Instrumental Concentration

The Master of Arts degree with a concentration in instrumental music education features a broad range of theoretical courses balanced by requirements that apply to instrumental directors' work with elementary, middle, and high school instrumental ensembles. Unique to this program is its emphasis on practical application in graduate study as well as cooperation among classroom, vocal, and instrumental music educators to produce superior music education in our schools. Informed, practical pedagogy is the cornerstone of this concentration.

In this program, students will:

• sharpen conducting and rehearsal skills necessary for efficient instrumental artistry;
• gain insights into historical and contemporary instrumental literature through analytical study;
• improve musical competency;
• broaden understanding of music history, theory, and literature;
• gain pedagogical insights into instrumental pedagogy, sight-reading/musicianship and instrumental music learning for ensembles of all ages and ability levels;
• discover new applications for existing expertise; and
• emphasize the commonality of the goals and techniques shared by music educators at all levels.

Instrumental Core courses

Students are required to take the following 16 semester credits and write a thesis.

GMUS 601 Teaching and Learning (3 cr.)

GMUS 608 Foundations of Music Education (3 cr.)

Offered every spring and fall as an on-line course.

GMUS 611 Perspectives in Music Theory (3 cr.)

GMUS 612 Topics in Music History, Literature and Theory (3 cr.)

GMUS 750 Musicianship and Ensemble (1 cr.)

GMUS 875 Introduction to Thesis Writing (3 cr.)

GMUS 876 Directed Research (0 cr.)

To be scheduled with thesis advisor.

GMUS 890 Thesis (1 cr.)

To be scheduled with thesis advisor. 

Instrumental Field of Concentration Courses

Students take 11 required credits in the instrumental field of concentration and five elective credits. Through the required concentration courses, students expand and refine the information needed to work successfully with instrumentalists of all ages. Elective courses offer students opportunities to further define and hone the breadth and depth of their expertise.

Required Instrumental Courses (11 cr.)

GMUS 570-592 Applied Performance Studies (2 cr. as specified below):

• Private study; 12, 30-minute lessons on the major instrument, arranged with the instructor and determined in consultation with the director. (1 credit)
• Private study; 12, 30-minute lessons on a secondary instrument, arranged with the instructor and determined in consultation with the director. (1 credit) 

GMUS 665 Instrumental Musicianship Pedagogy (3 cr.)

GMUS 687 Advanced Instrumental Score Study and Literature (3 cr.)

GMUS 690 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (3 cr.)

Prerequisite: GMUS 687.

Recommended Instrumental Elective Courses (5 cr.)

GMUS 544-xx Topics and Instrumental Music Education (1 cr.)

GMUS 557 Marching Band Techniques (1 cr.)

GMUS 558 Solo and Small Ensemble and Solo Literature (1 cr.)

GMUS 651 Dalcroze Musicianship (3 cr.)

GMUS 661 Exploring Music Technology (3 cr.)

GMUS 664 Jazz Pedagogy (3 cr.)

GMUS 671 African Music Ensemble (2 cr.)