Music Education
MED workshops involve elementary instruction and pedagogy of the instrument or instruments in their respective families. Each workshop is a full semester and is offered every semester (except woodwind).
MED 100 Voice 1 SH
MED 102 Woodwind: Single Reed 1 SH
MED 103 Brass Workshop 1 SH
MED 104 World Music in the Classroom 1 SH
This workshop focuses on authentic music from a variety of cultures, appropriate for use in elementary and middle school settings. Students will learn game-songs, dances, and recreational/social songs and rhythms, as well as accompaniments using traditional instruments. Competency: Intercultural (IC).
MED 105 String Workshop 1 SH
MED 106 Guitar and Ukulele Workshop 1 SH
Guitar and Ukulele Workshop provides prospective music educators the ability to make use of the guitar and ukulele as teaching tools as well as facilitate a class in guitar and/or ukulele instruction. The course will emphasize chordal accompaniment skills, improvisation, ensemble playing, arranging, integration of technology, and lesson planning for guitar and ukulele class.
MED 108 Woodwind: Double Reed 1 SH
MED 110 Percussion 1 SH
MED 114 Guitar and Ukulele Workshop 1 SH
Guitar and Ukulele Workshop provides prospective music educators the ability to make use of the guitar and ukulele as teaching tools as well as facilitate a class in guitar and/or ukulele instruction. The course will emphasize chordal accompaniment skills, improvisation, ensemble playing, arranging, integration of technology, and lesson planning for guitar and ukulele class. Prerequisite: Enrolled as undergraduate BA, BM, or BS-Music Education major.
MED 125, 126 Keyboard Competency I & II 0.5 SH each semester
Freshman level requirement.
MED 206 Introduction to Music Education 2 SH
For prospective teachers of music, this course covers the history of and present status of music in the schools, examining qualifications of music teachers, state and national music standards, and certification requirements. First-year students will begin exploring aspects of music pedagogy and will observe master teachers in the schools.
MED 225, 226 Keyboard Competency III & IV 0.5 SH each semester
Sophomore level requirement.
MED 303 Elementary Music Methods (Grades K–6) 3 SH
This course is designed to acquaint students with the field of elementary music education and to provide them with materials, procedures and techniques in music necessary to function in that setting. The relationship between content and method and the developmental characteristics of the learner will be stressed. Prerequisite: Students must meet entrance requirements for admission to professional music ed. program. Competency: Oral Communication (OC).
MED 304 Elementary Professional Development School Experience 0.5 SH
During the Music Education Professional Program, students who enroll in MED 303 Elementary Music Methods (spring semester) will complete a five-day professional development school experience during spring break or in May. Field placements will be in the Bethel or Danbury professional development schools. Music students will work under the direction of Bethel/Danbury public school music teachers and receive supervision from WCSU Department of Music faculty members. Students will apply what they are learning in professional program music methods courses. Corequisite: Enrollment in the Music Education Professional Program.
MED 316 Arranging 2 SH
A one-semester course designed to equip prospective music teachers with arranging skills to meet the needs and ability levels of school performing groups and classroom situations. Required of all music education majors. Prerequisite: MUS 209 and 211.
MED 320 Student Teaching 11 SH
Each student spends a full semester (70 contact days) observing and teaching in elementary and secondary schools with trained cooperating teachers under the supervision of music education university faculty. The semester is divided into two different placements covering general music and performance areas. Student teaching is full time for one semester. Prerequisite: Completion of all levels of theory, piano and professional courses. See Music Department requirements for assignment to student teaching. Competency: Culminating Experience (CE).
MED/ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies 1 SH
Designed to assist teacher education candidates prepare for the Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) Program assessment standards, this course supports CSDE documents relevant to the education of Elementary, Health, Music, and Secondary Education educators: (1) Connecticut’s Common Core of Teaching [CCCT], including Discipline Based Professional Teaching Standards, (2) the CSDE Student Teacher Evaluation Instrument, based on the CCCT; and (3) the CSDE’s BEST portfolio licensure requirements for Beginning Teachers [BTs], requiring knowledge of the CCCT and Discipline Based Professional Teaching Standards. INTASC principles and the CSDE Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers also will be examined. Candidates learn how CSE standards for K-12 grade students’ performance levels interface with teaching standards by applying the following documents in their field preparation: (1) Connecticut’s Common Core of Learning [CCCL], focused on improving student achievement across the content and skill areas; and, (2) the CSDE’s Curriculum Frameworks for grades K-12. Prerequisite: Admission to the professional program. Corequisite: student teaching. Competency: Writing Intensive Tier 3 (W3).
MED 353 Secondary Music Methods (Grades 7–12) 3 SH
This course deals with middle school and senior high school music curricula: general music class, choral and instrumental ensembles, techniques, problems, literature and performance. Prerequisite: MED 303.
MED 354 Secondary Professional Development School Experience 0.5 SH
During the Music Education Professional Program, students who enroll in MED 354 Secondary Music Methods (fall semester) will complete a five-day professional development school experience in December or January. Field placements will be in the Bethel or Danbury professional development schools. Music students will work under the direction of Bethel/Danbury public school music teachers and receive supervision from the WCSU Department of Music faculty members. Students will apply what they are learning in professional program music methods courses, demonstrating readiness for student teaching. Corequisite: Enrollment in the Music Education Professional Program.
MED 380 Music for the Elementary Classroom Teacher 3 SH
Techniques and materials with which the non-music education major may provide musical experience for children in the elementary classroom. Prerequisite: Admission to elementary education. Spring semester.