Music Pedagogy (MUPED)

An advanced graduate course focused on the pedagogy of conducting in both the instrumental (winds and orchestra) and vocal (choral) areas.

Secondary Woodwind Instrumental Pedagogy will examine selected woodwind instruments and related pedagogical materials in the Multiple Woodwind Doctor of Musical Arts concentration. Topics will include historical development, solo and instructional literature, private instructional approaches and techniques, and career development. The course may be repeated for credit.

Designed for graduate D.M.A. and M.M. vocal students, conductors and collaborative pianists, with a specific focus on teaching diction to undergraduate students. This course refines written and sung diction skills through a combined lecture and laboratory approach. Topics covered include: International Phonetic Alphabet review, singing of foreign language songs, review of diction texts and the pedagogy of diction.

Presents research related to learning theory, developmental characteristics of students in higher education, and instructional and motivational strategies for both classroom and individual applied instruction in music. Covers planning, assessment, professional behavior and instructional technology available at JMU. Normally taken in the first semester of study for the D.M.A.

Students apply the knowledge gained in MUPED 704 and become acquainted with specific techniques and teaching resources in two areas: music history and general education.

Examination of the philosophies, curricula, resources and techniques of teaching undergraduate music theory (written and aural components). Extensive review of the textbook literature and curricular design, study of contrasting theoretical and cognitive approaches, classroom observations, practice teaching and follow-up discussions suitable to undergraduate instruction.

Teaching of the applied major instrument from the beginning level to intermediate level. Includes an overview of repertoire at each level and various schools of teaching. Detailed investigation into bow and left hand technique, technique rehabilitation and stylistic interpretation, with hands-on opportunities for teaching students from beginning to intermediate levels.

Teaching the applied major instrument from the college to advanced levels. Includes an overview of repertoire at each level and various schools of teaching. Continued detailed investigation into bow and left hand technique, technique rehabilitation and stylistic interpretation, with hands-on opportunities for teaching students of various levels.

Provides pedagogy and literature materials for a secondary string instrument within the student's own instrument category (upper or lower strings).

An advanced graduate course focused on the pedagogy of conducting in both the instrumental (winds and orchestra) and vocal (choral) areas.

Teaching applied percussion from college to advanced levels. Includes an overview of repertoire at each level and various schools of technique. Detailed investigation into hand and body techniques in performing on snare drum, timpani and keyboard percussion instruments. Hands-on opportunities for teaching students of various levels.

Teaching of applied brass from college to advanced levels. Includes an overview of pedagogical methods, historical material, and other materials and resources related to brass instruments.

Teaching strategies, materials and techniques for teaching class piano. Topics include testing and evaluation of skills, pacing, motivation and solving problems commonly encountered teaching keyboard skills in the group setting. Required for all class piano teaching assistants. Open to any graduate music major with permission of instructor.

Piano teaching at the college level. Includes an overview of goals and expectations for the college level piano student; pedagogical considerations in teaching undergraduate repertoire; learning theory and application to teaching. Provides opportunities for investigating specific topics pertaining to technique, musicianship, repertoire, stylistic interpretation, practice strategies, performing.

Presentations of instrumental methods, solo and ensemble literature related to the woodwind performer's own major area. Private instruction approaches and techniques, studio management and chamber music coaching are also considered, with particular reference to the college-level student.

Includes supervision of applied teaching at the college level, with emphasis on solidifying pedagogical concepts, individual lesson planning, masterclass presentation concepts and curriculum/course of study development. Addresses developing an applied studio/program at the college level, for a wide variety of higher education contexts. Prepares student for job search in higher education, including development of application materials and audition/review preparation.

Detailed review of anatomical and physiological components of vocal production. Comparative study of various approaches to vocal pedagogy from 1700 to the present. Studio observation is a required component of this course.

A comprehensive study of vocal development and disorders in children, adult and aging voices as it relates to singing. Traditional and non-traditional approaches to training and working with varying vocal conditions which arise during the life cycle will be covered. An attempt will be made to include modern technological approaches to vocal diagnosis and training.

This practicum provides experience in individual and group applied voice lessons under the supervision of a faculty instructor. May be repeated once for a maximum of three credits.

A jointly taught seminar, featuring faculty from Communication Science and Disorders, Kinesiology/Nutrition, Psychology and Music. Topics from each of these areas will be addressed and coordinated to provide logical connection between all areas of study. The core goal will be to demonstrate the interrelated nature of all these areas affecting the pedagogy and maintenance of the professional singing voice.