Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Kitt School of Music

Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate


Academic Information

The Undergraduate Certificate in Pedagogy (Piano) provides 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. This 15-unit undergraduate certificate provides the foundational standard principles of learning and performance psychology as it relates to the teaching of piano—including developing proficiency in curriculum design and first-hand teaching experience at the pre-college/adult private levels and small group instruction.

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Kitt School of Music

Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate


Careers

What Can I Do with a Certificate in Pedagogy (Piano)?

The Undergraduate Certificate in Piano Pedagogy offers students a comprehensive, immersive study in the teaching of beginning to advanced pianists of all ages in individual and group instruction in preparation for a career in the piano teaching profession.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Own and operate piano studios as independent piano teachers.
    • Teach piano in private schools, music stores, pre-college community schools, universities, and preparatory music schools.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • In conjunction with a mucis education degree, students can teach piano in public schools.
  • Pursue a master's and doctoral degree in piano pedagogy.

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Kitt School of Music

Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate


University Requirements

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Kitt School of Music

Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate


Overview

In addition to University 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

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Kitt School of Music

Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate


Details

Additional Admission Requirements
Certificate Requirements
Additional Information
More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Kitt School of Music

Pedagogy (Piano), Undergraduate Certificate


Campus Availability

More Information