Apr. 19 , 2007

New music education major at MC
Amelia Bitely
arb001@marietta.edu

It’s often been said that good things don’t necessarily go together well—as evinced by the spectacular failure of the chocolate tuna fish sandwich.

On the other hand, though, Marietta College has recently approved a program which combines two different areas into far more than the sum of their parts—the new undergraduate music education program represents more than just a mishmash of music and education.

At a time when the United States faces an increasing shortage of music teachers on the pre-kindergarten through young adult level, Marietta College seeks to prepare students to step into this unique role.

“Historically, music education in the U.S. has been delivered primarily through performance. As a result, music teachers require specialized pedagogical training,” said Dr. Daniel Monek, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities and Chairman of the Edward E. MacTaggart Department of Music at Marietta College.

“A Music Education major is (preparing to be) specifically certified and trained in music education—it’s actually part of the licensure for the state,” agrees prospective music education major Chris Semon.

Because of these special needs, Music Education majors require a broad range of courses. Marietta College Music Education students will take at least 100 credits of music, music education, education and psychology courses.

Students will require special courses in teaching with technology, vocal or instrumental pedagogy, and working with diverse learners, as well as Psychology 101.

Although the prospect seems daunting for students who prefer their schoolwork to be easy, Dr. Monek explains that part of the reason for the creation of this program was that “the music, education, and admissions departments have received numerous inquiries from prospective students wishing to major in music education” since 2000. Students who intend to pursue this degree also seem enthusiastic about entering the program.

“It’s going to be a very heavy course load,” admits sophomore Nick Geibel, who was originally a Physics major. “I’m not going to finish in four years. I’ll be here at least one extra year, maybe one and a half. But in my opinion, it’s worth the extra time, because I’m going to get out of here with a really excellent degree in something that I really enjoy. Maybe [my students] will pick up the same excitement for music that I have.”

Semon agrees with this positive approach. “It’s a love of music … it’s a desire to introduce and educate others about something that I’m passionate about, helping someone love it as much as I do.”

The Music Education program has a history at Marietta College; until 2000, Marietta offered a program for future music teachers in which they pursued both a BA in music and education courses, which would eventually lead to licensure in Music.

However, the program was then suspended due to inadequate staffing. Now, with a more codified and specialized curriculum (as well as a new faculty position in the Music Department), the college feels prepared to open this avenue for study once again.

The Music Department will also be introducing a Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. This certificate will allow students pursuing either a minor in music or a degree in music, musical theatre, or music education to develop the skills necessary to begin teaching applied voice lessons and allow for supervised experience working in a music preparatory program.