Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Education - Choral Voice
Earn Your Music Education Degree - Choral Voice Degree
Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and borders, and music education is a vital component in a well-rounded curriculum. If you aspire to share your love of music with future students and to inspire them to strive for new heights, a music education degree can help you pursue your goal. The Bachelor of Arts in Music Education: Choral Voice degree program at Grand Canyon University blends theory and instruction with hands-on, immersive practices. Students develop their own creative talents while they learn how to educate the next generation.
Offered by the College of Arts and Media, this degree program for aspiring choral educators includes an intensive, skill-oriented curriculum that empowers students to combine passion with purpose. Students explore advanced choral and voice techniques, examine the latest in music and classroom technology, learn how to use assessment strategies and dive into educational psychology theories. The GCU campus allows students opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. Students in this degree program regularly participate in choral groups and are encouraged to participate in the Ethington Theatre Series.
The Bachelor’s in music education at GCU is aligned with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). Students pursuing teacher licensure are required to complete practicum hours, state exams and a student teaching experience, in order to obtain an institutional recommendation from GCU. All degree program applicants are required to undergo an audition and to complete a music theory assessment. Performance scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis and applicants are encourages to audition early.
Study Foundations of Teaching and Choral Voice Techniques
Students who graduate from this music education degree program will have the knowledge and skills they need to successfully instruct students in K-12 music settings. While becoming competent with instructional and assessment methods, students develop their own creative talents and become confident performers. Opportunities for public and solo recitals are embedded throughout the curriculum, along with required private instruction for a rigorous, immersive experience.
In courses such as Choral Literature for Music Educators, Educational Psychology and Advanced Conducting, students will examine the following topic areas:
- Composers and choral literature for K-12 settings, with a look at common performance and teaching problems
- Theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices, including behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning
- Advanced techniques of conducting, including score reading, artistic interpretation, rehearsal techniques and programming
- The integration of music technologies into the curriculum to foster inquiry, collaboration and interaction in a diverse classroom
In addition, all students are required to complete an eight-week student teaching experience in an elementary classroom and an eight-week student teaching experience in a secondary classroom.
Pursue a Career in Music Education as a Choral Teacher
According to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), students enrolled in music education benefit from better memory retention, language, reasoning and emotional development. As an aspiring choral educator, you may one day share your love of music with others and inspire your students to work toward lifelong personal and professional success.
Graduates with a BA in Music Education - Choral: Voice will be prepared to pursue a career as a certified K-12 music teacher in public or private schools. Some graduates may choose to open their own private music studios or music instruction businesses.
This music education degree leads to initial teacher licensure. All students are expected to understand the specific licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to teach.
Core Courses
Course Description
Study is devoted to the structure of music, which includes harmony, melody, form, and rhythm. Skill development in analysis and composition is emphasized. The music of the "common practice period" will be studied. Co-requisite: MUS-130L.
Course Description
This course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Study is devoted to the structure of music, which includes: harmony, melody, form, and rhythm. Skill development in analysis and composition is emphasized. The music of the “common practice period” will be studied. Co-requisite: MUS-130.
Course Description
This course is designed as class instruction for students with limited or no previous piano training. Instruction includes the study of piano technique and literature designed to pass Part I of the Piano Proficiency Examination.
Course Description
This course is a practical study of the high and low string instruments in which students learn to play, care for, and teach each instrument.
Course Description
This course is a practical study of the wind instruments in which students learn to play, care for, and teach each instrument. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This large choral non-auditioned campus community ensemble performs masterworks of the choral-symphonic literature, with major presentations in the Fall and Spring. The Canyon Choral Society is open to the students, faculty, and staff of Grand Canyon University and to the Phoenix community at large. Members of the Canyon Chorale, Critical Mass, and Canyon Singers are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society.
Course Description
The Canyon Chorale is an auditioned ensemble presenting the best in choral literature from historic masterworks of all stylistic periods and different cultures. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. The chorale performs on campus, in the metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson areas, and in churches and schools throughout the region. All members of the Canyon Chorale are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-130, this course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Prerequisites: MUS-130 and MUS-130L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-160L.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-130L, this course emphasizes aural skill development through practical study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training is utilized. Prerequisites: MUS-130 and MUS-130L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-160.
Course Description
This course is a practical study of percussion instruments in which students learn to play, care for, and teach each instrument.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MPC-109. It includes passing Part II of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MPC-109 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is an introductory study of the enunciation and International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription of the Italian, German, French, and Latin languages for music educators. Students are introduced to a rich vocabulary of texts commonly used within the repertoire.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-120 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
In this course, candidates identify the developmental milestones of children, prenatal to adolescence. Students examine the progression of these milestones in all areas of development, including psychological, social, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and physical. Additional focus is placed on typical and atypical child development, and analyzing the effects of environment, trauma, and family dynamics on the development progression. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of music from primitive times to the mid-18th century. It presents the growth of music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the contrapuntal schools, culminating in the work of J. S. Bach and the development of opera and oratorio during the baroque period.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-160, this course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. Music examples are selected from Bach through Wagner. It also includes an advanced study in analysis and part writing utilizing modulation and chromatic harmony. Prerequisites: MUS-160 and MUS-160L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-262L.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-160L, this course is a study in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; basic keyboard performance; and sight singing. Computer-assisted ear training will be utilized. Prerequisites: MUS-160 and MUS-160L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-262.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MPC- 259. It includes passing Part III of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MPC-259 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-130 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of music from the mid-18th century to modern times. Study is devoted to the rise of homophonic music, the art song, the nationalistic schools, and the principal composers of the classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. Prerequisite: MUS-360 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the creative processes in music composition, building on the study of music theory as a foundation for composing original music. Students explore the parameters of music and sound by composing original works in various styles. Prerequisites: MUS-160 and MUS-160L.
Course Description
This course is a study of the fundamentals and techniques of conducting. Emphasis is placed on basic conducting skills, fundamentals of baton technique, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, conducting terminology, transpositions, and score reading.
Course Description
This course is a survey of Arizona history and government, as well as American government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government and American government.
Course Description
This course is a survey study of the composers and choral literature appropriate for elementary and secondary school ensembles. Major literature; publishers; composers, arrangers, and their styles; and common performance and teaching problems will be considered.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of MPC-359. It includes passing Part IV of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: MPC-359 or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-220 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
A study of advanced problems in rehearsing and conducting at the high school level. An examination and analysis of the prevailing choral philosophies, including performance techniques, score preparation, rehearsal techniques, programming, and administration of the choral program.
Course Description
Students study music as culture, and explore the historical, philosophical, and sociological influences that have shaped music, ethnomusicology, and music education. This course also examines the issues faced by educators today, as well as the challenges that await people now entering the teaching profession. The course covers the unique learning needs of exceptional students. Emphasis is placed on definitions, etiology, characteristics, and prevalence of various exceptionalities; laws and litigation protecting the rights of students with special needs and their families; current issues affecting persons with special needs; social perceptions, assessment, inclusion, transition; and basic curriculum accommodations and supportive services for teaching students with special needs in the music classroom. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course is a study of advanced techniques of conducting. Rehearsal techniques, score reading, artistic interpretation, baton technique, and programming will be explored. Prerequisite: MUS-223.
Course Description
Students will study and utilize a variety of music technologies such as computer software, hardware, networking, multimedia, interactive media, and the Internet in order to foster inquiry, collaboration, and interaction in classroom to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Coached instruction in chamber and small ensemble settings. Members are selected through an annual audition open to both music and non-music majors at Grand Canyon University. Prerequisite: Admission into this ensemble by audition only or instructor's permission. Co-Requisite: Enrollment in Private Studio instruction.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-230 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This course is a study and demonstration of methods and materials for the first six grades. Students will be introduced to a number of methodologies including Orff, Dalcroze, Kodaly, and Suzuki, and explore their conceptual pedagogical framework, methodology, application and assessment. A study is made of activities implemented with each grade level. Lesson plans are prepared. Students visit classrooms to observe teaching situations. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MED-320.
Course Description
This course is a study of methods for developing and conducting the music program in junior and senior high schools, focusing on general pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in music education will be used to prepare music education majors to enter the teaching profession. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MED-320.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-320 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This course is an exploration of voice science and pedagogy for voice instruction. Students will be required to demonstrate pedagogical application.
Course Description
An introductory course to music education, this course is a study and demonstration of methods, materials, topics and issues in teaching general music in the schools. The course will cover methods, approaches, and philosophies of teaching general music as they relate to current national and Arizona music education standards. A study is made of activities implemented with each grade level. Lesson plans are prepared. Students visit classrooms to observe teaching situations. Practicum/field experience hours: 35. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: MED-355 or MED-355N and MED-365 or MED-365N.
Course Description
This course will explore the use of music technology as a foundation for composing original works in various styles. Prerequisites: MUS-160 and MUS-160L.
Course Description
This course is a study and application in techniques of scoring and arranging music for various combinations of musical mediums. Includes scoring for strings, woodwinds, brasses, percussion, and voices.
Course Description
This capstone course provides students an opportunity to develop their skills in an area of interest. Students will complete an independent project under faculty supervision.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MVA-330 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
A formal, public recital, sponsored by the music department, in which the student presents a solo recital of a length appropriate to the major. The recital is to be given in the student's senior year. The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction. Co-Requisite: The student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are required to fulfill an 8-week internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards within the classroom. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. Prerequisites: for B: Fingerprint Clearance and one of the following combinations: 1) Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study, a 2.8 GPA, and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience and Certification; or 2) Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I ® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II ® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
Course Description
Teacher candidates are required to fulfill an 8-week internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards within the classroom. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. Prerequisites: for A: Fingerprint Clearance and one of the following combinations: 1) Successful completion of all courses in the Program of Study, a 2.8 GPA, and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience and Certification; or 2) Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I ® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II ® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.