MU6005 - The Craft of the Music Teacher

What will I learn on this module?

You will explore the research literature on music pedagogy, particularly (but not limited to) the teaching of instrumental/vocal lessons. You will also learn from mentoring by an experienced music teacher. Further consideration will be given to recent developments in UK music education, and you will engage in discussion of current debates in the profession.

How will I learn on this module?

The exploration of research literature will take place alongside your consideration of resources appropriate for your instrument in seminars. You will go on placement with an experienced music teacher in an education organisation, such as a school.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be given considerable support and encouragement by those teaching on the course, and especially by the music teacher with whom you will be working. You will be able to discuss any placement concerns privately with music staff, either face-to-face during office hours, or by email. Appropriate and relevant material will be available to you via the eLearning platform. You will also have the support network of your peers, both during seminars and outside formal classes.

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:
• You will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of teaching your instrument at several levels of ability and to different age groups.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will demonstrate a professional ability in teaching your instrument/voice.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will demonstrate a capacity for independent, self-motivated learning and time management through regular practice.
• You will demonstrate total professionalism at all times.

How will I be assessed?

1. Creation of workbook of materials for 10wks of lessons (30%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4

2. Reflective practitioner essay (2,500 words) (30%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4

3. Viva voce (30mins) (40%). MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4

You will receive feedback through your participation in seminar discussions.

You will receive written feedback on your workbook, essay, and viva voce comprising annotations to your script and a short report.

Pre-requisite(s)

MU5007 Preparation for Music Teaching AND satisfactory engagement with MU5007 placements as judged by the module leader (for safeguarding purposes)

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

You will explore the research literature on music pedagogy, developing on your experience gained the previous year. Your learning will be split between seminars delivered by your lecturer, and experience gained out in the field during your placement. This placement will be with an experienced music teacher with a music education provider. You will be required to create your own materials for use in teaching, to critically engage with relevant resources and literature, and assess your own progress as a reflective practitioner.

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

Fee Information

Module Information

Music BA (Hons)

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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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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