Music Education Curriculum
The music education curriculum is a balance of applied study, music history, theory and ear training, ensembles, and pedagogical exploration. Music education majors study privately with one of our accomplished private studio teachers. Private study culminates with the presentation of a recital in the senior year.
The music history, theory and ear training curriculum prepares students to have an extensive and well-rounded understanding of music. Students study major concepts of music and develop the aural skills necessary to effectively teach music over the duration of the music teacher education program.
We offer an extensive array of ensemble opportunities including concert choir, community chorus, camerata, jazz band, concert band, orchestra, and small ensembles. Students in ensembles enrich their understanding and develop the skills necessary to lead other students to high standards of musicianship. During the senior year, students are offered extensive opportunities to conduct and lead these ensembles.
Finally, the music education degree program provides extensive opportunities to develop pedagogical expertise. Students take coursework that is aligned with sequential field experiences that develop a thorough understanding of the classroom. Students at Elizabethtown College study learning theories, philosophy, general and specialized methodologies, classroom management, school law, and conducting among many other aspects. Instruction in these areas is aligned with sequential experiences that allow students to test and develop ideas and skills in the preschool, elementary, secondary choral, and secondary instrumental environments. At the cumulative student teaching experience, students engage in two 8-week experiences at the elementary and secondary levels.