Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion	15
Major GPA	2.0
Additional Admission Requirements	Required

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Piano Pedagogy Undergraduate Certificate at Northern Arizona University is to provide students with a comprehensive, cohesive study of pedagogical knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for success in the piano teaching profession. Students develop a thorough knowledge of pedagogical methods, materials, techniques, and repertoire necessary for individual and group piano instruction from the elementary to advanced levels through critical analysis, review, and performance. Alongside these competencies, students obtain an understanding of standard principles of learning and performance psychology as it relates to the teaching of piano. Students also develop proficiency in curriculum design and apply that knowledge through real-world teaching experience in pre-college and adult private and group instruction. Through completion of the certificate, students will master the proficiency and knowledge needed to successfully teach keyboard students from the elementary to advanced levels, and they are prepared to pursue advanced pedagogical study at the graduate and/or professional levels.

Students who wish to operate private music studios also require a background in basic business, marketing, interpersonal communication, and finance strategies. An additional course (of the student’s choosing) in business or communication allows students to develop these competencies by learning from experts in these disciplines. Additionally, courses in education (of the student’s choosing) provide students with a supplemental understanding of age-appropriate curriculum development and opportunities for deeper inquiry into multiple instructional approaches for students of varying ages and needs.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students develop a thorough knowledge of pedagogical methods, materials, techniques, and repertoire necessary for individual and group instruction from the elementary to advanced levels.
• Students acquire the skills necessary for pedagogy and performance at the highest levels, including an understanding of the interrelationship between teaching and performance.
• Students obtain an understanding of standard principles of learning, human growth and development, and performance psychology as it relates to the teaching of piano and apply that knowledge in a variety of teaching situations.
• Students cultivate a thorough understanding of the development and application of effective curriculum design necessary for successful instruction of students of varying ages, levels, and abilities enrolled through private and group instruction.
• Students develop skills and knowledge in either business, communication, marketing, or education through study and application in an additional course of their choosing.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• • Certificate available to music majors (BMUS, BMED, or BA) and minors only.
  • Audition and interview with piano faculty required for admission.

Certificate Requirements

• Take the following 15 units:

  • MUS 224, MUS 224L, MUS 225, MUS 225L, MUS 324, MUS 324L, MUS 326, MUS 326L (12 units)
  • Select one additional course from (3 units):
    • ACC 255
    • CST 151, CST 314
    • ENT 201
    • EPS 340
    • ESE 280, ESE 330, ESE 415
    • MKT 303
    • STR 207

• This certificate may only be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program. This certificate is not available as a stand-alone certificate.

Additional Information

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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