Music Education
Why Choose Nazareth for Music Education?
The music education degree program at Nazareth College prepares future teachers through the direct experience of teaching and performing, as well as intensive academic study. Liberal arts courses enrich and deepen the learning experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in workshops and conferences, and to teach pre-college students in the Community Music Program and various extensive sites in Rochester.
The Department of Music adheres to the philosophy that to teach well, you must also perform well. Students are required to achieve a high level of musical artistry on their primary instrument. Through this combination of musicianship, academics, and pedagogy, Nazareth students are well-prepared to educate and inspire the musicians of the future.
Program Highlights
- The music education degree program prepares students for initial certification (Birth-12 Certification in Music) from the New York State Department of Education.
- Curriculum includes professional courses in instrumental, choral, and general music methods, as well as liberal arts courses, culminating in a Senior Experience that includes a Senior Recital and a Senior Comprehensive Examination.
- The student teaching experience serves as the experiential capstone for this program.
- Emphasis on practice-teaching experiences throughout the course sequence.
- Extensive collection of music teaching materials and resources.
- Opportunity to participate in student chapters of The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and The American Choral Directors Association, American String Teacher Association, as well as a mini conference that is held on campus annually.
Program Options
Contact Information
-
Keith A. Koster
- Assistant Professor
- 585-389-5164
- kkoster8@naz.edu
- Arts Center 1D
Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Rozelle Reed '02, '06G
Melissa has worked extensively with students with special needs in the music education and music therapy settings and is a sought-after clinician on this topic. She recently won an award for music educator of the year given by the Rochester Philharmonic.
Example Careers
- Public school teacher
- Private school teacher
- Private music teacher
- College-level faculty
- Liturgical music
Internships/Field Experiences
- Observation and student teaching placements in some of the most highly recognized public school music programs in the country
Graduate Schools/Employers
- Columbia University
- Boston University
- Pittsford Central School District
- Brighton Central School District
- Penfield School District
- Eastman School of Music