MFA question

[nafmeadmin]

I’ve recently graduating with a BM in music education, and I will be receiving my state certification soon. I am planning on going on to a program to receive a Master of Fine Arts in World Percussion; a topic I hope to bring to my students when I start applying for jobs after the two year program. I am, however, nervous that a MFA will not likely be recognized as a Master’s required to be obtained by a school district, as most teachers receive a Master of Music Ed, or Master of Education. Does anyone know if a Master of Fine Arts applies for this requirement? I imagine a good amount of English teachers and Art teachers might have MFAs.

[nafmeadmin]

James,

Unfortunately, there is no national certification that all states recognize. Each state recognizes degrees differently (for compensation purposes basically). My best guess is that a Master’s in Music Education would suit you best and it is most likely ensure that any state would recognize it. I think you already qualify with your Bachelor’s degree. Several teachers in North Carolina hold Master\’s degrees in Conducting. Fortunately, the state recognizes the Master’s degree because they already hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

[continued…]

[nafmeadmin]

[continued from above]
Here’s the interesting part. With such a focus on teacher effectiveness, the NC state legislature decided they would no longer recognize any Master or Doctoral degrees. There is no research to support the fact that a teacher\’s effectiveness increases with advanced degrees. Scary, right? Seems to be a trend appearing in education. With that being said, you will have to make a hard decision. Maybe, the Master of Fine Arts in World Percussion makes sense for you. If so, go for it. I think any way you cut it, you would be well qualified to teach!

Mark Propst, Chair NAfME Music Program Leaders

[nafmeadmin]

Thank you for your response! I’ve decided to pursue the MFA in world percussion, and to develop curriculum around my studies for K-12 during my time there. Although I do know that state certification does not require a Master’s, I was worried that after I did get a job at a school district, many schools require you to get a Master’s within 4 years or so of getting a job. I was worried that this MFA in World Percussion won’t apply for this requirement, and that I’d have to go back to school for a Master’s in Education to be able to keep my job.

[nafmeadmin]

James,
I’m not sure what state you are interested in teaching in, but I can speak to what I know of California schools. In CA pay scales and hiring decisions are made between the school district and unions, but most will give an additional stipend for a Master’s degree as long as it is related to your subject matter. In your case, an MFA in World Percussion would certainly apply and I see no reason why you would not be credited for that degree. However, this is not a state that requires a Master’s degree, so I can’t answer to that.

Good luck!

[Author]

Posts