Alternative Teaching Certification Program in Music

Students with a bachelor’s degree in music can seek alternative teaching certification through the School of Music. The purposes of the Alternative Teaching Certification Program in Music are to prepare students to teach vocal or instrumental music in K-12 school settings and recommend students for Louisiana State Teaching Certification. The program is for certification only, not degree.

The alternative certification program typically requires at least 33 credit hours. Candidates in the instrumental and vocal concentrations take the same courses in knowledge of the learner and learning environment, methodology and teaching, and student teaching, and different courses where content and skill development are unique to instrumental or vocal music. Once accepted into the program, the alternative certification coordinator will design a unique course plan based on the student’s previous degree transcripts.

Coursework required for this program parallels coursework required for the Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Therefore, because of scheduling considerations, it is unlikely that candidates will be able to teach full time while earning certification through this program.

Alternative certification candidates may also be enrolled in a graduate degree program in music during the same time period.epare students to teach vocal or instrumental music in K-12 school settings and recommend students for Louisiana State Teaching Certification.

Required for admission:

• Undergraduate degree in music from a NASM-accredited college or university (in some cases a graduate degree in music will also be accepted in lieu of the NASM-accredited bachelor’s degree if the graduate transcript has an acceptably broad representation of prerequisite coursework; this will be determined at or prior to the interview)
• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (out of four total) on undergraduate coursework
• Successful interview with a member(s) of the Music Education faculty

For more information regarding the Alternative Teaching Certification Program in Music or to begin the admission process, contact Dr. Jason Bowers, Instructor of Music Education, at jbowe17@lsu.edu.

Students will be held responsible for communication from any university office sent to the most recent address(es) provided. Changes in address may be made by using myLSU. Physical location is an important factor for student’s enrolled in educational programming at LSU especially in programs that lead directly to certification/licensure. Licensing, certification, and authorization requirements vary by state. Therefore, it is crucial for students to supply the university the address in which they are physically located. If a student relocates during their educational studies, they should contact their program’s advisor and make the applicable change using myLSU.