​​CSPG 55 - Music Education (PK-12)

​Instructional Area Code 7205
Modified: June 22, 2023​

Music Education is the science or art of teaching music and music appreciation programs at various educational levels and provides the means to expand interest, challenge abilities, recognize social responsibilities and privileges and foster physical, emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic growth.

Grade Level Scope of Certificate

A person holding a valid PA certificate for music education is qualified to teach all music courses in grades PK-12.

Certification Assignment

An educator holding a valid PA certificate for music education is qualified to teach all aspects of music in grades PK-12, including; music appreciation, composition, arranging, jazz, humanities, music media arts, critical response, instrumental and vocal techniques, aesthetics, and conducting. The educator is also certified to direct choral and/or instrumental ensembles, marching band, and orchestra. 

A person holding PreK-4 and/or Grades 4-8 certification may teach music within a self-contained classroom when such instruction is integrated with the general education of that self-contained classroom.

A person holding a certificate in Special Education may teach music within a self-contained special education class when such instruction is integrated with the special education instruction provided within the self-contained special education classroom.

However, when elementary or special education students are grouped for separately scheduled music classes, the assigned teacher must hold the Music PK-12 certificate.

Special Considerations

An educator certified in this field may

• Provide school staff development services regarding their collegial studies/skills;
• Serve in the role of mentor or advisor; and
• Assist students in understanding how to read content area materials.
  

References

Program Specific Guidelines for Certification

PA Public School Code: §1202, §1212, §1604

22 PA Code: Chapter 4: §4.22, §4.23, §4.31

Chapter 49: §49.11, §49.81

CSPG 69 Grades PK-4
CSPG 70 Grades 4-8

This revision supersedes all earlier CSPGs carrying this number and/or addressing this subject.  Previous printing dates on this subject:  973, 3/75, 3/78, 2/82, 1/87, 7/04

Summary of Changes