Music Education

At Truman, students following their dream to pursue a teaching career first complete a Bachelor of Arts [BA] in Music degree considered to be the preparatory track for the fifth year Master of Arts in Education [MAE] degree. The BA provides four emphasis options: vocal, instrumental, piano, and composition. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music [NASM], courses provide a rigorous program including methods and techniques of teaching music, music theory, conducting, music history/literature, and field experience in teaching. Students study privately with well-known artist/teachers, many of whom have had substantial teaching experience in the public schools and continue to interact with pre-college vocal and instrumental students throughout the country as soloists, conductors, and clinicians. The BA is traditionally completed in four years including additional summer work.

After completing the BA degree, students apply for admission to the MAE.

MAE Admission Criteria

• Graduate Record Exam scores
• Personal interview
• Grade point average
• Letters of recommendation
• Completion of bachelor's degree
  

Degree Accreditation

The MAE, like the BA degree, is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education [NCATE], and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [DESE]. It includes graduate course work in the areas of Music, Education, and Music Education. The degree provides K-12 certification and normally takes a full academic year plus two summers to complete. Throughout, the program aims at developing highly competent, dedicated teacher/directors who are thoughtful, reflective professionals. Student interns complete a full semester internship under the guidance and supervision of both an excellent mentor in the field, and visiting professor from Truman.

Post Graduation Placement

Truman has a 100 percent placement rate of MAE music graduates in teaching positions throughout the Midwest, in many cases competing with seasoned veteran educators. Often interns are offered positions before completing the internship. Earning the MAE degree greatly reduces or eliminates much of the professional development required to be re-certified in Missouri and other states after entering the profession.

As Director of the Music MAE program, Dr. Thomas Trimborn is the designated visiting professor assigned to supervise interns during their full semester internships. Placement is determined based on the needs of the student, generally within a radius of 200 miles from the Truman campus-in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas.  For more information visit: www.angelfire.com/music6/trimborn/

Truman State University views the place of music in today and tomorrow's school curricula as being both unique as an art form, and vitally important as a basic enrichment of the total range of academic studies.

The Music MAE approaches effective teaching as both a science and an art. The result is that special conductor/educator - the one remembered best, across the miles, across the years.