Advanced Certificate in Piano Pedagogy

Program Overview

The Advanced Certificate in Piano Pedagogy program* prepares the pianist for a career as a piano teacher through specialized study in piano pedagogy.  It offers piano teachers currently active in the community enhanced knowledge and skills.  The program focuses on teaching strategies that meet the needs of individual students while preparing teachers to work with a wide range of ages and abilities.

The program is intended for persons who want credentials to teach piano in private studios of piano instruction and need specific training in music and the profession of piano pedagogy. It is also designed for people who have a B.A, B.M., M.A. or M.M. in music, who desire training in piano teaching methods. 

*Graduation from this program does not provide licensure to teach music in public or private schools.  Credits may be transfered to the Masters degree program in Music Education at Nazareth College. To review admissions requirements for the Master's Degree in Music Education, visit: Nazareth College Department of Music: Degree Programs: Graduate

Curriculum Review

This 15-credit graduate certificate program is designed to develop professionals who are not only proficient in teaching elementary, intermediate, and early advanced levels of piano lessons, but are also actively involved in the profession. The program provides participants access to experts in the field and to a network for career enrichment.

The curriculum includes concentrated course work in:

  • Piano Pedagogy I and II                                               2 credits each
  • Piano Literature I and II                                               3 credits each
  • Group Piano Teaching I and II                                     1 credit each
  • Applied Piano I and II                                                  1 credit each
  • Piano Pedagogy Practicum                                           1 credit

providing the student with skills for understanding the business aspects of teaching, techniques of teaching repertoire and technical skills at different levels of student development, and a comprehensive study of teaching strategies appropriate for private and group settings. Outcomes from the program can be used as part of the professional’s portfolio as they seek recognition through the Music Teachers’ National Association (MTNA).

*Two semesters of piano lessons, are required. Recent courses in music theory and music history and literature are expected to be completed prior to entry into this certificate program. These courses may be transferred from another college or university, or completed at Nazareth before acceptance into the program.

Admissions

The advanced certificate program provides specialized training for professionals who hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a B average in the major field of study.  Applicants should submit completed paperwork no later than 30 days prior to expected start date.

Admissions requirements include:

  • submission of a copy of official transcripts

  • copy of a current resume

  • a one-page personal-professional statement describing the relevance of this certificate to goals

  • submission of the Advanced Certificate Program application and fee

Applicants for the Certificate program will audition in piano before a committee of the piano faculty for admission. Applicants who demonstrate a deficiency in piano may be required to complete a prescribed number of hours in Keyboard Skills. Remediation classes will not count toward the 15 credit hours necessary to earn the certificate.

The estimated cost of the five-course program is $7884 (based upon 2008/2009 graduate tuition rates and completion of the program in one academic year). Certificate program students receive special discounted tuition. Students in this program are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. For more information on these and other financial aid opportunities at Nazareth College visit:Nazareth College Graduate Studies: Financing

Certificates are awarded in June for those who have completed their program requirements during the previous year.

 

For information on the program, contact:

Dr. Beverly Smoker

(585) 389-2696

bsmoker5@naz.edu

or

Office of Continuing Professional Programs

Smyth Hall, Suite 147

4245 East Avenue

Rochester, NY  14618-3790

(585) 389-2395

gradservices@naz.edu

Graduate Bulletin

Department Link (College of Arts and Sciences-Music)

Advanced Certificate Programs