Certificate in Piano Pedagogy

Concordia University Chicago is proud to expand its fine tradition of teacher training to the exciting field of piano teaching. The College of Innovative Programs offers a course of study leading to a Certificate in Piano Pedagogy.

The program provides specialized training for careers in piano teaching. Undergraduate and graduate students may earn the Certificate in Piano Pedagogy while concurrently pursuing a music degree. The program is available equally to independent teachers who are seeking opportunities, in a non-degree program, to expand and update their teaching and performance skills.

The curriculum focuses on the development of teaching skills for use in individual and group settings. Pedagogy courses focus on teaching the beginning and intermediate student. Practicum courses allow pedagogy students the opportunity of supervised teaching in Concordia’s Preparatory Piano Program.

Applied piano will cover a broad range of piano literature, including pre-college teaching repertoire. These practical experiences, along with the other academic coursework, represent the spirit of the certificate program: to develop competent, successful piano teachers who in turn will enrich the lives of others with a love of music through quality performance and teaching.

Anyone who wishes to earn a Certificate in Piano Pedagogy at Concordia University Chicago must be officially admitted to the program. To apply for admission, complete an application online or request one through the office of the Institute of Professional Studies.

To obtain a Certificate in Piano Pedagogy, admitted students must successfully complete the following coursework:

  • MUS-4652: Piano Pedagogy and Literature I (2 hours)
  • MUS-4661: Practicum in Piano Pedagogy I (1 hour)
  • MUS-4672: Piano Pedagogy and Literature II (2 hours)
  • MUS-4681: Practicum in Piano Pedagogy II (1 hour)
  • MUSA-0600*: Applied Piano
  • 45-minute lessons at the 3000+ level (3 hours)
  • MUS-4643: Literature of the Piano (3 hours)

Students must also select one three-hour course from the following:

  • PSY-2400: Educational Psychology
  • PSY-4105: Developmental Psychology: Middle Childhood
  • PSY-4110: Developmental Psychology: Adolescence

There will be an initial conference/audition for MUSA-0600. Some performance will be expected during each semester of study. Co-enrollment in MUSA-3501 Music Convocation is optional.

Diagnostic exams will be given to determine if additional coursework is needed to meet the following course equivalents:

  • Theory: MUS-2113 Music Theory I: Diatonic
  • Skills: MUS-2112 Aural Skills I
  • Literature: MUS-2203 Survey of Western Music

No credit for additional coursework will apply toward the Certificate. Transfer credit will be accepted for MUS-4643 and/or PSY coursework only.

Core Courses

MUS-4652: Piano Pedagogy and Literature I (2 hours)

Methods and music materials used in beginning levels of piano study. Observation, participation in and evaluation of individual and group instruction. Field trips. Prerequisite:MUSA-0600 at the 3000 level.

MUS-4661: Practicum in Piano Pedagogy I (1 hour)

Practical application of methods covered in MUS-4652 through observation and supervised teaching in the Preparatory and Community Piano Program. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MUS-4652.

MUS-4672: Piano Pedagogy and Literature II (2 hours)

Methods and music materials to be used at the intermediate levels of piano study. Observation, participation in and evaluation of individual group instruction. Field trips. Prerequisite:MUS-4652.

MUS-4681: Practicum in Piano Pedagogy II (1 hour)

Practical application of methods covered in MUS-4672 through observation and supervised teaching in the Preparatory and Community Piano Program. Prerequisite: MUS-4661. Preferably taken concurrently with MUS-4672. May not be taken without prior or concurrent credit for MUS-4672.

MUSA-0600: Piano (0.5-2 hours)

Prerequisite: MUS-1651 Group Piano II.

MUS-4643: The Literature of the Piano (3 hours)

A study of piano literature from the eighteenth century to the present. Emphasis on teaching the literature. Prerequisites: MUSA-0600 at the 2000 level and either: MUS-2203 or MUS-3223.

PSY-2400: Educational Psychology (3 hours)

Cognitive, social, moral development of students as they interact in the learning process. Theories of teaching and learning are examined in terms of pedagogical practice in schools. Clinical experience required for education students. Cross-listed with EDU-2400.

PSY-4105: Developmental Psychology: Middle Childhood (3 hours)

Course covers cognitive, emotional, physical, social and spiritual growth during childhood. Developmental theories and educational implications of developmental patterns discussed.

PSY-4110: Developmental Psychology: Adolescence (3 hours)

The pubescent and adolescent period of growth and development. Theories and problems of adolescence. IAIN: S6 904.

Courses Relevant to Diagnostic Exams

MUS-2113: Music Theory I: Diatonic (3 hours)

Study of chord progression and part-writing, and analysis of diatonic harmony, including seventh chords and non-chord tones. Prerequisite: passing score on music theory placement exam or grade of ‘B’ or higher in MUS-1112. Co-requisite: MUS-2111 and MUS-1611.

MUS-2111: Aural Skills I (1 hour)

Sight singing, ear training and keyboard skills relating to diatonic music. Lab. Co-requisite:MUS-1641 or a passing score on the keyboard placement exam and MUS-2113.

MUS-2203: Survey of Western Music (3 hours)

Introduction to basic repertoire of Western music. Elements of music, musical forms and styles, relationship of music to other art forms. Emphasis on listening and analysis. Concert attendance required. Prerequisite: High school music experience.