Program Description
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Music in Music Education program prepares future teachers to share their love of music and working with students through a combination of musicianship, academics, and pedagogy as well as a direct experience of teaching and performing. Students in the music education program begin observing and working in classrooms in their first year in order to understand and develop skills that they will build on each year as they progress through the program and finish their program with a semester of student teaching.
Students are provided with personal attention through their advisors, field experience mentors, and a strong student-centered faculty as they develop skills through courses in Instrumental, Vocal, and General Music Pedagogy, in addition to conducting courses, and participation in a variety of ensembles and electives. Students work with methods and technologies that are relevant to today’s music classroom. Students participate in active student chapters of The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Vermont Music Educators Assocation (VMEA) which provide many professional development and networking opportunities and students often present at state and divisional conferences.
A stand-out part of the VTSU-Castleton program is the opportunity for student leadership and ownership through conducting practicum, student organizations, and leading through community events such as the annual Honors Festival which brings high school students from all over the region to participate in a high level of musical performance in choral and band performances.
“Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it’s essential to being human” - Jewel
The music education degree program prepares students for licensure (PK-12 in general, instrumental, and vocal music) in Vermont and follows the Vermont Agency of Education requirements.
Program Outcomes
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Demonstrate the ability to effectively teach music in a variety of contexts, including classroom education, ensemble direction, and applied instruction.
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Demonstrate technical proficiency and artistry on their primary instrument or voice, culminating in the production of a successful senior recital.
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Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of music and music education through the study of music literature, history, theory, and educational theories or approaches.
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Demonstrate a commitment to active involvement in professional associations. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of music education pedagogies, materials, and technologies.
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Demonstrate an understanding of educational ethics and professional conduct.
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