Earn a BA in Music Education-Instrumental: Piano Degree
Music education enriches children’s lives while providing a creative outlet for emotions. If you aspire to bring the joy of music to students via piano teacher certification, you can apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education-Instrumental: Piano degree program at Grand Canyon University. This piano degree offers foundational knowledge in music theory and composition, with a concentration on instrumental music in the K-12 setting. Students focus on the key elements of performance and instrument collaboration as they learn the fundamentals of delivering high-quality music education. All applicants to this program are required to complete an audition.
This degree, offered by the College of Fine Arts and Production in collaboration with the College of Education, inspires students to reach new heights in their creative talents while studying best practices for nurturing the musical talent of others. Work through a sequential curriculum that covers history, theory and teaching concepts. Grow your understanding of musical genres and musical collaboration and prepare to share your knowledge with others. Students will demonstrate their progress during a student teaching opportunity in their final semester.
The music education BA in instrumental piano degree at GCU leads to teacher licensure. The curriculum is designed to align with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). To become eligible for teacher certification, students are required to successfully complete required practicum hours, state exams and a student teaching experience. They may be required to obtain an institutional recommendation from GCU.
Master Competencies Using a Global Approach to Music
Cultivate your creative talent while studying sound teaching methodologies for students at the elementary and secondary levels. Examine methods of educating the next generation of music enthusiasts while polishing your communication skills and critical thinking abilities. As a private university, GCU encourages students to study curriculum through the lens of the Christian worldview. Students are inspired to embrace the principles of servant leadership while considering ethical decision-making.
The curriculum blends classroom instruction with hands-on application. Students will complete private lessons, present a formal, solo piano recital, observe teaching situations in classrooms and complete full-time student teaching internships prior to graduation—an eight-week student teaching experience in an elementary classroom and an eight-week student teaching experience in a secondary classroom.
In courses such as Orchestration and Arranging, Technology for Music Educators and Advanced Conducting, students will acquire the following core competencies:
- Understand how to apply the techniques for scoring and arranging music, including scoring for strings, woodwinds and voices
- Understand the techniques of advanced conducting, with a focus on score reading, rehearsal techniques, baton technique, programming and artistic interpretation
- Utilize music technology to foster inquiry, collaboration and interaction in diverse, 21st century classrooms
- Understand and learn how to apply a conceptual pedagogical framework
The piano degree blends classroom instruction with numerous opportunities for real-world observations and hands-on applications. Students will prepare lesson plans, observe classrooms, present recitals and complete a student teaching internship.
Pursue a Piano Teacher Certification with an Instrumental Piano Bachelor of Arts in Music Education Degree
According to The NAMM Foundation, children who receive music education demonstrate better vocabularies, higher reading and spelling scores, higher standardized test scores and better school attendance than those who do not study music. As an aspiring piano teacher, you could dedicate your life’s work to inspiring children to excel. Licensed piano teachers are prepared to teach music or become band instructors in public and private K-12 schools. Some graduates may opt to pursue employment in a privately held music studio or to open their own studios.
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.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Program 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 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 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 the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MAP-120 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
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 class instruction for students with limited or no previous voice training. Instruction includes the study of vocal technique and is designed to pass Part I of the Vocal Proficiency Examination. The voice proficiency requirements are identified in the music handbook.
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
This course is a practical study of organizing and training marching bands for high schools and at the collegiate level.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MAP-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
A continuation of MUS-262, this course emphasizes skill development through analysis and composition. This course includes analysis and composition methods of music of the late 19th through the 20th century. Prerequisites: MUS-262 and MUS-262L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-351L.
Course Description
A continuation of MUS-262L, 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-262 and MUS-262L or Music Department approval. Co-requisite: MUS-351.
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 study of the composers and band literature appropriate for elementary and secondary school ensembles. This course will consider major literature, publishers, composers, arrangers, and their styles, as well as common performance and teaching problems.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MAP-220 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This course provides a thematically arranged study of the theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices. Behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning, motivation, and instruction are explored. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not 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 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: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
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 course is a study of major jazz techniques and styles, including repertoire, instrumentation, improvisation, innovations, and major jazz ensembles.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MAP-230 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion 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. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
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: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: MUS-351 and MUS-351L or Music Department approval.
Course Description
This course is a survey of romantic and contemporary periods. Emphasis is on learning the standard piano repertoire through reading and listening assignments.
Course Description
This course is the private applied study required for music majors in their major instrument or area. Prerequisites: MAP-320 or Music Department approval and placement audition.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to collaborative and accompanying techniques and repertoire. Emphasis is placed on effective personal practice and preparation methods and ensemble rehearsal techniques. Collaborative skills of shared musical leadership, ensemble balance, and other performance issues are addressed through master class and private coaching of repertoire prepared as part of required assignments in vocal and/or instrumental studios. Score study, sight-reading, as well as techniques for dealing with orchestral piano reductions are also covered. Prerequisite: Advanced Standing or Music Department approval.
Course Description
A study of advanced problems in rehearsing and conducting at the high school level. An examination and analysis of the prevailing band philosophies, including performance techniques, score preparation, rehearsal techniques, programming, and administration of the band program.
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, Dalcrose, 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: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.
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: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.
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: MAP-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. Student must concurrently be enrolled in the appropriate level of private instruction. Co-Requisite: 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 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).
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).
Program Locations
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.
On-campus program disclosures (4.5 years) Additional Disclosures
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.