Course Syllabus

MUSC 1700 Introduction to Music Education

Course Description

Introduction to Music Education examines the philosophical, historical, cultural, and practical foundations of music teaching and learning. Students explore the role of music education in schools and society, develop introductory instructional and reflective teaching skills, and examine diverse approaches to music learning across varied educational settings. Emphasis is placed on creativity, critical analysis, communication, and the relationship between music, culture, and lifelong artistic engagement. This course fulfills the General Education Fine Arts requirement.

Justification

This course is required at most universities for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in music education and may be of interest to a general student. Completion of this introductory course during the first two years of college will provide students with an understanding of the realities of a career in music education. This course will provide students with a framework for understanding the importance of subsequent required course work. Students completing the Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Commercial Music degree will need this course if they desire to obtain a Utah teaching license.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to discuss the role of music in education across various time periods and cultures. In-class singing and the playing of elementary instruments will be used to help demonstrate a variety of teaching methods and philosophies which students will be asked to reference in assignments and exams. Students will explore creative teaching practices and the importance of lifelong participation in music and the arts.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to discuss and write about current topics in music education. In-person classroom observations of local area music educators will provide students with real-world experiences which can be referenced in both writing, and as part of class discussions. Through various classroom assignments and required readings, students will use a variety of digital media and traditional book resources.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create a basic music lesson that is age appropriate, collaborate with peers in teaching or lesson planning activities, present short teaching demonstrations alone or in a group, and discuss how music relates to other areas of art and science in secondary education.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to analyze and discuss their in-person observations of local area music teachers. In-class rehearsals and performances in the local schools will also be considered in terms of artistic quality, musical accuracy, and effectiveness in the classroom. Sample lesson plans will be created by students and incorporate age-appropriate literature and rehearsal techniques.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to discuss the dual role of the music teacher as both professional musician and educator. Students will examine the role of music in schools and as a lifelong endeavor in various societies. Creative teaching practices will be modeled and discussed. A focus will be placed on the benefits and importance of lifelong participation in music and the arts.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to discuss the dual role of the music teacher as both professional musician and educator. Students will examine the role of music in schools and as a lifelong endeavor in various societies. Creative teaching practices will be modeled and discussed. A focus will be placed on the benefits and importance of lifelong participation in music and the arts.
2. APPRECIATE: Apply artistic concepts and ideas drawn from traditions of artistic creation and theory to better engage with, analyze and understand a creative work. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to discuss a brief history of music education and its role in schools and society. Through the visual and aural evaluation of grade-appropriate artistic works, students will be able to discuss and analyze the pedagogical benefits of using various pieces in the classroom. Students will analyze educational pieces from a variety of cultures and time periods, using traditional in-class performances, singing, and multiple types of electronic resources.
3. CONNECT: Examine connections between art and society and articulate how the arts are a historical and cultural phenomenon.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to define common educational terms, basic philosophies, and teaching strategies used in a typical music classroom. Students will also be able to discuss or write about the value of music in elementary and secondary education, present a brief history of music education, and explain its importance and influence in various societies. The analysis of student level music literature, both old and new, will be discussed and appraised for quality, effectiveness in the classroom, and value in creating artistic experiences.

Course Content

This course introduces students to the foundations, philosophies, and history of music education while exploring the role of music in schools and communities. Students will examine creativity and the artistic process as essential components of music learning, and will be introduced to a variety of music teaching methods, learning environments, lesson planning techniques, and instructional strategies.

The course will also focus on the development of professional teaching skills through the observation and analysis of music classroom teaching and performance, critical listening, and the evaluation of artistic works. Students will explore diverse musical cultures and general teaching practices while strengthening their communication and research skills using both traditional and electronic resources. As part of the course, students are required to observe public school music educators in classroom settings, providing practical insight into effective teaching practices and the daily work of music educators.