MUED Graduate Assistantship Descriptions

where musicianship, teaching skills and critical thinking merge

Contact: Dr. Elizabeth Menard

Assistantship needs may change during the course of the academic year. In some cases, more than one vacancy may exist for one of these positions.

Applicants for music education assistantships must submit the following:

1. A 10-minute videotaped performance on an instrument or voice
2. A continuous 15-minute videotaped teaching or rehearsal segment
3. Students applying for a band assistantship will need to submit a video showing 30 minutes of unedited, active rehearsal (not a performance) of a band ensemble directed by the applicant. This video can be submitted in place of the 15-minute teaching or rehearsal segment.

If you do not have your videos submitted two weeks before your audition date you will not be granted an interview for the assistantship(s). If you have specific circumstances that are going to delay your video submissions, and you would like to discuss that, or if there are any other issues, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Menard, Music Education Chair. Videos may be uploaded through your Graduate College application.

Class Piano (available Fall 2025)

Graduate students selected for these positions teach college group piano class to music majors and/or to non-majors. Students should have an undergraduate piano emphasis along with previous piano teaching (private or group). An undergraduate music education degree and an interest in graduate music education are desirable, but not mandatory. All candidates must audition in order to be considered for the position. This is a ¼ position, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week.

Choral Techniques (available Fall 2025)

The graduate assistant selected for this position assists in teaching MUED 1710. Students selected for this position assist with instruction of undergraduate music education majors in a choral techniques class and are responsible for related duties such as grading and other duties as assigned. Qualifications for the position include strong teaching, organizational, communication and performance skills. Some experience with teaching group vocal activities to school-age students beyond student teaching is desirable. This is a ¼ position, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week.

Cooperative School Band Assistant (available Fall 2025)

Graduate students selected for these positions serve as director of bands in one of the departments three cooperative school band programs. There are approximately 200 instrumentalists participating in the programs in grades 5 through 8. Graduate Assistants also interact with and mentor undergraduate music education majors with guidance from a department supervisor. Strong teaching skills and excellent musicianship required. Some teaching experience beyond student teaching is desirable. There are two ¼ positions, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week and one ½ position, requiring 20 hours of work per week.

Coordinator of Early Field Experiences (available Fall 2026)

The graduate student selected for this position is responsible for organizing early field experiences for sophomore and junior music education majors under the supervision of the instructor of MUED 2400, Introduction to Music Education. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills and affords the opportunity to interact with undergraduate music education majors and area school personnel. This is a 3/8 position, requiring 15 hours of work per week.

Curriculum Lab (available Fall 2025)

The graduate student selected for this position is responsible for coordinating the Curriculum Lab staff. The position requires a high level of organizational skill and an ability to assist with undergraduate instructional needs. Some teaching experience beyond student teaching is desirable. There are varying positions available, requiring from 10 to 15 hours of work per week.

Classroom Techniques (available Fall 2026)

The graduate assistant selected for this position assists in teaching MUED 1720. Students selected for this position assist with instruction of undergraduate music education majors in a classroom techniques class and are responsible for related duties such as grading and other duties as assigned. Qualifications for the position include strong teaching, organizational, communication and performance skills. Some experience with teaching elementary general music beyond student teaching is desirable. This is a ¼ position, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week.

Brass Techniques (available Fall 2025)

The graduate assistant selected for this position assists in teaching MUED 1310.  Students selected for this position assist with instruction in brass techniques for undergraduate music education majors and are responsible for related duties such as assignment of instruments to students and grading. Qualifications for the position include strong teaching, organizational, communication and performance skills. Some experience with instruction in the brass area beyond student teaching is desirable. This is a ¼ position, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week.

Music Plus Assistant (available Fall 2025)

Music Plus is a community service learning partnership with a local school district. Students (grades 6-12) are provided with comprehensive music instruction on our campus. Graduate students selected for these positions will be involved with music instruction, as well as some organizational aspects of the program. The hours associated with these positions are variable.

Woodwind Techniques (available Fall 2025)

The graduate assistant selected for this position assists with instruction in MUED 1410, Woodwind Techniques.  Students chosen for this position assist with instruction in woodwind techniques for undergraduate music education majors and are responsible for related duties such as assignment of instruments to students and grading. Qualifications for the position include strong teaching, organizational, communication and performance skills. Some experience with instruction in the woodwind area beyond student teaching is desirable. This is a ¼ position, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week.

String Methods (available Fall 2025)

The graduate assistant selected for this position assists in teaching string techniques class, MUED 1800, to music education undergraduates. Students selected for this position teach undergraduate music education majors in small group settings and are responsible for related duties such as assignment of instruments to students and grading. Qualifications for the position include strong teaching, organizational, communication and performance skills. Some experience with teaching group strings to school-age students beyond student teaching is desirable. This is a ¼ position, requiring 10-12 hours of work per week.

University Band Activities (available Fall 2025)

Graduate students selected for these positions assist in the total operations of the University band program. This is a major band program, which encompasses bands in the areas of marching, concert and athletic units. Includes conducting and administrative responsibilities with organizations within the programs as needed, and as expertise and experience allow. Position allows for assistance with beginning level conducting and band methods classes. Strong musicianship, communications skills and organizational abilities are essential. This is a ½ position, requiring 20 hours of work per week.

**See note above regarding band assistantship auditions.