Music Education Program
Who We Are
The Music Education Program faculty strive to identify and recruit talented and knowledgeable choral or instrumental teacher candidates, especially from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We provide students with a variety of field experiences and other simulations that allow them to develop and practice teaching skills with a close focus on practices that support learning for diverse music students.
What We Offer
We have a five-year record of 100% job placement of graduates. This is based on the reputation and accomplishments of our previous graduates, as well as the fact that the VT program has more hands-on experience than any other program in the region. Our students interview with confidence based on their education and their experiences. Graduates seek and earn positions secondary and elementary schools. Music educators also find careers outside of K-12 schools, in a variety of arts venues.
Want to Study With Us?
Students who possess or are in the process of completing an undergraduate degree in music (i.e., B.A. in Music, B.S. in Music Performance) are encouraged to apply.
Each plan of study is tailored to the needs of the individual student - including virtual options for interested students who are not local.
Scroll down further on this page (or click the links) to learn about our approach, our program application dates and deadlines, meet our faculty, see news about our program, see music education alumni news, learn about music education program events, see photos from our program and our alumni, and to learn about our accreditation and memberships!
Our Rigorous, Research-Based, Proven Approach
The Virginia Tech Music Education Program provides Master’s students with a strong background in learning, pedagogy, and assessment in small classes. Contemporary educational thought and "best" instructional practices are provided for each level of K-12 education.
The School of Education's values of Equity and Access, Reflective Practice, and Learner Centered Instruction are modeled and developed throughout the program.
The Cohort Model and its Benefits
The Music Education Program utilizes cohort model. The cohort model is designed to facilitate social interaction, collaboration, and the formation of a supportive learning community.
Students in cohorts learn from and help each other with the successful completion of coursework and professional networking. Students who participate in cohort models generally report a strong sense of belonging and are more likely to complete their programs of study in a timely manner.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Virginia Tech discloses whether its educational programs leading to careers that require licensure meet educational requirements for professional licensure in each state, view the determinations for each state here.
AFFILIATED FACULTY
- The Pines Sound Orff Ensemble, under the direction of Mary Catherine (Stegall) Campbell (c/o 2020), was invited to perform at the 2023 Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference in Richmond, VA.
- The Chatham High School Cavalier Marching Band, under the direction of Logan Epperly (c/o 2022), won multiple grand championships during the 2023 season.
- Steven Arnold (c/o 2020), Director of Bands at J.R. Trippe Middle School in Vidalia, GA, assists in the inaugural Sweet Onion Area Honor Band.
- Steven Arnold (c/o 2020) named Director of Bands at J.R. Trippe Middle School and Assistant Director of Bands at Vidalia High School in Vidalia, Georgia.
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March 23 2023 Music Education Information Session , articleUp your career tempo! Earn your M.A.Ed. AND your VA licensure in Music Education. Join us on Thurs, March 23 at 7:30pm.
Diversity Grant
Dr. Catheryn Foster was awarded a CLAHS Diversity Grant during the 2023-2024 academic year. Through this grant funding, Virginia Tech hosted a professional development workshop for all VT Music Education students as well as area music teachers. The workshop was led by Devin Walker (“Uncle Devin”), a Washington, D.C.-based “drumcussionist” who specializes in racism in children’s music, incorporating percussion in the classroom, and Go-Go music, the indigenous music of Washington, D.C. Participants received hands-on experience as well as resources to incorporate in their own classrooms.
(Pictured L-R) Lolita Walker, Dr. Catheryn Foster, Devin Walker
VT Graduate Music Ed students participating in the workshop
VT Graduate Music Ed students participating in the workshop
VT Graduate Music Ed students participating in the workshop
VT Graduate Music Ed students participating in the workshop
Other Program Photos
Virginia Tech Honor Band 2023 (Pictured L-R, Dr. Catheryn Foster, VT Asst. Prof. of Practice, Dr. Emmett O’Leary, VT Asst. Prof. of Music Education, Dr. Corey Seapy, Director of Bands at University of Central Missouri, Dr. Derek Shapiro, Director of Bands at Virginia Tech)
Duncan Elston (c/o 2020) participates in the 2022 VMEA In-service Conference
2022-2023 Cohort
VMEA In-service Conference 2023 – Dr. Foster’s rural band panel featuring Rachael Glasgow (c/o 2021), Logan Epperly (c/o 2022), & Hunter Allen (c/o 2023)
Outstanding Mentor Award 2024 presented to Thomas Graham, Director of Bands at Andrew Lewis Middle School, Salem, VA (Pictured L-R: Dr. Derek Shapiro, VT Director of Bands, Dr. Catheryn Foster, Asst. Prof. of Practice, Thomas Graham, Kenya Motley, ALMS Assistant Principal, Matthew Coe, ALMS Principal)
Our Music Education Teacher Preparation Program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education. The Music Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
