Courses

This course challenges students to develop their professional voice as music educators and articulate a compelling vision for leadership in educational settings. Students explore leadership theories, reflect on their personal and professional identities, and design practical strategies for leading students, ensembles, and educational initiatives. Emphasis is placed on ethical leadership, advocacy, and cultivating an authentic, transformative presence in the music classroom and beyond.

Students analyze and design music curricula aligned with national and state standards, while evaluating policy decisions that impact K–12 music education. Emphasis is placed on curriculum leadership, advocacy, and implementation strategies.

This course explores the developmental, cognitive, and motivational foundations of music learning across diverse age groups. Students examine key learning theories, including behaviorist, constructivist, and socio-cultural models, and apply these insights to design effective, responsive instructional practices for K–12 music education settings.

This course examines contemporary and emerging pedagogical approaches in music learning environments. Students explore innovative teaching strategies, technology integration, culturally responsive practices, and creative curriculum models that reflect current research and trends. Emphasis is placed on designing and implementing engaging, student-centered experiences that foster musical growth and lifelong learning.

This course explores current and emerging trends shaping the field of music education. Topics vary each year to reflect timely developments in pedagogy, technology, policy, diversity, and the evolving role of music in society. Students critically examine new practices, assess their implications for K–12 education, and develop strategies for adapting to a rapidly changing educational landscape.

This course prepares music educators to lead and manage comprehensive K–12 music programs successfully. Students develop skills in budgeting and financial management, personnel supervision, parent and stakeholder communication, facilities and equipment oversight, and grant writing and fundraising. Emphasis is placed on strategic planning, resource development, program advocacy, and creating sustainable, thriving music programs within diverse educational communities.

An introduction to research methods in education. Provides opportunity to develop skill in interpreting research literature; to become acquainted with sources of research literature; to develop an understanding of the methodology of educational research; and to become a critical reader of research reports. An emphasis on the teacher as researcher will provide a basis for assignments. (3 Units)

Specialized project not connected with a thesis. Students will research, develop and write a project approved by a supervisory committee on a music education topic of interest to the graduate student. (1 Units)

Conducting Methods I is one of two consecutive summer-residency practicum courses focused on developing conducting skills for choral, instrumental, and jazz ensembles from elementary through high school levels. Through workshops, masterclasses, and live conducting labs, students strengthen their technical proficiency, ensemble leadership, rehearsal communication, and stylistic versatility across diverse educational settings.

Conducting Methods II is one of two consecutive summer-residency practicum courses focused on developing conducting skills for choral, instrumental, and jazz ensembles from elementary through high school levels. Through workshops, masterclasses, and live conducting labs, students strengthen their technical proficiency, ensemble leadership, rehearsal communication, and stylistic versatility across diverse educational settings.

Literature for Music Education introduces students to a broad range of instrumental, choral, jazz, and elementary music repertoire appropriate for public school settings. The course emphasizes effective repertoire selection, curricular integration, and pedagogical application across diverse ensemble types and educational levels, preparing students to design musically rich and developmentally appropriate programs for K–12 learners.

Advanced Musical Analysis for Teaching integrates formal and harmonic analysis into practical score study for conductors and music educators. Students develop analytical skills that enhance musical interpretation, rehearsal planning, and pedagogical decision-making across choral, instrumental, and jazz ensemble literature. Emphasis is placed on recognizing form, harmonic structure, texture, and stylistic characteristics to inform effective teaching and conducting in K–12 educational settings.

Perspectives in Contemporary Music introduces students to a wide range of musical styles and traditions that are highly relevant to today's K–12 music education environments. Students explore the history, cultural contexts, and educational applications of jazz, popular music, film music, and global musical traditions. The course equips music educators with the historical knowledge and teaching strategies necessary to connect diverse musical genres to contemporary classrooms.

Seminar in thinking Christianly about the arts. Course will examine topics of artistry, aesthetics, and creativity in light of scripture and church history, synthesizing biblical and historical practice into contemporary musicianship. (1 Units)