Music Education
Music Education at the University of South Florida is a visionary laboratory for the preparation of the next generation of music educators and scholars, and serves as a dynamic site for progressive and foundational teaching/learning and research in music education, within the context of contemporary life. Comprehensive degree offerings include the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), the Master of Arts (M.A.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Education.
The B.S. degree prepares students for the challenges and realities of the twenty-first century classroom. The M.A. degree is offered in a totally at-a-distance format. Some required coursework requires synchronous online course meetings, while other courses are offered in an asynchronous online design. The Ph.D. degree program is designed to develop global leaders in music research, teaching, and administration. We offer an on-campus track and a totally at-a-distance track (online and synchronous). The Center for Music Education Research provides support for all of our programs.
- Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education is a professional degree for students who are interested in teaching music in K-12 schools in the ever changing music classrooms of the 21st century. This program is an intense study of music and education courses that prepare students to acquire state certification upon graduation. In addition to private study on their principle instrument and participation in ensembles, students complete music theory, history and literature sequences, and take a variety of music education courses. Our degree program challenges and prepares future educators to not only embrace the traditions of music education, but also to incorporate new potentials that can reach additional populations of students interested in making music using alternative methods. The program progresses towards a semester-long, student-teaching experience in area schools and can also include a study abroad experience in and around London, England. Admission into the program requires an audition on your major instrument as well as a faculty interview.
- Master of Arts (online - both synchronous and asynchronous)
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Music Education Degree Program at USF is an innovative curriculum unlike any in the field. The program focuses on learner-centered and informal pedagogical techniques as applied in music, as well as techniques of research. This degree is intended for K-12 music teachers who are interested in broadening the pedagogical possibilities in their classrooms as well as those teachers who would like to develop their action research skills to better assess their work.
- Doctor of Philosophy (online and on-campus tracks)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Education is the highest degree in the field. At the University of South Florida, this program is designed to develop global leaders in music education research, teaching, and administration. The curriculum prepares the student to engage in original research in music education and related fields (arts education, creativity, engineering, gerontology, music technology, neuropsychology, philosophy, social psychology, special and gifted education, speech and communication sciences, etc.). In coordinating with faculty mentors, the student has great flexibility in designing a program that fits their interests and strengths.
Admission requirements include the submission of a statement of professional goal and research interest, writing sample of an academic paper, a curriculum vitae, GRE general test scores, a 20-minute video recording of the applicant teaching music, and three recommendation letters and an interview with the music education faculty. A limited number of assistantships and fellowships are available for qualified students
Music Education Faculty
Dr. Jennifer Bugos, Professor of Music Education | bugosj@usf.edu
Dr. Trevor Butts, Director of Athletic Bands | tbutts3@usf.edu
Dr. Aaron Campbell, Brass Techniques | aaronc@usf.edu
Devin DeDon, Internship Supervisor | devindedon@usf.edu
Dr. Victor Fung, Professor of Music Education | fung@usf.edu
Lauren Gates, Woodwind Techniques | laurengates@usf.edu
Allyssa Jones, Director of Vocal Ensembles | allyssaj@usf.edu
Latoya McCormick-Hutchinson, Vocal Ensembles | lamccorm@usf.edu
Dr. Matthew McCutchen, Director of Bands | mccutchen@usf.edu
Dr. Catherine Michelsen, String Techniques | cbsimmon@usf.edu
Dr. Clint Randles, Professor of Music Education and Co-Director of Contemporary Commercial Music | randlesc@usf.edu
Dr. Kevin von Kampen, Percussion Techniques | kvonkampen@usf.edu
Dr. David A. Williams, Professor of Music Education and Director of the School of Music | davidw@usf.edu