What will I learn on this module?
Having been introduced to music’s place in the classroom curriculum in your first year, this course pays closer attention to music pedagogy in general, and gives you the opportunity to experience genuine teaching situations outside the university lectures, reflecting on what you learn from the observation of others and discussion with your peers. You will also think about teaching advanced repertoire on your instrument, encouraging you to familarise yourself with the UK exam boards and work towards establishing your own professional opinions on repertoire choice and supporting technical requirements.
How will I learn on this module?
Principles of music teaching will be covered in a series of lectures and workshops, which will also prepare you for placement. You will go on a placement (e.g. one day per week) with an experienced music teacher; the focus is likely to be on observation, although depending on circumstances there may be the opportunity to undertake some supervised teaching. A series of sequential classes will be designed by you with your placement in mind.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be given considerable support and encouragement by those teaching on the course. The programme leader and Course Tutor will be on hand to offer help and guidance, either in person during the advertised office hours or via email, and you will be working in an environment where you and your peers will offer one another mutual support and honest critical appraisal. You will benefit from the knowledge, support and guidance of your placement teacher, and from the school environments where you are placed (where applicable). You will be given appropriate material both in class and via the eLearning environment.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will develop and understanding of the principles of music teaching.
2. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of how to teach your instrument at a level more advanced than beginner.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will develop skills in teaching your instrument/voice.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will demonstrate a capacity for independent, self-motivated learning and time management through regular practice and study.
How will I be assessed?
1. Lesson plans for a series of classes to be co-delivered on placement (20%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3
2. Presentation 10mins on teaching advanced repertoire (30%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
3. Essay 2,000 words (50%). MLOs 1, 2
You will receive written feedback on your lesson plans ahead of your sequential placement.
You will receive written feedback on your presentation comprising of a short report.
You will receive written feedback on your essay, comprising annotations to your script and a short report.
Pre-requisite(s)
MU4005 (Introduction to Music Education) or MU5014 (Learning and Teaching Music in the UK Education System) AND satisfactory engagement with MU4005 or MU5014 as judged by the module leader (for safeguarding purposes)
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module, you experience genuine teaching situations, for example in the school environment, reflecting on what you learn from the observation of experienced music teachers. Lectures and workshops further develop your understanding of pedagogical theory and best practice, helping you to develop your own teaching style and lesson plans which you may then test out in the classroom through co-delivery. A presentation will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding of teaching advanced repertoire on your instrument/voice, and an essay will draw together scholarly research and your own reflections on your experiences on placement.
Course info
UCAS Code W320
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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