Schoolcraft program code # 1YC.00115
The Piano Teacher Certificate program is designed for pianists to pursue professional careers as private piano teachers. The curriculum is structured to provide instruction in piano teaching materials and techniques as well as music theory and history. In addition, students are given numerous opportunities to observe and teach children enrolled in group piano classes on campus. (Two supervised teaching sessions of children are required.) The program is aligned with beginning and intermediate requirements provided in Michigan’s Student Achievement Testing and the Royal Conservatory programs.
In order to enter the Piano Teacher Certificate program, each applicant must audition to demonstrate an appropriate level of musicianship. MUSIC 121 - Class Piano 1 and MUSIC 104 - Basic Materials in Music Theory may help to develop the skills necessary to successfully pass the audition. Contact the Music department for further information. Applicants having successfully completed the Keys for Piano Teachers Skills Certificate are automatically eligible and coursework will transfer.
Students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements, and upon recommendation of the music faculty, qualify for a certificate of program completion.
Applied Music has an added fee.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency on Levels I through 8 on the Michigan Music Teachers Association Piano Student Achievement Test and Levels 1 through 6 on the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (performance, written theory, sight reading/transposition, technique and aural awareness)
- Explain the major historical periods in music history, from the Baroque to the present day.
- Interpret musical forms and terminology on Levels 1 through 8 on the Michigan Music Teachers Association Piano Student Achievement Test and Levels 1 through 6 on the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
- Relate music history to beginning performance pieces
- Relate music history to beginning teaching pieces
- Integrate music theory into beginning performance pieces
- Integrate music theory into beginning teaching pieces
- Explain activities necessary to open a professional piano studio
- Explain networking affiliations with local, state and national professional teaching associations
- Determine appropriate level of instructional materials, technical training, written and oral theory and sight reading transposition for individual students
Related Program Opportunities
See Additional Music Programs
Career Information
Explore career choices, wages, job opportunities and more: Career Coach - Music: Piano Teacher Certificate
Creating Your Academic Plan
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or
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