certification, for students with a significant background in education.

Teaching Methods

The M.S. in Music Education includes up to 24 credits of coursework in major aspects of classroom teaching and learning. You will learn the social, economic, political and intellectual foundations of American education and the psychological theories and principles of teaching, learning and development. You will master teaching techniques and materials, learn to prepare lesson plans in accordance with state and national standards and develop ways to assess your students’ progress. You will interact with students in a supervised student teaching practicum, and assure your own ongoing development as a professional educator by becoming an informed consumer and producer of educational research.

Music Curriculum

A wide-ranging and comprehensive curriculum of music courses will inform and inspire students in the M.S. in Music Education program. Up to 18 credits on methods of teaching music and instruction in specific instruments will empower you to bring your students to their full potential. Courses can be taken in teaching brass, woodwind, percussion and string instruments and choral methods, music technology, conducting and teaching special learners.

Qualities That Set Our Program Apart

You will work with some of the most talented and successful musicians and teachers in the New York metro area. Our faculty members are active musicians and teachers, and they represent some of the most cutting-edge and high profile people in the profession. The program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

Our proximity to New York City and connection to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at the LIU Post Campus will give you direct access to a wide variety of outstanding professional music making in the form of concerts, workshops, master classes and collaborative projects. Recent musical artists that have worked with our students include: the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Chanticleer Choral Ensemble, Shanghai String Quartet, Bobby McFerrin, United States “President’s Own” Marine Band, New York Voices, United States Air Force Band, guitarist David Leisner, flutist Sir James Galway, jazz artist Paquito D’Rivera, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

As a pre-service teacher, you will have an opportunity to participate in PreK-16 partnerships with local school districts and community organizations – helping you learn and make contacts for future employment.

You will have an opportunity to make music as a soloist, chamber musician and large ensemble member, both here on campus and as part of our domestic and international touring program.

Nationally recognized for its chapter growth and leadership, our collegiate chapter of The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) promotes excellence in music teaching and learning through its outreach programs, national and international guest speakers, and conference participation. You will be an active member of this organization and enjoy the rewards and benefits that participation will bring.

As a graduate of our music education program you will be a competent, qualified and caring music educator, fully prepared to seek and obtain a music teaching position.

Applicants to the M.S.in Music Education (Birth to Grade 12) must meet following requirements in order to be considered for admission:

Application for admission at https://apply.liu.edu/quickapp/

Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)

Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any and all college(s) or universities you have attended. Bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Personal statement

Resume

Submission on the general Graduate Record Examination (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing). Scores cannot be more than five years old at the time of the application.

Students for whom English is a second language must submit official score results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The required minimum acceptable TOEFL score is: 79 Internet-based (213 computer-based or 550 paper-based) or minimum IELTS score: 6.5.

Curriculum and Instruction

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY

M.S. in Music Education (Birth to Grade 12)