For many children, one of the most influential encounters with adults and with the arts occurs in the elementary music classroom or in the middle school or high school ensemble rehearsal. A music educator can encourage experiences and training that open doors in the lives of young people – doors to self-awareness, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-motivation, and the love and appreciation of beauty. Music education can help renew creation. Every human being, regardless of intellect, disability, or socio-economic status, can enjoy satisfaction and accomplishment in music.  

The profession of music education needs teachers for the future who are skilled and creative musicians, enthusiastic about teaching and learning, interested in young people and eager to be inspirational role models. Numerous studies have proven the positive effects of music in infant and early childhood development and cognition. Every veteran teacher knows that, oftentimes, the student who cannot achieve success in purely academic endeavors can be a winner in the music classroom.  

Music education classes at Huntington University such as Elementary General Music Methods, Brass, Percussion, Woodwind, and Strings Techniques and Pedagogy, Secondary Choral Methods, Choral Conducting, Choral Literature and Literacy, Secondary Instrumental Methods and Communication, Band and Orchestral Literature and Literacy, Instrumental Conducting, and Foundations of Music Education, are taught by teachers with recent public school teaching experience and certifications in Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, Kindermusik and Suzuki methodologies. The Music Department maintains a congenial and supportive working relationship with Huntington University’s nationally-recognized Education Department in decisions regarding placements for student teachers and internships for Multi-Cultural Practicums and Special Education.  

The intensive Music Education curriculum prepares the student for K-12 certification in Music Education for the state of Indiana. That certification is then reciprocal in 22 different states. Parents who worry that the dissolution of the arts in the public schools may make it difficult for their sons and daughters to secure teaching positions in music can be reassured by Huntington’s 100% placement rate for Music Education graduates!

Music education students are given numerous teaching experiences through being invited into the local Huntington and Fort Wayne area schools to try out original lesson plans and rehearsal techniques. The Music Department has a close relationship with the two parochial schools in town who are anxious to have all sorts of music lessons taught to all grade levels by college students. All education students are given ample opportunities to ob-serve classroom teachers and ensemble directors in the public school setting.

Back to Music homepage >>>