Graduate Music Programs
The graduate music programs at Holy Names provide teacher preparation in three related areas: music education with Kodály emphasis, piano pedagogy and vocal pedagogy. The programs are unique in that they share a core curriculum of musicianship, music literature, conducting, and an introduction of music pedagogy. Students receive program-specific training in pedagogical methods and materials, as well as supervised teaching experience during the academic year. Holy Names students also experience a significant portion of related programs: all sing, play the piano and participate together in a variety of ensembles. Depending on the program, the course of study may include private lessons, recitals, a thesis or lecture-demonstration of teaching, or a final oral comprehensive examination.
Our programs are designed to prepare students to teach in a variety of settings--public and private schools, school, church and community choirs, and in private studios. Graduate faculty are nationally and internationally recognized, and often include guest teachers from the Liszt Academy in Hungary. Small class sizes ensure that students receive the personal attention essential for their success. Graduates of our programs provide leadership in the field of music education throughout the United States and abroad.
- Programs Offered
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Curriculum
Master of Music in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis
Holy Names University enjoys an international reputation as one of the major centers in North America for Kodály music training. The first institution of higher learning to grant an advanced degree in music education with Kodály emphasis, Holy Names University has maintained an internationally renowned faculty in its program for over thirty years. Students come from throughout the Americas and the Pacific Rim to study with Hungarian master teachers and distinguished American faculty to develop their own musicianship while learning how to teach. An integrated and practical curriculum, a supportive atmosphere, and a high standard of excellence are hallmarks of the program.
The Kodály philosophy of music education, inspired by Hungarian composer and educator Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967), is based on a vision of the place of music in the intellectual, emotional, physical and social development of every child. Incorporating ideas from many different cultures, it places singing at the foundation of musical development. Authentic folk songs and masterpieces of classical music form the basis of the curriculum, in accordance with Kodály's belief that, for a child's education, "only the best is good enough." Kodály music education is known for its sequential development of skills, emphasis on music literacy, and strong choral programs, a natural flowering of a singing-based curriculum.
The Resource Center in the Kennedy Arts Center houses a folk song collection that has been declared an archive by the Library of Congress. This special collection, representing major and minor regional and ethnic groups in the United States, is uniquely organized according to pedagogical content and has proved invaluable to teachers who come to select songs for teaching musical skills through singing.
The curriculum is designed for music teachers, choral conductors, church musicians, and performers who seek an advanced degree emphasizing the Kodály approach to music education. The curriculum features core courses in pedagogy, solfège and musicianship, choral conducting, folk music, children's vocal pedagogy, and choral singing. Supervised student teaching placements are provided in surrounding Piedmont and Oakland public schools. Part-time choral conducting and teaching internships are often available for experienced students. Teacher credentialing is also available at HNU. Through generous funding by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Kodály Endowment fund enables the Kodály Center for Music Education to award fellowships to qualified students.
The course of study for the Master's degree begins with the Kodály Summer Institute and continues sequentially through the academic year. The degree can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
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Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy
Two majors in piano pedagogy are offered for those interested in teaching individual or class
lessons. One program follows a traditional approach; the other places an emphasis on the Suzuki
method of music education. Both programs focus on advanced training in methods and materials
as well as performance skills. Observation and teaching opportunities are available in the Holy
Names University Preparatory Music Department.
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Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy
This program provides the student with broad professional opportunities. Successful completion
of the degree will qualify the singer to teach vocal technique and coach repertoire in private
lessons, in a class, in a studio, or in an academic setting.
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Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy
Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy
Master of Music in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis
Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy
Piano Pedagogy (35 Units)
- MUSC 201 Introduction to Music Pedagogy (1)
- MUSC 216 Private Lessons (1,1,1,1)
- MUSC 226 Studies in Piano Literature (2)
- MUSC 231 Seminar in Music Literature (2,2)
- MUSC 234A,B Keyboard Literature (2,2)
- MUSC 244A,B Solfège & Musicianship (2,2)
- MUSC 251 Piano Pedagogy (3)
- MUSC 252 Advanced Piano Pedagogy (3)
- MUSC 264 Advanced Piano Ensemble (1,1)
- MUSC 265 Advanced Accompanying (1,1)
- MUSC 281A Choral Conducting (2)
- MUSC 296C,D Practicum (2,2)
- MUSC 290A Recital (0)
- Master’s Project/Presentation of Private Students (0)
- Oral Comprehensive Examination (0)
Piano Pedagogy with Suzuki Emphasis (37 Units)
- Suzuki Piano Pedagogy Units (Summer/Independent Study) and SAA Practicum (8,1)*
- MUSC 201 Introduction to Music Pedagogy (1)
- MUSC 216 Private Lessons (1,1,1,1)
- MUSC 226 Studies in Piano Literature (2)
- MUSC 231 Seminar in Music Literature (2,2)
- MUSC 234A,B Keyboard Literature (2,2)
- MUSC 244A,B Solfège & Musicianship (2,2)
- MUSC 252 Advanced Piano Pedagogy (3)
- MUSC 264 Advanced Piano Ensemble (1)
- MUSC 265 Advanced Accompanying (1)
- MUSC 281A Choral Conducting (2)
- MUSC 296C Practicum (2)
- MUSC 290A Recital (0)
- Master's Project/Presentation of Private Students (0)
- Oral Comprehensive Examination (0)
*Up to eight summer extension units in Suzuki piano pedagogy and one unit of Practicum
(MUSC X196D) will be accepted toward completion of the degree.
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Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy
Course Requirements (35 Units)
- MUSC 154 Vocal Pedagogy (3)
- MUSC 201 Introduction to Music Pedagogy (1)
- MUSC 216 Private Lessons (1,1,1,1)
- MUSC 231 Seminar in Music Literature (2,2)
- MUSC 232A,B Lyric Diction (1,1)
- MUSC 233 Literature of the Voice (3)
- MUSC 238 Studies in Vocal Literature (2)
- MUSC 244A,B Solfège & Musicianship (2,2)
- MUSC 246 Children’s Vocal Pedagogy (1)
- MUSC 255 Advanced Vocal Pedagogy (3)
- MUSC 261 HNU Chamber Singers (1,1)
- MUSC 281A Choral Conducting (2)
- MUSC 296E,F Practicum (2,2)
- MUSC 290A Recital (0)
- Master’s Project/Presentation of Private Students (0)
- Oral Comprehensive Examination (0)
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Master of Music in Music Education with Kodály Emphasis
Course Requirements (36 Units)
- MUSCX210A Kodály Pedagogy (summer) (2)
- MUSCX211A Solfège & Musicianship (summer) (1)
- MUSCX214 Folk Music (summer) (1)
- MUSCX215A Choral Conducting (1)
- MUSC 201 Introduction to Music Pedagogy (1)
- MUSC 231 Seminar in Music Literature (2)
- MUSC 243A,B Folk Music (2,2)
- MUSC 244A,B Solfège and Musicianship (3,3)
- MUSC 246 Children’s Vocal Pedagogy (1)
- MUSC 247A,B Kodály Pedagogy (2,2)
- MUSC 261 HNU Chamber Singers (1,1)
- MUSC 281A,B Choral Conducting (2,2)
- MUSC 296A,B Practicum (3,3)
- Elective (1)
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