Music — Jazz Studies

The music education option allows musicians interested in teaching to develop their teaching skills while becoming state-certified in music (K-12). Students who are already certified and seeking a master’s degree will work with their academic advisor to create an individualized program of study that meets their needs as an in-service teacher.

Practicing music teachers work in a wide and ever–expanding variety of contexts: elementary classroom music; secondary general music classes that might include music technology, keyboard, guitar, music theory, music history, and interdisciplinary collaborations; and an evolving array of large and small ensembles including choral, wind band, string, jazz, gospel, rock, and other groups. The ways of doing “school music” we’ve experienced are often no longer sufficient on their own to reach many of today’s students.

Candidates for the master’s degree are urged through individualized advisement to build on their prior musical training by acquiring the pedagogical skills necessary to teach in the combination of contexts best matched to their aspirations, interests, and musical expertise.

Coursework in music education is grounded in faculty members’ years of experience as successful music teachers working in urban, suburban, and rural contexts. Our faculty is regularly invited to give clinics and workshops on innovative practices and to present research at music education conferences in Connecticut and nationally.

The University of Bridgeport has a long tradition (since 1947) of training excellent music educators, and graduates of this program continue to distinguish themselves as practicing teachers throughout the state and region.

Program Goals

The passionate, professional educator is:

Knowledgeable about subject matter

Committed to inquiry

Responsive to diversity

Learning Outcomes

Candidates for certification in music will be able to:

Plan and deliver effective lessons shaped by State standards and guidelines, as assessed via the widely-used Danielson rubric

Demonstrate the musical knowledge and skills necessary for teaching music, as assessed by the state-required PRAXIS II Music: Content & Instruction examination

Develop a specialization in two teaching areas, including elementary classroom music, chorus, band, strings, jazz, music theory, keyboard, guitar, music technology, and secondary general music

Utilize appropriate approaches, materials, and methods for teaching music in both elementary and secondary school settings

Provide differentiated music learning experiences to suit the needs of a wide variety of learners, including students with special needs

Admission Requirements

Applicants to our music education option come to us with widely varying professional, personal, and educational backgrounds, including degrees earned at a variety of colleges, conservatories, and universities. The age of our candidates ranges significantly, and we have found that they approach teaching music with a seriousness of purpose that is often inspirational. For specific admission requirements, please refer to the basic graduate requirements.

Bachelor’s degree , or its equivalent , from a regionally accredited university or recognized international institution ; a m aster’s d egree from a regionally accredited university is required for the 6 th year program U ndergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2. 6 7 or higher (A GPA of 3.0 or higher will likely be required beginning for Fall 2013 applicants)

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course