It is attainable in four years of consecutive, full-time study. Those pursuing the bachelors degree student-teach the spring semester of their senior year in area public and private schools. The Master of Music Education degree may be attained in two years of full-time study, in a total of six years of intermittent study, or in three consecutive summers in the new accelerated program which has recently been developed by the Division. Candidates for the Doctoral degree write a dissertation and undergo oral examinations in partial fulfillment of their degree, which must be completed within a ten-year period. The education curriculum provides practical applications and conceptual knowledge, both necessary to successful teaching in the field today.
Studies range from general music to specific methodology.
Suzuki pedagogy is offered in piano and the string instruments. Since 1969, the Orff Schulwerk Summer Institute at the university has provided training for many music educators currently teaching in the United States and abroad. Dr. Edwards is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Choral Activities. He has been a member of The University of Memphis faculty since 1987. Prior to this time he was the director of choral activities at West Virginia University in Morgantown.