Master of Music in Teaching degree?

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hello,
I have been thinking lately of what I should when I go to college. I want to major in composition, but I realize a degree like that probably will not get me anywhere in the long run. So my best option would be to double degree, but I'm not sure if I really would want to spend the time (and money) with split interests. I was looking on Oberlin's College website and it says they offer a 14 month Master of Music in Teaching degree (MTT) after you complete a bachelor in composition or performance at Oberlin or another school. So my question is what is the difference between going for a Music Education degree and getting an MTT?</p>

<p>This would solve my problem if a degree like that would enable me to teach music in public schools and also have a degree in music composition, which is my real passion. I have no problem going to school for more than four years.</p>

<p>So, what is an MTT? Thanks for your help.</p>

2

<p>Sounds like a great program at a great institution. It's through the Conservatory, not the College.</p>

<p>It is designed to meet the national and professional standards, but apparently does not grant initial or provisional state licensure (which is regulated by the individual states).</p>

<p>The benefits to the program are that it is a Masters level degree, as opposed to a BA, BM, or BS in music education. Normally, this will get you a higher starting salary in most districts. There are also districts that will require a Masters after x number of years on the job.</p>

<p>Oberlin has a long history of excellence in music generally, and in music education.</p>

3

<p>So it is basically is a music education degree only you might find problems getting a job in some areas depending on the requirements. I wonder why more music students don't try to get this degree as a backup plan? However, it seems that Oberlin is one of the few conservatories that offer it, I wonder why?</p>

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<p>You misunderstand. Any music ed degree or teaching degree requires that a prospective teacher gain initial licensure in the state they want to teach in. There are programs (usually at state publics, a few privates) that provide for initial licensure in THAT state. The specifics and parameters for license are regulated by the state.</p>

<p>The Oberlin progam MAY WELL enable provisional licensure in Ohio, but it was unclear from a quick reading. You would need to check specifics with Oberlin as to what if any licensure is obtained.</p>

<p>You will HAVE to be licensed in whatever state you end up teaching in a PUBLIC school. It's an individually state regulated process.</p>

<p>A Masters should give you a leg up in the process, not be a detriment.</p>

<p>There are other schools with a combined BM/MMusEd approach. Oberlin is not the only one.</p>

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<p>I think understand now. I am kind of new to how different degrees "work." </p>

<p>So lets say if I were to eventually complete that program I could teach in Ohio (that's where I'm from) but may (or will) have to go through another process to get a teaching licensure for the state. So virtually it is like doubling in the two areas of music without actually doing each program at the same time. It sounds like a good program to get into after someone completed their first degree to keep their options open. </p>

<p>Thank you violadad for your help.</p>

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<p>My daughter briefly considered the Oberlin MMT program. It normally does include licensure in Ohio. Here is what the handbook says concerning licensure elsewhere:</p>

<p>"Most students elect to fulfill the requirements set forth by the Ohio State Department of Education that grants licensure in Ohio and by reciprocal agreement. The reciprocity agreement means that anyone holding an Ohio license —not just an Oberlin degree—can obtain immediately a provisional license in any of those states; no additional course work is required. Some states may require courses or experiences not part of the music teacher education program at Oberlin; others have fewer requirements than Ohio and will process a license request immediately. Even in states without reciprocity agreements, licenses/certificates are much easier to obtain when the Ohio one is already in hand.</p>

<p>"Because the licensure of teachers is within the jurisdiction of individual states, standards and practices can and do change from time to time. The state certification offices’ websites can provide up-to-date information about requirements in their states."</p>

<p>The entire handbook is available at <a href="http://www2.oberlin.edu/musiced/mmt/documents/MMTHandbook051408.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www2.oberlin.edu/musiced/mmt/documents/MMTHandbook051408.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>More information about the reciprocity agreements can be found at NCATE</a> - public - reciprocity</p>

<p>Note that you are expected to take certain classes during the undergrad years so that you have the required liberal arts background in arts, communications, history, literature, mathematics, philosophy, sciences and social sciences. These are required for all teachers in Ohio (not just music teachers) but are not required for the undergrad BM at Oberlin. As part of the BM, however, you get eight electives that are to be taken in the college division. For a student not going on to the MMT program, those electives can be pretty much anything that is offered in the college. Those going into the MMT program need to use those electives very carefully to have the necessary exposure in all the eight mentioned areas, or else they have to make up that work before getting the MMT degree.</p>

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<p>jaywalk, the post here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1061552001-post2.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1061552001-post2.html&lt;/a> has a number of links to prior music ed threads. While they don't specifially address the BM/MM Oberlin program, they can provide a good overview of music ed programs in general, as well as points about state licensure.</p>

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<p>How old are you? Are you nearing the end of high school?</p>

<p>It sounds a little to me like you are over planning in advance. If composition is your passion, maybe you should just go to school for that and then, after a couple of years, look at the situation.</p>

<p>You may, for instance, want to go for an MM or DMA and teach at a college level. Or you might find you like writing for films. Or you might veer into arts administration. Or you might feel you have pursued music satisfyingly and decide to become a veterinarian. I am being purposely random, because, at your age, I think it is important to let life happen to you a little, rather than making it happen.</p>

<p>If you are in the process of choosing schools to apply for (if you are a junior, for instance) then work on your music and your composing and start gathering a portfolio to apply to conservatories (Oberlin will want 4 recorded pieces, as an example), or, if you are not sure about conservatory versus college, start investigating college music programs.</p>

<p>It can help to find good musicians to play your pieces, and then have the recordings for your applications.</p>

<p>If you are not a junior, then, I think it is possible that you are a little ahead of yourself. Keep learning theory, playing music, and exploring composing.</p>

<p>One other thing: many state universities offer BM's and also have music education. In conservatory culture, I think others would agree that music education is not often offered and is considered a little below performance degrees. I am not saying that I feel that way, but you will pick up on that in some places. </p>

<p>Teaching is a great profession, but you can do that in many places after getting a BA or BM. You will have many options.</p>

<p>I hope you don't mind the advice. Economic times are tough, and it is natural to worry about making a living. But I always hate to read posts from kids your age, that show you are already worrying about making a living. I feel that these years should be about exploration, and letting yourself blossom musically and however else, without the added pressure of figuring out your vocation yet. I know that option is no longer available to many, but I like to say it anyway.</p>

<p>One other thing: there are schools that offer double degrees (BA/BM) in 5 years: Bard, Oberlin, Tufts, maybe others. There are schools that offer a BA/MM too, mainly Ivies. So if you want to pursue music plus another major, there are those paths to consider also.</p>

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<p>Another option is University of the Arts, in Philadelphia.
They have an option through which you get your bachelor's in whatever, but you also take courses that can be applied to your master's in teaching -- while you're an undergrad. Then it's onlt a year or a year and a half, and you'll come out with your Master's in teaching, as well.</p>

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<p>Oberlin is a wonderful college/con for students interested in music. My S started out as a dual major in VP/Education..but, his focus has always been more in performance. After his first stint at student teaching, he called to ask how we'd feel if he dropped the ED portion of his degree.....I sort of knew all along it wasn't ever going to be something he'd want to do, but it felt like a good safety net. Turns out, he despises teaching...he said he hated it. He can still give voice lessons etc..but, wont be a school teacher. It wasn't for him...however, Oberlin is one of the better schools to fit this type of degree if thats what you want to persue. The music ed dept. was extremely helpful, when he was applying as an undergrad, and I think were sorry he dropped out.</p>

<p>He really has only great things to say about Oberlin as a senior.</p>

<p>Good luck on your journey!!</p>

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<p>Very nice post:) I didnt read it before I responded.</p>