MA in Music EducationDiverse Perspectives Concentration
About the MA in Music Education Diverse Perspectives Concentration
The MA in Music Education Diverse Perspectives Concentration explores meaningful ways to deepen one's confidence and skillset in matters of power and privilege — in ways that are musical, pedagogical and critically responsive to the world around us.
Unique to the Diverse Perspectives Concentration is its emphasis on vocal and instrumental work for all participants regardless of background, as well as a practical application of equity work in various education settings — including classrooms and ensembles from preschool through university levels, private studios and community groups.
The Master of Arts in Music Education Diverse Perspectives Concentration features a broad range of music education core courses balanced by requirements specific to matters of diversity in repertoire, pedagogical mindsets, and equity work.
The MAME curriculum requires 33 credit hours and consists of three elements:
Core courses covering a variety of topics.
A concentration to develop specific skills.
A master’s thesis or final project to conduct applied research in music education.
Core Courses
Core courses provide opportunities for all master’s students to place their specific skills within a broader musical and educational context.
Required Core Courses (14 credits)
GMUS 600 Introduction to Scholarship and Research Methods in Music Education, 3 cr.
GMUS 601 Teaching and Learning, 3 cr.
GMUS 608 Foundations of Music Education, 3 cr.
GMUS 611 Perspectives in Music Theory, 3 cr.
GMUS 750 Musicianship, 1 cr.
GMUS 890 Master of Arts Final Project, 1 cr.
Diverse Perspectives Concentration Courses
Diverse Perspectives Concentration Courses (16 credits)
GMUS 536-01 Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy, 3 cr.
GMUS 537-01 Latin American Music, 2 cr.
GMUS 544-03 Diverse Perspectives in Instrumental Music, 2 cr.
GMUS 606 Realizing Diversity in Music Education, 3 cr.
GMUS 652-01 Global Traditions in Choir, 2 cr.
GMUS 670 East Asian Music Cultures, 2 cr.
GMUS 671-1 African Music Ensemble, 2 cr.
Diverse Perspectives Elective Courses
Elective credits provide students opportunities to expand skills in their areas of interest.
Diverse Perspectives Elective Courses (3 Credits)
GMUS 544-xx Topics in Music Education (courses and credits vary)
GMUS 612 Topics in Music History, Literature, and Theory, 3 cr.
All students admitted to the Master of Arts in Music Education program with a concentration in Diverse Perspectives will complete the following non-credit requirements:
Music Diagnostic Exams
Oral Comprehensive Exam
MA Final Project
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Music Education Diverse Perspectives Concentration features a broad range of music education core courses balanced by requirements specific to matters of diversity in repertoire, pedagogical mindsets, and equity work.
The MAME curriculum requires 33 credit hours and consists of three elements:
Core courses covering a variety of topics.
A concentration to develop specific skills.
A master’s thesis or final project to conduct applied research in music education.
Core Courses
Core courses provide opportunities for all master’s students to place their specific skills within a broader musical and educational context.
Required Core Courses (14 credits)
GMUS 600 Introduction to Scholarship and Research Methods in Music Education, 3 cr.
GMUS 601 Teaching and Learning, 3 cr.
GMUS 608 Foundations of Music Education, 3 cr.
GMUS 611 Perspectives in Music Theory, 3 cr.
GMUS 750 Musicianship, 1 cr.
GMUS 890 Master of Arts Final Project, 1 cr.
Diverse Perspectives Concentration Courses
Diverse Perspectives Concentration Courses (16 credits)
GMUS 536-01 Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy, 3 cr.
GMUS 537-01 Latin American Music, 2 cr.
GMUS 544-03 Diverse Perspectives in Instrumental Music, 2 cr.
GMUS 606 Realizing Diversity in Music Education, 3 cr.
GMUS 652-01 Global Traditions in Choir, 2 cr.
GMUS 670 East Asian Music Cultures, 2 cr.
GMUS 671-1 African Music Ensemble, 2 cr.
Diverse Perspectives Elective Courses
Elective credits provide students opportunities to expand skills in their areas of interest.
Diverse Perspectives Elective Courses (3 Credits)
GMUS 544-xx Topics in Music Education (courses and credits vary)
GMUS 612 Topics in Music History, Literature, and Theory, 3 cr.
All students admitted to the Master of Arts in Music Education program with a concentration in Diverse Perspectives will complete the following non-credit requirements:
Music Diagnostic Exams
Oral Comprehensive Exam
MA Final Project
Faculty
Dr. Karen Howard
Dr. Karen Howard is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of St. Thomas teaching music education methods, core graduate courses, world music pedagogy, and advising masters theses. In addition to her university schedule, Dr. Howard is a national and international clinician specializing in children’s music culture, ethnomusicology, creative and folk-dance traditions, early childhood music education, assessment, and curriculum development.
Sowah Mensah is an ethnomusicologist, composer and a "Master Drummer" from Ghana, West Africa. Sowah has taught music in both Ghana and Nigeria and is currently a music professor at both Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN where he directs each school’s African Music Ensemble.
Dr. Douglas C. Orzolek is Professor of Music, Director of the Graduate Programs in Music Education, Director of Symphonic Bands and the Associate Chair of the Music Department at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Orzolek teaches music education methods and techniques, conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches musical acoustics, music literature and conducting. He also teaches core classes; courses related to instrumental music education and advises papers in both the master’s and doctoral level music education programs.
