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Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy

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Degree Type:
Certificate
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(800) 414-5756
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None
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Prepare for Success with an Online Music Pedagogy Certificate

If you want to deepen your expertise in music education, Troy University is the place for you. By earning an online 12-credit-hour Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy, you can quickly strengthen your knowledge of music pedagogy best practices while expanding your career opportunities. Two track options — Methods and Materials and Ensemble Performance — provide program flexibility, allowing you to tailor this certificate to your individual goals. Whether you're fulfilling professional development requirements, a current graduate student looking to add to your area of expertise or a non-degree-seeking applicant wanting to build your knowledge, the TROY Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy can add momentum to your career.

A TROY Online student studies music pedgagogy on a laptop.
“The Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy provides specialized professional development for practicing music educators who want to strengthen their teaching skills in specific areas of music education. The program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, including band and choir directors, general music teachers, community music educators, higher-education instructors and educators who already hold a master's degree. Participants can continue working in their professional roles while completing the certificate and can apply what they learn directly to their classrooms.”
Dr. Hui-Ting Yang |  Director, John M. Long School of Music

Music Pedagogy Certificate Tracks

Troy University's Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy offers two tracks, allowing you to choose the option that meets your personal and professional goals.
Music Pedagogy – Methods and Materials

The Music Pedagogy – Methods and Materials track prepares you to make theory-to-practice classroom applications utilizing best practices in music methods pedagogy for K-12 populations. You'll develop ways to apply best practices in music pedagogy to include global music, special populations and other recognized specialty methods areas. 

Courses include:

  • Advanced Music Methods 
  • World Music Pedagogy in the P-12 Music Classroom 
  • Specialized Study in Area of Music  

Music Pedagogy – Methods and Materials Certificate Degree Plan 

Music Pedagogy – Ensemble Performance
In TROY's Music Pedagogy – Ensemble Performance track, you'll learn to apply music pedagogy best practices in the classroom and rehearsal setting for beginning and advanced performance ensembles. This track prepares you develop effective rehearsal techniques and implement appropriate methods and materials for ensembles at all levels. 

Courses include:
  • Literature and Techniques for the Beginning/ Middle School Band 
  • Advanced Rehearsal Techniques 
  • Literature Analysis
Music Pedagogy – Ensemble Performance Certificate Degree Plan 

Online Program Taught by Respected Music Education Faculty

Troy University is a leader in online education, ranked the #1 Best Online College in Alabama by Niche.com. Meaning, as a student in the Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy program, you can be confident that you are receiving valuable, high-quality education. Courses are taught by respected music education faculty at TROY's John M. Long School of Music, many of whom have won major national teaching awards, serve in leadership roles in professional organizations, and are sought out as clinicians, conductors and pedagogues. Your professors place great value on offering theory-to-practice coursework that is relevant in today's music education field. And they have the experience and professional standing to deliver authentic, meaningful content.

Build a Robust Music Education Professional Network

A unique benefit of TROY's music pedagogy certificate program is that all courses are graduate electives offered to TROY's Master of Science in Education (Music P-12) students. This means you'll study alongside degree-seeking master's candidates, providing rich opportunities for you to learn and network with those currently in the field of music education. This online collaborative learning environment allows you to gain new perspectives and practical insights you can apply to your own teaching and professional goals. You'll leave the program with expanded knowledge, meaningful connections and tools to support your continued growth as a music educator. 
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Music Pedagogy Certificate Curriculum

Academic Catalog

Music Pedagogy Certificate Locations

The Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy is offered exclusively online. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.

TROY Online

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Diane Orlofsky

Dr. Diane Orlofsky

Diane Orlofsky is a Professor Emerita and Music Education Graduate Coordinator/Advisor at TROY. She served as the Director of Choirs from 2007-2022 and was the Conductor of the Concert Chorale and Artistic Director for the vocal jazz ensemble, frequency. She earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University, a Master of Music - Music Education from Wright State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Cedarville University. Dr. Orlofsky is an active clinician, conductor, adjudicator and researcher. She was inducted into the 2024 Alabama Music Education Association Hall of Fame and received the Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator award from AMEA in 2016.
Learn more about our faculty dorlof@troy.edu
Dr. Scott Sexton

Dr. Scott Sexton

Scott Sexton is an Assistant Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of the John M. Long School of Music at Troy University. There, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Education from Auburn University and has completed extensive study in the Kodály and Orff music teaching philosophies. He has given conference presentations at the Alabama Music Educators Association, Midwest Kodály Music Educators Association, the NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference, the Carl Orff Canada National Conference in Nova Scotia, and the International Kodály Symposium in the United States and Hungary.
Learn more about our faculty rsexton@troy.edu

Related Programs

Master of Science in Education (Music P-12)
“These certificate options may be perfect for individuals at various stages in their professional careers, including non-degree seeking individuals who may need to take advanced level skill-building coursework for their employers (to demonstrate progress toward advanced study); current graduate students who are looking to add to their areas of expertise; and students with completed graduate degrees who are looking to update/refresh skill levels for professional development/certification renewal or to add another area of sub-specialty to their portfolio. If you see yourself in one of these categories, reach out and contact us for more information today!”
Dr. Diane D. Orlofsky | Professor Emerita and Coordinator of Graduate Music Education

FAQ About the Music Pedagogy Certificate Program

Learn more about how to build upon your skills.
Who can I contact for more information about the music pedagogy certificate?

The Music Education Graduate Coordinator/Advisor can help you walk through all available options and can assist you with all aspects of the Master's and Pedagogy Certificate programs. The current MEGCA is Dr. Diane Orlofsky.

Are graduate certificate programs useful?

Yes, earning a certificate in a specific field may add credibility to your current profession or may help you transition to the field of your choice.

Is there a GPA requirement for the Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy?

Yes, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better to meet the certificate requirements.

What careers or jobs does the TROY music pedagogy certificate prepare students for?

The Graduate Certificate in Music Pedagogy from TROY helps students advance in music education careers at private schools, public schools or private studios.

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