Dalcroze

The St. Thomas Dalcroze Certificate Program is the only three-level Dalcroze program of its kind in the Midwest. The curriculum features high quality education in eurhythmics, solfege and improvisation, and materials and methods-all of which are highlighted in three one-credit courses per level of study. Dalcroze study at St. Thomas introduces students to music education that trains the body in rhythm and dynamics, trains the ear, eye and voice in pitch, melody and harmony, and combines eurhythmics and solfege according to the students' own invention, while providing application tools for classroom and studio. Visit The Dalcroze Society of America Web site to learn about their national conferences and chapter workshops.

Kodály

The Kodály Institute at St. Thomas offers a certificate program endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE). Coursework provides high quality, intensive studies in: musicianship, conducting and ensemble to enable personal growth in musicianship; materials, analysis, classification and retrieval systems to assist students in gathering and systematizing repertoire for their personal teaching situations; and curriculum, pedagogy and instructional techniques to further students' understanding of and practical experience in designing spiral curricula for literacy-based music education programs using inquiry-based teaching techniques. Kodály study at St. Thomas introduces students to music education that emphasizes musical knowledge and understanding through sequential skill development. The national standards for music are addressed through an approach that develops the musician-educator. The development of musical and pedagogical skills occurs in an atmosphere of joyful and systematic exploration in a Kodály-inspired approach to music education. Visit the OAKE website for information about membership on national conferences, or Kodály Chapter of Minnesota or your local chapter's Web site to learn more about workshops throughout the year.

Orff Schulwerk

For nearly 40 years the St. Thomas Orff Schulwerk Certificate program has been a model of innovation for Orff certification courses offered in the United States. The St. Thomas Orff curriculum features education in subjects required by the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA): technique and improvisation, analysis and arranging, pedagogy, movement, and recorder - all of which are highlighted in individual classes and integrated through literature study. A distinctive feature of the St. Thomas program is the opportunity for students to engage in practical application of ensemble work in a daily pedagogy hour at each level of study. Orff Schulwerk study at St. Thomas introduces students to music education that emphasizes skill development and musical understanding through creative participation in open-ended activities. The national standards for music are addressed through an approach that develops the body, ear and mind in a variety of collective music-making processes. The development of musical and pedagogical skills occurs in an atmosphere of joyful exploration in an Orff Schulwerk approach to music education. For information about membership and national conferences, visit Minnesota Orff or your local chapter's Web site to learn more about workshops throughout the year.

Piano Pedagogy

The Certificate in Piano Pedagogy is offered by The Music Institute for Piano Pedagogy. This certificate program is designed for teachers and those wishing to enter the profession who would like to formally pursue studies in piano pedagogy, but who do not wish to attain a graduate degree. Certificate students who wish to receive academic credit may do so by enrolling through the Graduate Programs in Music Education as a nondegree-seeking student, providing they have an undergraduate degree in music or music education.