Music Credential at CSUF

1. Music Credential at CSUF 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. 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)

2. 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.

3. Instrumental Emphasis (25 units) 
Music Education 394I (3); 395I (2); 404 (3); Music 283 (1); 353 (2); EdSec 310 (3), 320 (3), 330 (3), 340 (3); Jazz experience: 2 units from Music 265A, 265B, 312, 361L, 361S, 469. Not required but highly recommended: MU 444 (2).

4. Choral Emphasis (24 units) 
Music Education 394V (3), 395V (2), 404 (3); Music 333 (3), Music 380A (1); EdSec 310 (3), 320 (3), 330 (3), 340 (3).

5. General Music Emphasis (23 units) 
Music Education 394V (3), 395V (2), 404 (3), Music 380A (1), 468 (2); EdSec 310 (3), 320 (3), 330 (3), 340 (3).

6. 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.

7. 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.”

8. 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.

9. SKILLS COMMON TO ALL Essay: Content, use of language, 1 2 3 4 5 Grammar, punctuation, spelling. Interview: Philosophy, ability to 1 2 3 4 5 communicate effectively, attitude, poise. Performing on major instrument/voice: Musicality, proficiency, intonation, stage presence. 1 2 3 4 5 Sight singing: Accuracy of pitch, rhythm. 1 2 3 4 5 Keyboard Accompanying: 1 2 3 4 5 Accuracy and ensemble. Conducting (at sight): 1 2 3 4 5 Ability to provide effective musical leadership.

10. ADDITIONAL SKILLS BY EMPHASES Choral/General Only (at the keyboard) • Open Score Reading (at sight) 1 2 3 4 5 • Transposition (at sight) 1 2 3 4 5 • Leading a vocal warm-up 1 2 3 4 5 Instrumental Only: Secondary instrument (family other than your major) • Performing a simple piece, diatonic scales, 1 2 3 4 5 and chromatic scale • Teaching physical approach to instruments 1 2 3 4 5 • Instrumental Transposition-on your instrument 1 2 3 4 5