B.M. in Music Education (Birth to Grade 12)
Joint Program with the College of Education, Information and Technology
LIU Post is very pleased to announce that we will once again be admitting students into our Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education degree starting this spring (2023). Our revised music education curriculum is now infused with much greater training in Music Technology – including a four-course sequence covering digital music production, digital audio editing, sequencing, recording/sampling, mixing, hands-on work with advanced notation software, and a course dedicated to the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Our 21st Century Music Technology and Keyboard Labs are outfitted with the latest iMac computers, audio interfaces, M-Audio Oxygen Keyboard Controllers, and Korg Stage Vintage Pianos. Students will have hands-on experiences with Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Finale 27, and Kontakt Komplete. This will allow our graduates to expertly integrate the computer and related technologies into their teacher’s toolbox, creating a new dynamic learning environment in their classroom and rehearsal room. Additional curricular content has been added to include Urban and Inclusive Teaching Practices, which will support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Outstanding in-depth training will continue in Musicianship (Performance, Composition and Aural Skills), Western and World Music History, Music Teaching Methods, Piano Skills, and practical strategies for Teaching Music to Special Learners.
Music teachers combine a love of music with a love of teaching. By highlighting performance, the Bachelor of Music in Music Education recognizes that teachers teach by example as well as classroom instruction.
As a student in this 120-credit program, you will work with faculty members who are highly experienced music education scholars and active musicians with flourishing professional careers and extensive networking connections in the music world. In addition, you will have access to workshops and master classes conducted by high-profile musical artists from New York City and around the world. Music majors also perform on national and international tours organized and led by their professors. You also will have the opportunity to participate in many ensembles, including groups that specialize in contemporary, traditional, and early music styles.
The B.M. in Music Education program provides a strong foundation in musicianship, excellence in performance, and research-based pedagogical practice. Field-based experiences promote music teaching and learning in real life situations and prepare students for New York State Initial Teaching Certification. The award-winning LIU Post collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (CNAfME) provides diverse teaching and learning opportunities for pre-service teachers including those that reach persons with special needs as well as Pre-K and aging populations.
Along with a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum and a core of courses in music history and theory and general classroom teaching, the program includes 12 credits of applied music: one-to-one lessons in your instrument or voice. All students give a recital in the first semester of their senior year, followed by a semester of supervised student-teaching.
As a music teacher you will make an important difference in the lives of your students. While introducing young people to the joys of singing, playing and listening to music, you will be contributing to their cognitive development, fine-motor competence, cultural awareness and literacy skills.
Qualities that Set Our Program Apart
- You will work with some of the most talented and successful musicians and teachers in the New York metro area. Our faculty members are active musicians and teachers, and they represent some of the most cutting-edge and high profile people in the profession. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Our proximity to New York City and connection to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post will give you direct access to a wide variety of outstanding professional music-making in the form of concerts, workshops, master classes and collaborative projects. Recent musical artists who have worked with our students include: the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Chanticleer Choral Ensemble, Shanghai String Quartet, Bobby McFerrin, United States "President's Own" Marine Band, New York Voices, United States Air Force Band, guitarist David Leisner, flutist Sir James Galway, jazz artist Paquito D'Rivera, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
- You will develop your real-world teaching and networking skills through PreK-16 partnerships with local schools and community music programs.
- You will have an opportunity to make music as a soloist, chamber musician and large ensemble member both on campus, and as part of our domestic and international touring program.
- Music majors can become members of the Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education (CNAfME), which promotes excellence in music teaching and learning through its outreach programs, national and international guest speakers, and conference participation.
- As a graduate of our Music Education Program you will be a competent, qualified and caring music educator, fully prepared to seek and obtain a music teaching position.
For admission to the Bachelor of Music in Music Education program, evidence of prior music training experience and suitable music aptitude are expected. Auditions and placement exams are required for all programs. Deficiencies discovered through the placement exams may require remedial coursework. Acceptance into the music program is also contingent upon acceptance to the LIU Post. See the Freshman (www.liu.edu/post/freshman) or Transfer (www.liu.edu/post/transfer) admissions websites for more information.
Auditions for Admission
Please see the Music Auditions page for how to schedule an audition and audition requirements.
Program Curriculum
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Musicianship and Performance (39 credits) | ||
| MUS 107A | Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony I | 3 |
| MUS 107B | Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony II | 3 |
| MUS 107C | Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony III | 3 |
| MUS 108A | Aural Skills I | 3 |
| MUS 108B | Aural Skills II | 3 |
| MUS 108C | Aural Skills III | 3 |
| MUS 109 | Arranging/Orchestration/Analysis | 2 |
| MUS 11 | Introduction to Music Literature | 3 |
| MUS 46 | Introduction to World Music | (Core) |
| MUS 20 | Conducting I | 2 |
| MUS 40 | Conducting II | 2 |
| Studio Lessons (on major instrument/voice) | 8 | |
| Major Ensemble (MUS 5 or 6 or 7) (x8 @ .5cr/ea) | 4 | |
| MUS 151 | Senior Recital | 0 |
| MUS 4 | Convocation (every semester except student teaching) | 0 |
| Music Education (22 credits) | ||
| MUS 15 | Introduction to Music Education | 1 |
| MUS 17A | Elementary General Music Methods | 3 |
| One course from the following two: | 3 | |
| MUS 17C | Secondary Choral Music Methods | |
| MUS 17D | Instrumental Music Methods | |
| MUS 17F | Technology and Music Education | 2 |
| MUS 17G | Urban and Inclusive Music Teaching Practices | 3 |
| MUS 18A | Piano for Music Teachers | 1 |
| MUS 19A | Brass Methods | 1 |
| MUS 19B | String Methods | 1 |
| MUS 19C | Woodwind Methods | 1 |
| MUS 19D | Percussion Methods | 1 |
| MUS 19E | Vocal Methods | 2 |
| EDS 44G | Music Foundations for Teaching Special Learners | 3 |
| Music Technology (12 credits) | ||
| MUS 14A | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
| MUS14B | Sequencing and Production | 3 |
| MUS 14C | Music Notation Software | 3 |
| MUS 214D | Digital Audio Workstation | 3 |
| Professional Education (15 credits) | ||
| EDI 14 | Historical, Philosophical and Sociological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDI 19 | Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education | 3 |
| EDS 60 | Literacy Development: Birth – Grade 6 | 3 |
| PSY 98 | Psychological Perspectives: Teaching and Learning | (Core) |
| EDI 38G | Supervised Student Teaching in Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) | 6 |
Core Courses (32 credits)
| Core Cluster | Credits |
| First Year Seminar (recommended: CGPH 26 – Web Design for Everyone) | 3 |
| Post 101 | 1 |
| First Year Writing (ENG 1/ENG 2 or ENG 303/ENG 304 - Honors) | 6 |
| Scientific Inquiry and the Natural World | 4 |
| Creativity, Media, and the Arts | 3 |
| Perspectives on World Cultures (required: MUS 46 – Introduction to World Music) | 3 |
| Self, Society, and Ethics (required: PSY 98 – Psychological Perspectives: Teaching and Learning) | 3 |
| Power, Institutions, and Structures | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| One Additional Course from any Cluster | 3 |
Seminars/Workshops (0 credits)
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| CATX 100 | Child Abuse Identification & Reporting | 0 |
| DASX 100 | Dignity in Schools Act | 0 |
| EDUX 100 | Project S.A.V.E. – Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act | 0 |
| EDUX 200 | Preventing Child Abduction; Safety Education; Fire & Arson | 0 |
| EDUX 300 | Preventing Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Substance Abuse | 0 |
| Credit Requirements | |
| Musicianship and Performance | 39 credits |
| Music Education | 22 credits |
| Music Technology | 12 credits |
| Professional Education | 15 credits |
| Core Courses | 32 credits |
| Seminars/Workshops | 0 credits |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 120 credits |
Courses
MUS 4 Music Convocation
This non-credit course brings all Music Majors together to observe and participate in artist presentations and master classes. Must be taken by all Music Majors every semester except for Music Education Majors in their senior year while they are student teaching.
Credits: 0.00
MUS 5 Chorus
Audition Required
Credits: 0.00
MUS 6 Wind Symphony
Audition Required
Credits: 1.00
MUS 7 Orchestra
Audition Required
Credits: 1.00
MUS 15 Introduction to Music Education
This course is an introduction to the philosophy and materials of music education.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 16P Vocal Pedagogy
This course offers an overview of the anatomy, physiology and learning processes associated with healthy singing.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 16T Marching Band Techniques
This course centers on the development and maintenance of public school marching band programs including program administration, budgeting, scheduling, school and community relationships, show design concepts and application, and visual instructional techniques.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 17A Elementary GEneral Music Methods
Course is an examination of the organization and operation of elementary general music programs. Students are required to participate in the Rompertunes Early Childhood Music Teaching and Learning Program. Classroom methods include: Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze, Gordon and Laban.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 17C Secondary Choral Music Methods
This course covers the organization and implementation of vocal music activities, programs and performing groups in grades 7 to 12. Methods and materials for vocal ensembles such as chorus, select choir, a cappella chorus and vocal jazz ensemble are included. Special attention is paid to rehearsal techniques, lesson planning and outcome assessment. A field-based experience that includes conducting is required.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 17D Instrumental Music Methods
This course covers the organization, administration and implementation of instrumental activities, programs and performing groups in grades 4 to 12. Methods and materials for instrumental ensembles, band, orchestra, wind and jazz ensembles, and marching bands are included. Special attention is paid to rehearsal techniques, lesson planning and outcome assessment. A field-based experience that includes conducting is required.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 17F Technology and Music Education
This course focuses on the applications of music technology in the classroom at the K-12 level and in performance.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 19A Brass Methods
This course focuses on the applications of music technology in the classroom at the K-12 level and in performance.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 19B String Methods
This course leads to a basic level of playing competence on string instruments. Diverse teaching and learning approaches are explored.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 19C Woodwind Methods
This course leads to a basic level of playing competence on woodwind instruments. Diverse teaching and learning approaches are explored.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 19D Percussion Methods
This course leads to a basic level of playing competence on percussion instruments. Diverse teaching and learning approaches are explored.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 19E Vocal Methods
This course leads to a basic level of singing competence. Diverse teaching and learning approaches are explored.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 20 Conducting I
This course covers the elements of conducting.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 21 Music in Western Civilization I
This course examines the characteristics and development of Western music from antiquity to the 17th century. This course fulfills the Perspectives on World Cultures thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 22 Music in Western Civilization II
This course examines the characteristics and development of 18th and 19th century Western music. This course fulfills the Perspectives on World Cultures thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 23 Music in Western Civilization III
This course examines the characteristics and development of contemporary art music. This course fulfills the Perspectives on World Cultures thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 35 Band Literature
This course is a detailed and comprehensive study of wind and percussion techniques, instructional practices, and administrative procedures that pertain to public school instrumental music problems. Suggested for third and fourth-year Music and Music Education majors only.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 36 String Literature
Course is a detailed and comprehensive study of string techniques, instructional practices and approaches that pertain to public school instrumental music programs. Suggested for third and fourth-year Music and Music Education majors only.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 37 Choral Literature
This course is a comprehensive study of materials, trends, and instructional procedures that pertain to school choral organizations. Suggested for third and fourth-year Music and Music Education majors only.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 40 Conducting II
This course is a continuation of Conducting I.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 46 Introduction to World Music
This course explores the music, cultures, and customs associated with various indigenous peoples from around the globe. Course materials examine musical styles and forms through lectures, discussions, and attendance at live performances. This course fulfills the Perspectives on World Cultures thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00
MUS 106A Basic Keyboard I
This course centers on the development of basic piano skills including fingerings, hand and body posture, scales, arpeggios, triads, progressions, beginner musical selections, and technical exercises.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 106B Basic Keyboard II
This course is a continuation of Basic Keyboard I. Requirements include performing My Country `tis of Thee in six (6) different keys, singing My Country `tis of Thee while playing a basic standard chord accompaniment, and writing and performing an original piano composition that includes mixed meters.
Credits: 1.00
MUS 107A Theory/Keyboard Harmony I
This course focuses on music theory and keyboard harmony including four-part writing, harmonization, and transposition. Requirements including performing and notating 1) London Bridge, Silent Night, and Happy Birthday with appropriate chords; 2) diatonic circle of fifths and falling fourths progression; and 3) root position triads in close and open positions in six (6) different keys. Students compose an original simple four-part composition that includes open and close position chords.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 107B Theory/Keyboard Harmony II
This course is a continuation of Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony I. Requirements include identifying at sight and by ear all non-chord tones in standard melodies from the classical repertory including standard folk tunes such as London Bridge, Silent Night, and Happy Birthday. Students notate diatonic circle of fifths, root position seventh chords in four voices in six (6) major keys and demonstrate a vocal improvisation to London Bridge while playing a standard chordal accompaniment at the piano. Students compose and harmonize a simple melody that includes non-harmonic tones.
Credits: 2.00
MUC 107C Theory/Keyboard Harmony III
This course is a continuation of Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony II. Topics include four-part writing, harmonization, secondary dominants, secondary leading tones, simple figured bass realization and simple score reading at the piano, and composition. Requirements include 1) notating and playing a progression involving a sequence of secondary dominants in six (6) keys; and 2) writing and identifying secondary dominant and leading tone chords. Students compose and harmonize simple melodies that include secondary dominant and leading tone chords.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 107D Theory/Keyboard Harmony IV
This course is a continuation of Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony III. Topics include four-part writing, harmonization, binary and ternary forms, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan chords, transposition, intermediate figured bass realization and score reading at the piano, and composition. Requirements include 1) transposing a selected standard work from the classical repertory; 2) composing an original piece using binary and ternary forms; 3) composing an original piece that includes augmented sixth chords, and 4) performing at the keyboard intermediate pieces from the standard classical repertory.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 108A Aural Skills I
This course focuses on diatonic singing using the Moveable DO, LA-based minor solfege system. Students learn intervals, triads, rhythmic clapping, conducting while intoning rhythms, and singing while playing the piano. Compound and simple meters are stressed. Regularly assigned ear training examples will be completed using a digital ear training program.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 108B Aural Skills II
This course is a continuation of Aural Skills I.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 108C Aural Skills III
This course focuses on sight singing complex diatonic melodies with accidentals, skips, leaps, and more complex rhythms. The melodies introduce modulations, secondary dominants, and diatonic arpeggios. Students clap and count more complex rhythms that include syncopation, asymmetrical rhythms, compound, simple, and cut-time meters. Students sing improvisations that include chromaticism using the syllable TA. Regularly assigned ear training examples will be completed using a digital ear training program.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 108D Aural Skills IV
This course is a continuation of Aural Skills III.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 109 Arranging, Orchestration and Analysis
This course focuses on instrumentation as well as arranging and orchestrating existing compositions for varying groups of voices and instruments, including strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 111 Guitar Pedagogy
This course is for Music Education majors. Guitar Pedagogy explores the materials relevant for the teaching of guitar in the classroom, individual instruction and guitar ensemble.
Credits: 2.00
MUS 151 Senior Recital
This course serves as the means of assessment for the senior recital requirement as part of the B.M. in Music Education degree program. Requires permission of studio instructor.
Credits: 0.00
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