BACHELOR OF ARTS
MUSIC (NON-SPECIFIED)

Mission Statement

The Division of Fine Arts is committed to educating students to be thoughtful, productive, engaged, and responsible citizens, and to expand the spectrum of humanity through music by preparing teachers skilled in this art. The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education (non-specified) is designed to prepare teacher candidates to teach music education. (GSC Operating Principles 1, 5, 6, and 8)

Goals

A graduate of this program will be:

• Certified to teach music education content in West Virginia schools while meeting the West Virginia Department of Education content standards objectives.
• Able to obtain licensure in the many states with whom we have reciprocity.
• Able to enter and succeed in graduate school while pursuing an advanced degree.

Objectives

A graduate of this program will:

1. Understand the developmental levels of the learner so that appropriate techniques and methodology can be used to teach in the most effective manner possible.
2. Apply highly developed skills in the areas of planning, instruction, classroom management, and evaluation based on research and best practice.
3. Work effectively with others including colleagues, administrators, students, and parents fostering civility and integrity.
4. Develop necessary leadership skills for successful community service and participation.
5. Demonstrate fluency in communication skills and the educational uses of technology.
6. Allow for individual differences and tolerance, encouraging students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers in a global society.
7. Develop and employ problem-solving techniques and reflective practices in order to make fair and responsible educational decisions.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of music theory and history and its application to teaching music in the classroom.
9. Demonstrate a high level of competency in music performance.
10. Demonstrate a sound foundation of understanding in the liberal arts and mastery of content in the field of music education and professional teaching and learning.
11. Demonstrate a high level of competency in pedagogical skills for beginning voice, piano, woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments combining traditional methodologies with innovative techniques.