Music Education

Students in the music education program are active in local districts where they establish a professional network and are given opportunities to practice habits of leadership and develop skills.

Program Distinctives

• Every education and music education methods course includes a field placement in area schools, which translates to a minimum of five teaching experiences in a variety of school settings before student teaching
• We have a sequential program, providing a strong knowledge and skills in music and education
• Students experience passionate faculty who model teaching and instructional strategies in methods courses and ensembles for students to use in their placements and beyond

Music Education FACULTY

• Christina Hornbach, area head
• Ingrid Dykeman
• Michael Norman
• Anand Sukumaran

What does Music Education Look like?

Hope College offers an endorsement in music that prepares and certifies music education students to teach grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Music education students may specialize in instrumental or vocal music.

The core curriculum and methods courses provide the knowledge, skills and opportunities for practical application in schools (at least five field experiences plus a student teaching semester). Hope’s partnership in music education with local public and private schools affords music education students the opportunity to teach students from a variety of cultures and economic backgrounds.

Candidates for certification in music education must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in Music Education (Test #99).

NAFME COLLEGIATE CHAPTER

Our chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is active in creating professional development opportunities for music education students. 

NAfME Officers 2024–2025

• President: Maicee Bishop
• Vice President: Julia Brown
• Secretary: Eric Johnson
• Treasurer: Aletheia Hoffman

Calendar of Events 2024–2025

Monday, September 9, 2024

• Music Department Picnic 
• Location: JHMILL outside SE side on grass
• 5–6 p.m.

Monday, October 14, 2024

• Charlotte Mason Education Philosophy – Meeting & Presentation
  Gabrielle (Karel) Wolf, Calvary Schools of Holland
• Location: JHMILR 194
• 5–5:45 p.m. Meeting & Presentation

Monday, November 11, 2024

• Leah Marie Peterson, Greenville Public Schools – Meeting & Presentation
• Location: JHMILR 194        
• 5–5:45 p.m. Meeting & Presentation

January 23–25, 2025

• Michigan Music Conference – Hope
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Students do not pay for conference if they sign up to staff the booth for two hours on Friday or Saturday. Email Professor Norman (norman@hope.edu) with questions regarding the booth.

Monday, February 3, 2025

• MMEA & NAfME, Lifelong Professional Development – Meeting & Presentation
• Location: JHMILR 194 Carin McEvoy, East Lansing Public Schools
• 5–5:45 p.m.

Monday, March 10, 2025

• Mock Interviews – Meeting & Presentation
• Location: JHMILR 194    
• 5–5:45 p.m.

Monday, April 14, 2025

• Celebration Reception for Seniors & Officer Election
• Location: JHMILR 192
• 5–5:45 p.m.

 Recent Guest Clinicians

Our recent guest clinicians have received national recognition for their research, scholarship, and commitment to the field of music education.

• 2019: MMEA General Music Conference with Jill Reese
• 2018: Bob Phillips
• 2017: Heather Shouldice
• 2016: Sanna Longden
• 2015: Ali Bendert, Peter Conniff, Amy DeBoer
• 2014: Jill Reese
• 2013: Diane Lange
• 2012: Will Schmid
• 2011: Christopher Azzara
• 2010: James Jordon
• 2009: Cynthia Taggart
• 2008: Edwin Gordon

Michigan Music Conference (MMC)

The Michigan Music Conference is one of the largest music education conferences in the Midwest. The 2015 attendance included approximately 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers and guests.