About
All music education majors at Calvin College receive a Michigan certification allowing them to teach music in grades K-12. This certification may also transfer to other states depending on their requirements. Within the music education curriculum, students choose to follow either vocal or instrumental track, depending on their career goals and previous experience. Because of the number of courses required in the program, music education majors are not required to pursue a minor.
Both vocal and instrumental majors prepare to direct performance ensembles and teach general music at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. All prospective music education majors should have strong performance skills and the ability to read music fluently. In addition to course work in music theory, history, and pedagogy, all students perform every semester in at least one faculty-lead ensemble and take applied lessons in voice or an instrument.
Practical training
All music education majors take a methods course (MUSC 239, 339 and 359) that integrate theory with practice, and engage in a number of hands-on teaching experiences in area schools. Students also take special classes in conducting, vocal or instruemental literature, and pedagogy. The apex of the music education program is the student teaching semester, during which time students spend seven weeks each with two specially chosen music teachers under the close supervision of the music education professor of the college.
Should you become a music teacher?
God often speaks through gifts that he has given you. If you love music and people and have some skill and understanding with music, you should carefully consider this option. Other traits that contribute to successful music teaching are a desire to serve others, a willingness to continue learning, and a determination to bring the best musical results from the children you teach.
Will you be able to find a job?
Our graduates usually have several job opportunities offered them. Others find that they easily transfer their music education training to other employment areas.
How does Calvin try to live out its Christianity in music education?
We continue to seek the best possible answer to that question. You might get some idea of that search from reading the summary of a talk which Dale Topp, Professor of Music Education Emeritus at Calvin, gave to a gathering of music education students.
Example Course Sequence
Descriptions of each course and the most up-to-date requirements can be found in the College Catalog.
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