Online DMA Music Education Courses

ME740 (4 credits)

In this course, students develop scholarly writing skills as they learn to understand, critique, and apply a variety of research that informs music education.

ME741 (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to examine and discuss historical and contemporary philosophical ideas and problems in music and music education. A goal is for students to develop a sharpened sensitivity to past and present thought (primarily, but not limited to historical and philosophical thought) in the field of music education in order to better inform their own curricular and instructional choices.

ME742 (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to critically examine psychological and sociological concepts as they relate to music and education. Topics include key issues and concepts in psychology and sociology; psychology as related to music education processes; problems encountered in the sociology of music education; and cultural influences that affect both the psychology of the individual and the sociological aspects of group dynamics.

ME841 (4 credits)

In this course, students explore quantitative research methods and their application to educational research contexts; quantitative research design, sampling techniques, reliability and validity, descriptive and inferential statistics, quantitative studies in music education, and using software to conduct statistical analysis.

ME842 (4 credits)

This course introduces graduate students to key issues and concepts in qualitative research. Students develop skills in conducting interviews and observations. They also gain experience with ethnographic and narrative techniques including transcribing, coding, interpreting data and presenting results of analysis.

ME859 (4 credits)

In this course students begin the process of transitioning from their roles as graduate students to their lifelong roles as scholars.  Topics and activities include: scholarly reading and writing; theories and conceptual frameworks; constructing a research problem, rationale, and research questions; and creating an outline for a scholarly literature review.

ME750 (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to cultivate historical and cultural understandings of varied repertoire and musical engagements. Throughout the course, current understandings in music theory, music analysis, musical transmission, and socio-historical contexts will be both examined and interrogated.

AR670 (4 credits)

This course provides an introduction to issues of policy and advocacy that are relevant to arts education practitioners. We explore the nexus between problems in arts education and the systems that influence schools, cultural organizations, and society. We identify and analyze policies that shape our own professional settings as well as the agencies and partners involved. We research stakeholders, socio-political contexts, resources, and strategies for improving arts education with culturally relevant advocacy. The course centers on drafting a policy proposal and advocacy plan that empowers artist-teachers to take stock of their own leadership skills and apply them to contemporary issues.

ME541 (4 credits)

The course will include activities designed to introduce students to significant technologies that can support music teaching and learning. These technologies will include music sequencing/production, recording, audio and MIDI editing, computer-based notation, graphic-based web authoring, social media for music distribution, and computer-assisted instruction software. The majority of learning activities will begin with a teacher demonstration of a set of skills in music software. Each demonstration will be followed by an assignment designed for students to practice those skills and demonstrate mastery of techniques. Information on applying for Level I TI:ME (Technology Institute for Music Educators) certification will be provided at the end of the course.

ME542 (4 credits)

This course serves to expand the knowledge that many teachers have about uses of technology for teaching music. Students explore music technology pedagogy; that is, the practice of teaching music in a technologically enhanced environment and the special kinds of teaching skills required to do so effectively. Students examine theoretical foundations of the uses of technology for music teaching, including theories of student interaction with technology, multimedia principles, and technology-infused music curricula. Students will design a technology based curricular unit of music study and implement that unit in a real-world scenario such as their own classroom or studio.

ME545 (4 credits)

This course is designed to expand awareness of the intersections between music, education, and society as they relate to issues of power, privilege, and marginalization within US, educational, and global contexts. Students will participate in group discussions, individual reflection, and student-designed projects to increase awareness of their own biases and assumptions and deepen reflective practice in music making and teaching. Upon completion of the course, students should be better prepared to engage in acts of social justice, transform structural biases, build coalitions to effect change, and advocate for marginalized students in their own care.

ME546 (4 credits)

Teaching Music in the Cloud will provide a strong examination of, and interaction with, current online technology available to teachers who wish to develop a Cloud avenue to their students through the Internet. It will survey cutting-edge current technology possibilities available and immediately provide an opportunity for teachers to develop class-specific operable lessons and artifacts that will be individualized to their teaching process. The course format will be developed to encourage students to “try, develop, and share.” The pedagogy emphasized throughout the course and lessons developed will be utilized to teach music and not technology mechanics. Tools utilized will be supported  with emphasis on a strong music education outcome. Online interaction, collaboration, and sharing activities will be an important emphasis. Students will be encouraged to note how these activities can assist the education process as they will take both the class interactive experiences and created lesson plans back to their music classrooms.

ME548 (4 credits)

To model real-world arts-integration implementation, students will engage in team-based learning and project development between arts and non-arts subjects, and/or between the arts disciplines. Collaborative projects will be informed by the histories, theories, philosophies, approaches, and exemplars of arts integration programs in North America.

ME608 (4 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide educators with research-based strategies they can use to include all students in their music classrooms, ensembles, and private studios by eliminating barriers that may prevent certain students from learning. This course is intended for the educators at all levels, pre-K through higher education, who seek to make their classrooms, ensembles, and private music studios inclusive of all learners while providing a quality music education to every student.

ME751 (4 credits)

Drawing upon the social, cultural, political, and economic milieu including movements in music education, music therapy and ethnomusicology, this course first examines reasons for the growth and development of community music. Students will be asked to trace an aspect of community music that may be considered as part of its heritage and also to evaluate and critique a contemporary community music project through fieldwork. Students will then be in a position to articulate their own vision for community music both as a practicum and as a scholarly pursuit.

ME753 (4 credits)

This course will provide an overview of early childhood development and education.  Students will then investigate the musical development of very young children, and explore the components of research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music education.  Special attention will be paid to the role of play in childhood and designing and implementing play-based musical experiences.

ME840 (4 credits)

Study of current issues influencing the state of music education in schools. Focus on the interpretation, implementation, and development of policy. Topics include public policy, politics, advocacy, diversity, evaluation, and curriculum.

ME850 (4 credits)

This course builds on other social justice-based courses offered by the Music Education Department: CFA ME 545: Power, Marginalization, and Privilege in Music Education; ME 751 Community Music; and ME 550 Empowering Song – Music with Heart, Body, and Mind. Although this course is a companion to the above courses, it is self-contained and discrete. For students who have taken any of the above-mentioned courses, they may already be awakened to the issues of systemic marginalization. For others, this course may serve as a general introduction to social justice and music education. This course intends to cover a body of equity and justice theories as a means of impelling a reconsideration of music education curricula to deepen the students’ reflection, and to foster a strong connection between justice and music education. Students will participate in group discussions and individual reflections to increase awareness of justice and equity particularly as they relate to themselves as music educators. As part of this process, students will engage in project development. Upon completion of the course, students should be better prepared to engage in acts of social justice and to work for music education as a force for social change.

MH750 (4 credits)

This course will work toward a 21st-century aesthetic of musicking. Expanding on Christopher Small’s reevaluation of performing and listening, students will investigate what it means for individuals and collectives “to musick” in the 21st century through notions of sound, (dis)place(ment), disability, ecology, media, ethnocentrism, morality, empathy, and provocation. After conceptualizing these frameworks, students will apply them to their communities to ground this understanding in the diverse worlds in which they live, teach, and work.

MH835 (4 credits)

Overview of early music in the colonies. Various attempts to create an individual “American” musical style. Diversity of influences: European, African-American, Indian, Spanish-Mexican, religious, jazz, folk song, minstrel, etc. Music of Billings, Lowell, Mason, Gottschalk, MacDowell, Ives, Gershwin, Copland, and others.

MH837 (4 credits)

The course addresses elements and aspects of African-American music which extend beyond the confines of blues, including early rock’n’roll, hip-hop, 1940s big band jazz, and beyond. Additionally, the course incorporates a variety of intertextual elements, including literary cross-currents in African-American linguistic theory (as relevant to music), including Henry Louis Gates’ seminal text Signifying Monkey and more.

MH862 (4 credits)

This course explores a selection of musics from sub-Saharan Africa in ethnographic context, with a particular focus on their practical application in the Western classroom or ensemble. This course is an intensive introduction to vastly diverse and contradictory music from a variety of African cultures. Rather than attempting a cursory regional overview, we will be exploring specific musics thematically. The course aims to provide you with a sense of the intensity of African musical creativity, its global ubiquitous influence, and an appreciation of how important music is to individual lived experiences.

Students will find a variety of source material throughout this course. It includes scholarly writing, online sources, videos, sound recordings, musical exercises, journalistic material, as well as material drawn from the personal experiences of the instructor. Additional resources on African music and culture are included in the bibliography. Students are always encouraged to research additional material in this vast subject area. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have gained the knowledge and skill required to bring African music into their own classroom or ensemble.

MT600 (4 credits)

Investigations (systemic and empirical) into formal and compositional procedures of selected masterworks from the tonal repertoire. Lectures lead to individual analytical projects.

*pre-requisite is ME750, Theoretical and Cultural Applications

MT630 (4 credits)

Contemporary orchestral techniques, focusing on scoring for modern winds, brass, strings and mixed ensembles, including full orchestra. Concepts include chord spacing, melodic projection, layering and delineation of material, and extended instrumental techniques. Materials are approached through readings, listening, writing and analytical work.

*pre-requisite is MT 600, Analytical Techniques.

MT781 (4 credits)

Analysis of combo, vocal and jazz ensemble literature from a variety of grade levels. Development of arranging and composing skills in the jazz idiom. Overview of score study, rehearsal, and programming topics pertaining to jazz ensemble development and leadership. Individual analytical and arranging projects.

*pre-requisite is MT 600, Analytical Techniques.

TA801 (4 credits)

Students will explore and critically engage with materials and approaches in the principal areas of present-day church musicians including: theology of music ministry, resources, choral and vocal techniques, conducting, the organ and other instruments, alternative and contemporary worship, and professional concerns. They will deepen their understanding and integration of the multi-faceted skills inherent in the practice of music ministry. This course is offered through BU’s School of Theology.

ME921 (1 credit)

Students will refine a research problem and rationale, engage critically with theoretical frameworks and relevant scholarly literature, and align appropriate research methods. Section DL (for online DMA students) is a week-long residency on campus in Summer II.

ME995 (3 credits)

Last class (dissertation) in Doctoral program. Selection of dissertation topic; research techniques; compilation of preliminary bibliography. After students complete their coursework, they are given additional time to complete their dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor.

While students are working on their dissertation, they are expected to enroll in Continuing Studies (ME996) for 0 credits each Fall and Spring until they defend. Continuing Studies fees apply.

Students take a qualifying exam in music education prior to completing the prospectus and dissertation writing phases. While students are working on their qualifying examinations, they are expected to enroll in Continuing Studies (ME990) for 0 credits each Fall and Spring until they present their final dissertation seminar. Continuing Studies fees apply.