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In this certificate program, you will learn how to impart your knowledge of music to students, helping them discover and develop sensitive and critical listening skills, create and perform music, and understand the role of music in history and contemporary society. You will explore pedagogical techniques specific to learning music, which will help students develop their technical skill, musicianship, performance, and creativity. You will study with professors from the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music/Music Education Division, all of whom are experienced classroom teachers in the urban school environment.
This program will not only support you to gain New York State Certification but will also provide you with both the analytical and practical skills to offer students the support needed to thrive holistically. Our graduates are hired by school districts locally and nationwide. The mission of the department is to prepare teachers for effective classroom practice of diverse students in urban settings. Our goal is the development of knowledgeable, skilled teacher candidates who are well versed in research, theory, and practice.
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2023–24 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
The Conservatory of Music offers an advanced certificate program in music education. The New York State Education Department licenses graduates of registered teacher education programs who meet the state requirements for teachers.
The advanced certificate in music education is for the student with an undergraduate music degree who wishes to teach music in the New York State public school system. This course of study meets the curricular requirements for initial certification in New York State. Twenty-one credits, 100 field hours, and 300 hours of student teaching are required for the certificate.
All students should consult with the coordinator of music education for the current requirements.
Applicants must offer a B.Mus., or a B.A. or B.S. in music, or the equivalent from an accredited college or university completed with a grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Also eligible to apply are (a) students holding other music bachelor’s degrees with sufficient course work in education and music education to be permitted to take student teaching, and (b) students holding a bachelor’s degree with at least 36 credits in music courses, including an array of analysis, counterpoint, harmony, history, conducting, performance, education, and music education courses sufficient for admission to student teaching in music. Requirements for student teaching are available from the coordinator of music education. Applicants must also offer course work including the liberal arts and sciences, one course in human development (child and adolescent development), and one course in philosophy of education. Matriculation is contingent upon admission to Brooklyn College and admission to the Conservatory of Music, including music performance audition, music education interview, theory/aural skills test, and transcript review, and TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test or 98 on the internet-based test, if required.
Twenty-one credits are required for this certificate. The following courses are required.
Music 6510T (two semesters); Music 6581T; Music 6582T; Music 6583T; three courses chosen from Music 6601X-6661X; Music 7201X; SEED 6505T and SEED 6506T.
Follows State-mandated requirements for initial teaching certificate.
Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Interview with department.
Master’s degree not required.
Note: Students with a study visa cannot obtain the New York State Initial Certification to teach.
All students accepted to the School of Education are required to submit fingerprint verification before signing up for most education classes. Fingerprint verification is required for work in New York City Department of Education schools if you already have fingerprint records or not. Follow these instructions.
Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.
409 Whitehead Hall E: rbraunstein@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000, ext. 1176
Or contact:
222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.4536
Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:
BC Admissions Appointment Tool
If you need support with the advanced certificate in music education, contact the coordinator of music education, Riki Braunstein.
Students complete student teaching in public and private schools throughout the New York City region. Student teaching is a supervised experience designed to hone the requisite skills and knowledge to work as a music teacher.
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