The Teaching Artistry and Music Education Concentration is a curricular course of study that provides NEC undergraduate students with the opportunity develop the necessary skills, habits of mind, and experiences to become the kind of adaptable teaching artists needed by contemporary society; artists who possess the necessary tools to impact music learning within their communities as they contribute to the public good. This concentration is rooted in real world teaching experience and a menu-based approach, allowing students to customize the concentration to focus on their intended style(s) of teaching including K-12 classroom teaching, private lesson studios, work with adults in creative aging, El Sistema programs, collegiate music instruction, and more. The concentration consists of 5 credits: 4 credits of coursework, a 1 credit capstone project, and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities (non-credit bearing).
Declaring the Concentration: Undergraduate students must declare no later than registration for the first semester of third year. Graduate students must declare the concentration by registration for the first semester of their second year. MM or GD students who declare the concentration, return to NEC for a subsequent degree (either GD or MM), and petition to transfer credits from the previous degree to complete the subsequent degree in one additional year, may rollover progress on the concentration and complete it as part of the subsequent degree. This must be done in consultation with CEPS staff and will require prior approval. This provision does not apply to DMA students who have completed prior graduate study at NEC. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (UG) and 3.0 (G) (satisfactory academic progress) and a GPA of 3.33 in the concentration at the undergraduate level.
Coursework: The 4 credits of coursework will be selected from an approved list and must include the 2 credit foundational course (INTG 542-T “Foundations of Teaching Artistry”). See the course catalog for the approved course list, including cross-listed courses.
Co-Curricular Experiential Learning Opportunities: These non-credit bearing offerings consist of a combination of year-long fellowships and one-time workshops. Eligible fellowships include: CPP Teaching Fellowship, CPP Community Fellowship, CPP Musical Storytelling Fellowship, CPP Holiday Ensemble Fellowship, CPP Ensemble Fellowship, EM Internships focused on education (approval by CEPS staff required), or equivalent outside professional experience as approved by CEPS staff. Students must complete two fellowships to earn the concentration. The workshops are two-hour professional development style seminars offered throughout the academic year on a variety of education-related topics. Please contact CEPS staff for the list of workshops for the current academic year. Students must complete two workshops to earn the concentration.
Capstone Project: The capstone project for the concentration is a 1 credit course completed during the last or penultimate semester of a student’s degree program. This project is designed as the culmination of their course of study and an opportunity to further explore their specific goals and development as a teaching artist. This self-directed project is based in research or building a creative product and must include a public presentation such as a concert or pitch. Students will also complete a portfolio of media documentation and a narrative report as part of the project. Students will select a faculty advisor from an approved list who will help guide the student through completion of their project. The student is expected to complete 7 hours of advising with their advisor during the capstone project semester.
