Contemporary Teaching Practice (MM) at University of Southern California

The Master of Music in Contemporary Teaching Practice is an intensive program with special emphasis on urban settings, providing a credential path for graduate music students who want to teach in public and private schools in California and other states. Graduates are recommended for a California Preliminary teaching credential and gain access to monthly online mentoring in their first year of teaching.

Faculty: Thornton School of Music  |  Duration: 34 units; time limit five years  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Program intensive courses (24 units) cover improvisation and composition for teaching, teaching children and youth, contemporary pedagogy for small and large instrumental ensembles and vocal and general music, community engagement through music, guided practice and assessment. Rossier School of Education courses (10 units) cover urban schools, educational equity and language development. Proficiencies include certification for children with special needs and playing and singing competency tests; a comprehensive teaching portfolio is required.

Career pathways

Music teaching in public and private schools; recommended for a California Preliminary credential after meeting basic skills, edTPA and CPR requirements.

Official programme page