Earning a Teaching Credential
Students intending to teach music in the California public schools must demonstrate subject-matter competence prior to admission to the Single-Subject Credential program. This may be done either (a) by completing the coursework for the Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP) or (b) by passing subject-matter tests specified by the State of California and administered by the Educational Testing Service (CSET). In either case, an interview and competence examination administered by the Music Department must be passed prior to enrolling in the Single-Subject Credential Program in Music (which includes student teaching)

The following courses are prerequisite to admission to the Credential program for students who choose to complete SMPP coursework in lieu of taking the subject matter examination. These courses are intended to be taken concurrently with degree work.

Core Requirements
• Music Theory (14 units)
• Music History & Literature (14 units)
• Applied Studies – Principal Performance Area (5 units)
• Major Performance Ensemble (4 units)
• Chamber Ensembles (2 units)

Collateral Requirements (18 units)
• MUS 333 Music and Child Development
• MUSE 404 Microcomputers and MIDI for School Music Classrooms
• EDSC 310 The Teaching Experience: Participation
• EDSC 320 Adolescence and Education
• EDSC 330 Developing Literacy in Secondary Schools
• EDSC 340 Diversity in Secondary Schools

Instrumental Emphasis (18 units)
• MUS 281B, P, S, W, Instrumental Instruments
• MUS 283 Voice Class for Instrumentalists
• MUS 353 Public School Instrumental Music Materials
• MUS 382A & B Instrumental Conducting
• MUS 469 Jazz Pedagogy
• MUSE 394I Instrumental Music Education Practicum
• MUSE 395I Clinical Practice in Conducting-Instrumental

Choral/General Emphasis (15 units)
• MUS 284 Instrument Class for Singers, Pianists and Guitarists
• MUS 354 Survey of Public School Choral Music Materials
• MUS 380A Diction for Singers - English and Italian
• MUS 383A & B Choral Conducting
• MUS 468 Vocal Pedagogy
• MUSE 394V Vocal Music Education Practicum
• MUSE 395V Clinical Practice in Conducting-Vocal

Prior to admission to the Single Subject Credential Program in Music, the student must have completed all SMPP requirements, including the bachelor’s degree, with the recital (Music 398) completed. Students typically apply for the credential program during their last semester of course work for the SMPP.

Applicants for the Single Subject Credential Program in Music must also demonstrate functional ability in keyboard and voice. Vocal competence may be shown either by successful audition or completion of Music 283 (voice class) with a minimum grade of “B.” Piano competence may be shown by either successful audition or completion of Music 282B with a minimum grade of “B.”

A minimum GPA is required for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program in Music. The precise requirement will vary slightly from year to year; it is currently 2.75 overall.

Students are required to apply for the credential program (through the Secondary Education Department) in February of the calendar year in which they plan to student teach. The College of Education provides monthly Overviews, which outline the application process and procedures. The prospective student must pass the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) as well as an assessment interview with the Music Education faculty. In the interview the applicant is expected to demonstrate musical and interpersonal skills essential to music teaching, as well as an overall synthesis of learning.

Once accepted into the Single Subject Credential in Music, students must complete the following 30 units to earn the preliminary Single Subject Credential:

Fall Semester-Externship (15 units)
MusEd 442 (3 units)
MusEd 449E (3 units)
EdSec 410 (3 units)
EdSec 440F (2 units)
EdSec 440S (4 units)

Spring Semester-Student Teaching (15 units)
MusEd 449I (10 units)
MusEd 449S (3 units)
EdSec 460 (2 units)

To Learn More

For more information on the credential process, see the College of Education website.

Or Contact: Dr. Dennis Siebenaler at
(714) 278-3510 or
> E-mail

Write:
California State University, Fullerton
Department of Music
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
> E-mail