Mary Witaszek discusses faculty involvement in her education and how she immediately applied what she learned to her classroom teaching.
The fact that this program was online was definitely the biggest reason I chose the program – because I did not want to take off time teaching. I like teaching too much. That’s why I chose UF – because it was completely online and it was a great school.
Graduates Jason Longtin and Chasity Smith discuss the power of the Online Masters in Music Education program’s distinctive online learning environment, which included sharing blogs with fellow students.
The program has completely transformed the way I think about teaching, the way I think about education. There are skills that I have learned in this program that I was able to apply immediately, and concepts and theories that I was able to incorporate into my own teaching. –Jason Longtin
Katherine Powell, a student in the online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME) program, and her pupils at Molino Park Elementary School already are reaping the benefits of the teacher’s advanced music education from the University of Florida. The Escambia County School District, Pensacola, Fla., recently honored Powell with a 2016 Champion for the Arts award.
Additionally, the County’s Public Schools Foundation awarded Ms. Powell a Grants for Excellence prize of $2,000 to purchase technology for the music room at her school. The grant money is being used to provide students with iPads and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) adapters.
“This nomination was a direct result of the changes I made to my curriculum and also my advocacy, both of which arose from what I have learned from the music education graduate program and, specifically, Dr. Bauer’s technology class,” Powell said.
Powell is referring to William Bauer, Ph.D., area head for music education, director of the MMME online program, and associate professor of music education. Bauer teaches Technology Assisted Musical Learning, a class that explores the role of digital technologies in creating, performing and responding to music, with emphasis on developing the graduate students’ Musical Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (M-TPACK).
The Champion for the Arts award recognizes individuals and organizations that make a significant contribution to fine arts education. Powell was nominated for “innovative pedagogy and advocacy for technology in music.” She was the only elementary school music teacher and one of just three teachers to receive the honor this year. Educators who are selected for the award “demonstrate a limitless commitment” to their students and program, according to the School District. In conjunction with honoring Powell, the District has invited her to give presentations on using technology in the classroom at several events.
Powell, in addition to being a music teacher, is a professional soprano and choral director.
The University of Florida’s Online Master of Music in Music Education program is designed with the evolution of music education in mind. In addition to covering a broad array of music genres, the program’s curriculum explores advanced concepts in music education psychology, instructional design, and technology in the music classroom. The faculty include instructors from a diverse range of professional backgrounds— from professional musicians to internationally recognized music education researchers and authors.
Melody Kneezel discusses the benefits of graduating from a highly-regarded Online Masters in Music Education program; building lasting connections with classmates; and balancing work, school and family.
The curriculum is actually the best part of this program. It was unbeatable. I can’t imagine having learned anything better than what I learned. I was immediately able to apply everything that I was learning because I was teaching at the same time that I was getting the degree.
Graduates Kendra Gannaway and Martha Lavender discuss how learning from both world-class faculty and classmates with diverse music backgrounds transformed their lives.
A lot of our assignments are teaching applications, where we take activities and we actually try them with our students. My students have absolutely loved being my students in the last couple of years because they get to do all of these really creative, new things. –Kendra Gannaway