A music professor and student at the piano
The School of Music educates prospective teachers through a program that fosters professional competence as well as personal growth. You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of contemporary trends in music education and to refine your skills through student teaching and observation, research, and interaction with leaders in the field.
Both the M.M. and M.S. degrees lead to permanent certification in New York State and in all other states that accept this certification. Please note that all applicants must have completed the requirements for initial New York State certification, including successful practice teaching in music, or the equivalent requirements for another state.
Both programs are offered during the academic year and as a special summer-only study option. In the latter option you can complete the majority of your coursework during three or four summer sessions.
Note that the M.S. degree requires six credits of graduate work outside of music. These credits must be transferred from another graduate institution, as Ithaca College does not offer general graduate course credits through its other professional schools. In addition, the final oral examination for both music education programs includes a teaching demonstration and submission of a process portfolio created during your coursework.
The Suzuki emphasis is open to candidates whose major performance area is either violin or viola. This degree program is designed to give you the option of a professional teaching certificate as well as the expertise provided by the Suzuki performance/teaching track. As a graduate of this program you will likely teach in a public school or private Suzuki school or studio. There is a two-year residence requirement, and you must attend a teacher training institute during the summer between the two years of residency.