 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-04-26 08:49
Well, I am a junior Music Ed. major. I know that I do want my Masters in Music ed, but I have heard conflicting views about when to go to Grad school. Some people tell me to do it right away, because I will still be in the school mode, and it is easier not to leave than to come back. Others say that I will have an easier time finding a first job with a MM, because pay is lower and people don't want to pay new teachers that much. Normally, I would just do what I think is right, but I am completely torn. I have almost a year before I have to start applying, but I will need to prepare if I do go on this year. Please help!!!
Melanie
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Author: julia
Date: 2002-04-26 12:04
If you're in New York State you might as well go right on to grad school...they're requiring now that you get a masters within two, maybe its 3 years, of getting your bachelors. IT used to be five years.
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Author: Lori
Date: 2002-04-26 13:08
Melanie-
My 2 cents...
I have a BM in Music Ed. and an MM in Performance. I ended up going into teaching- I'm now a middle school band director. At my undergrad university I was required to take several graduate level education courses. I remember at the time thinking they were useless and a waste of time (!) I now understand why I felt that way. Learning about education philosophy and classroom management doesn't seem to mean a whole lot when you don't have a few years of practical experience under your belt. Now that I've been teaching for 3 years, I feel that I could get a whole lot more out of those classes if I took them now. Just food for thought.
But if it's true that in NY you have to get your master's in 2-3 years, and you want to teach there, you may not have much of a choice. You can always look into summer master's programs, etc. Even though you feel like you're in "school mode" now, after a couple of years of teaching you might be really excited about going back and doing some more school of your own. And if you have to get the master's to stay in the profession, you won't have a choice anyway! 
By the way, I did not have a single school district balk at my master's degree when I was applying for jobs, which is sometimes a problem because they have to pay you more.
Good luck,
Lori
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Author: William
Date: 2002-04-26 15:08
My old school district prefers hiring teachers with advanced degrees, espcially if they are also beginning teachers (translation--lowest step on salary schedule). So, at least here in Madison, WI., it might be to your advantage to go ahead and complete your MM immediantly, before entering the job market. It may also be a fact that, as a continuing student, you will not have to pass any "proficincy" tests in order to enter grad school. I chose to pursue my MM-MusEd right after completing my undergrad BM-MusEd and have never looked back with any regrets. Hope this helps your perspective--you must choose what will be best for you, and as always, Good Clarineting!!!!!
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-04-26 19:01
IMHO, I feel that undergrads should first get teaching experience before they go on to grad school. Graduate school has advanced classes in all mediums of music education. By having a few years teaching experience, you will be able to tell what you are most interested in and what you want to pursue. If you went straight to grad school straight out of undergrad school, I think you might be a little bit overwhelmed because in some schools the grad schools are mostly teachers getting their advanced degrees. Also, after having a few years teaching experience, you will be able to correct any mistakes you have been making in the classroom and get ideas from other teachers.
It's up to you!
Kim L.
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