Music Education – Certification Only
Why Pursue a Music Education Certificate?
If you have a music degree, you already know that you are passionate about and understand this art. If you combine that love with a yearning to pass your knowledge and passion on to others, then a music education certificate may be the perfect career choice. A music education certificate allows you to gain teacher certification without having to complete the coursework necessary for a degree in teaching. A music education certificate also opens new career tracks to current educators.
At Piedmont University, we can show you how to put your understanding of music to use in a rewarding profession. You will learn how to work with and train students in various aspects of music and musical theory – showing young minds what music has meant to you and what it can mean for them. And certification allows you to carve out a new career path in a convenient manner, as well as being prepared for teaching jobs in both public and private systems.
How a Piedmont Music Education Certificate Helps You
- Start a career in education – or change career paths in education – without having to go back to school full time.
- Take the knowledge and love you have for music and repurpose it in your professional career.
- Gain the ability to teach in all manner of schools across the state of Georgia.
- Reach young minds and show them how music can shape and touch their lives forever.
Career Opportunities
A Music Education Certificate from Piedmont certifies you to teach in both public and independent schools in the state of Georgia. A Piedmont certification also opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities at schools and school systems throughout the state of Georgia.
A Music Education Certificate prepares individuals to teach music in Public Schools by providing training in music theory, pedagogy, classroom management, and performance instruction. It equips educators to develop well-rounded music programs that meet state standards and foster student creativity and musical growth.
A Music Education Certificate supports a career in Private Schools by equipping educators with the skills to design and lead dynamic music programs tailored to a school’s unique mission. It combines musical expertise with teaching strategies that foster creativity, performance, and student engagement in diverse learning environments.
More About Music Education Certificate
Learn more about Music Education Certificate and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
If you have a degree and background in music – or an education degree in another concentration – this coursework and the requisite clinical experiences will make you eligible for state certification as a music educator. The proposed course of study is reviewed by the department chair and, if approved, serves as the advisement sheet for that candidate. Based upon a transcript analysis, Piedmont’s program coordinator will develop an individual program of studies for you, including an internship or apprenticeship. Additionally, candidates must take EDUC 5599 – graduate orientation, and pass all state-required assessments in order to be recommended for certification. Candidates must apply for and be admitted to teacher education and pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) content exams in their chosen content field. Completion of this course of study does not lead to a degree in education.
You already know what music has meant in your life, but it’s not always easy to make a full-time living in music. A teaching certificate can provide a launching pad for a fulfilling career that involves art and is also consistent – no matter the whims or changes in the music community itself.
Piedmont’s education certification program will help you learn how to pass your passion for music on to others. When you were growing up, there was likely a teacher who helped you grow in your love of music and encouraged your talents for music. We can help you become that mentor for others. And that is something that makes a difference for life – both for students and teacher.
To be eligible for Piedmont’s education certificate, you must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music from an accredited institution. That includes a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Further, to qualify for our education certificate, you must complete and provide:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Two Professional References
- Personal Affirmation Form
- If you are a returning BA or MA Educational Studies graduate from Piedmont University, you may return within five years as a certification only student. A prerequisite for admission as a certification-only student is successful completion of the appropriate GACE content tests.
When appropriate, staff development units, teaching internship, and/or other experiences will be accepted in lieu of the same or similar college courses completed at other institutions. (If you currently hold a professional teacher certification and want to add another certification, you may apply for the Certification Only program with only a BA degree.)
Related Programs
Intrigued by Music Education Certificate? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in music and education.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning a Music Education master’s degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in music education.