Music Education

A degree in music education at Stetson University not only prepares students for careers in teaching, it also sets them on a path that can lead to the highest level of intuitive teaching -- the level of the master teacher.

Preparing for a career in teaching music means becoming accomplished in the following areas: music academic areas such as theory, history and literature; professional education such as ESOL, assessment, psychology of education; and music education such as methodology and pedagogy.

As these areas are developed and integrated, teaching skills are learned and then utilized in pre-student teaching field experiences and the student teaching semester.

Our major offers students the option of choosing from two Music Education programs: Music Education/Vocal and Music Education/Instrumental. Upon completion of the music education degree, the Stetson University graduate will receive certification to teach in the State of Florida, having been approved by the State Department of Education and the National Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

What makes the program distinctive?

Music education majors at Stetson University receive as much applied study as do performance majors. You will participate in weekly private lessons, studio performance classes and student recitals.

Music education majors may participate in apprenticeships with the Children's Choir, Youth Orchestra, Orff program for young children and Community School of Music studio teaching. Students have the additional opportunity of assisting in summer workshops offered at Stetson. In addition, students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of ensembles, including the university symphony orchestra, symphonic band, jazz band, concert choir, Stetson chorale, Stetson men, choral union, opera workshop, chamber orchestra and smaller instrumental ensembles as well as chamber music ensembles.

Academics and Research

Facilities and opportunities

Stetson University facilities include two large rehearsal halls and a uniquely structured vintage chapel where performances are held. Student ensembles tour and smaller ensembles perform in Central Florida communities.

Preparation for graduate study

Stetson University's undergraduates are fully prepared in every area for graduate study in music education. Because of the high standards of Stetson University's performance requirements, students are well-prepared for graduate study in performance.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished faculty

Faculty members include the president of the National Band Association, chairman of the Florida Bandmasters Hall of Fame's Board of Directors, and winner of the Signature Sinfonian Award (Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia national award). Faculty members also include a former president of the Florida College Music Educators Association and the Association for Choral Music Education and a member of the editorial board of the Choral Journal. They conduct and/or perform with choirs, ensembles and orchestras across the country. The full-time faculty members in Music Education and their specialties are:

• Bobby L. Adams, Ph.D., Florida State University; symphonic band music
• Ann R. Small, Ph.D, Florida State University; choral teacher education

Grant-funded research

Music education majors have the opportunity to conduct research and present their work at Stetson Showcase during the spring semester. Students are also encouraged to take part in the Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience (S.U.R.E.). Each year undergraduate scholars are selected in a university-wide competition for grants to work with a faculty mentor on a summer research project.

Undergraduate awards and honors

Each year two music education students are named as Outstanding Music Educators based upon their performance during internship. Many are inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the national honorary music fraternity. It is not uncommon for music education majors to win competitions at the National Association of Teachers of Singing and to obtain major roles in the Stetson University opera productions.

Beyond the Classroom

Internships

Our students complete junior field experiences and internships at area elementary, middle and high schools.

After Stetson

Diverse careers

Stetson University graduates who hold a music education degree have an excellent job placement rate. Many also go on to do graduate study. Our alumni have studied at Western Michigan University, University of Oklahoma, New England Conservatory, Cincinnati Conservatory, Westminster Choir College and the University of Toronto, among others.

Music Education graduates pursue careers in teaching, performing and conducting. Some are singing or playing professionally. Students who have also undertaken business studies at Stetson University often enter the business world in music-related fields.