Music Theory Pedagogy (Graduate Certificate)
Music Theory, Pedagogy, music, teaching, theory
Strengthen your skills as an instructor while you build a strong foundation in the practices and possibilities of music. Gain valuable professional development experience before you enter the job market.
This certificate in music theory pedagogy offers specialized study in music theory to help prepare students to teach undergraduate courses in fundamentals, harmony, musicianship and basic form analysis. Completion of this certificate indicates that the student is prepared to offer instruction in basic music theory at the college level.
The certificate is intended to be pursued concurrently with enrollment in a master's degree program or doctoral degree program in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Electives are selected with advisor approval from MTC courses in analytical topics. Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
MTC 525 Pedagogy of Theory (3)
MTC 584 Internship (3)
Completion of diagnostic examinations in musicology and music theory administered by the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is required of all new graduate music students before they enroll in any graduate academic courses toward the certificate program.
Students who are interested in this certificate should email the academic unit to express their interest before they submit an official application.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree in music or music education from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution officially recognized by that country. Other majors may be considered if applicants submit transcripts showing formal study in music theory and musicianship that is at least equivalent to what is required of ASU's undergraduate music majors (MHL 140, MHL 341 and MHL 342, MTC 125, MTC 221, MTC 222, and MTC 223). The music theory faculty review transcripts for equivalency. In some cases, course descriptions or syllabi are required to verify equivalency.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in any applicable graduate work.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- samples of work
- statement of interest
- proof of English language proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program before they can be considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
Official transcripts must show a completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country. Also, if applicable, transcripts showing all coursework in music at the graduate level are required. The committee supervising this certificate program considers an applicant's undergraduate record (and graduate record if appropriate) in music theory, evaluating courses taken and grades received. A minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses is required. International students applying to this certificate must also be in a degree program at ASU.
Applicants must submit a statement of interest offering reasons for applying to the certificate program and describing their experience and coursework in music theory. The statement should also indicate the applicant's level of piano proficiency (a necessary classroom skill) through a description of their study and their experience in keyboard performance.
Applicants also are asked to show proficiency in music theory by submitting samples of work, such as analytical papers and examples of music writing (harmonic part-writing or counterpoint exercises).
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Design appropriate instructional activities for basic music theory at the college level.
- Assess one's own pedagogy skills through an internship experience.
A certificate in music theory pedagogy can help students enhance the marketable skills they acquire in their major program and help them develop new skills apart from it, though most career areas do require more training than a certificate alone can provide.
Career examples include:
- arts administrator
- performing musician
- public or community school teacher
- university professor
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.