Graduate Certificate in Music Teaching

Learn to teach music in public or private pre-K through 12 school settings with the Graduate Certificate in Music Teaching in Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Designed for students who completed an undergraduate degree in music, the 25-credit Music Teaching Certificate program offers a pathway to engage in current pre-K through 12th grade music learning and teaching practices while forming the credentials required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to earn a Level I pre-K–12 Music Instructional Certificate.

Spend one full semester student teaching and gain the experience to 

• accommodate different learning styles;
• create safe learning spaces;

• engage learners in culturally responsive music activities, including connecting music and music learning to every day life, and improvising, creating and performing music; and

• guide students’ music learning and development and share outcomes of their progress.

Up to nine hours from specific courses in the Music Teaching Graduate Certificate program can be applied towards the Master of Music in Music Education if the application is submitted within two semesters of certificate matriculation. 

Program Format & Curriculum

The Music Teaching Graduate Certificate program can be completed in four semesters. Coursework for the program is held on Main Campus, with the exceptions of two courses offered online, and student teaching placements in elementary and secondary music settings.

Courses include observations and extern teaching in schools off campus apart from course time. One semester of full-time music student teaching allows students to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, and to be eligible for Temple University’s recommendation to the PDE for Level I pre-K–12 music certification. 

Tracks

At time of application, students choose the choral or instrumental track.

Courses specific to the choral track include the following.

• Inclusive Vocal Development
• School Choral Ensembles 
• Teaching Choral Music to Inclusive Populations 

Courses specific to the instrumental track include the following.

• Brass I
• Percussion
• Teaching Instrumental Music to Inclusive Populations

General courses for either the choral track or instrumental track include the following.

• Foundations of Language Teaching: Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners
• Music Learning and Development
• Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs

Requirements

Admitted students must

• carry a 3.0 GPA or higher; 
• file evidence annually of four clearances by required deadlines to engage in field, extern and student-teaching assignments; and 
• file evidence of passing scores on the Fundamental Content Knowledge and Music Content Knowledge Praxis exams. 

Careers

Graduates of this certificate program are prepared to teach music in both elementary and secondary school settings. You can also choose to further your education with a master’s or doctoral degree in a variety of music or teaching fields. Job options may include the following.

• Pre-K–12 general music teacher
• School or community music ensemble director