Message from the Director

The Master of Arts in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas is a 33-credit degree program designed for professional music educators who wish to strengthen their classroom teaching effectiveness by combining theoretical and applied study in a graduate program. Designed by teachers for teachers, our M.A. Degree is a stimulating alternative to traditional graduate study. Internationally recognized educators and musicians-many of whom teach in elementary and secondary schools-serve as faculty for this graduate program. Our work encourages a continual process of music education reform. We initiate programs that address practitioners' musical, intellectual, and professional needs. We value classroom practice, theory, and research equally in our quest to imporve the quality of music education.

Artistry in teaching is an important outcome of the University of St. Thomas' theoretical and practical course of study. Teacher/artists are masters of their subject and possess a broad perspective of the cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts of their discipline. They practice their musicianship and maintain high performance standards, using excellent materials. Teacher/artists understand current educational practice and adeptly combine rigorous, theoretical scholarship with practical training. In their constant quest to refresh their outlooks and expand their capabilities, teacher/artists are lifelong learners. These tenets and this spirit form the core of the Master of Arts in Music Education degree at the University of St. Thomas.

The unique Master of Arts in Music Education degree program at St. Thomas is designed to:

• offer a broad range of theoretical courses and practical training in contemporary music pedagogy;
• provide opportunities for students to place music education in a broad cultural and historical context; and
• raise the standard of music teaching in the United States by promoting artistic, intelligent, reflective, and inspired music teaching at all levels of music instruction.

The St. Thomas M.A. degree program provides for intense and thorough study in six areas of concentration within the context of the degree program: Choral, Instrumental, Kodály, Orff Schulwerk, Dalcroze, and Piano Pedagogy. Each course of study affords a fresh opportunity to meet a wide range of musical, intellectual, and professional objectives. The emphasis on summer study, with its healthy mix of local, national, and international graduate students, provides a stimulating learning environment. Core courses, required for all students, present opportunities to gain a wide perspective on and appreciation for the shared commitment of music education professionals at all levels. Students in the Kodály and Orff concentrations earn certificates endorsed by the respective national organizations - the Organization of American Kodály Educators and the American Orff Schulwerk Association - as part of their degree programs.

The faculty, staff, and students in our M.A. program welcome your interest in St. Thomas' Master of Arts in Music Education. I hope you will join this lively community of talented and committed teacher/artists, and become a part of the St. Thomas tradition of excellence and inspiration.

Dr. Jill Trinka,
Director

What Our Students Say

"My musicianship, educational philosophy, and teaching strategies were enhanced and altered at GPME. I felt encouraged, challenged, and inspired throughout the program. I found instructors exceptional, course content pertinent, and classmates professionally engaging. GPME at UST is the program for music educators who desire a powerful impact on their teaching and musicianship."

- Janet Cruse, Hillcrest Community School
Bloomington, MN