The University of South Carolina School of Music’s Music Teaching Artist Certificate program is designed for musicians who wish to support music learning for all students in South Carolina schools.
The Music Teaching Artist Certificate program acknowledges the current music teacher shortages facing South Carolina and a deficit in opportunities for some students to learn musical instruments. The program also seeks to expand music learning opportunities that promote the heritage of South Carolina communities.
Thanks to the generous support of School of Music donors Fred and Dinah Gretsch, ten musicians were awarded a full scholarship* to participate in the Music Teaching Artist Certificate (MTAC) pilot program, and are providing full scholarships to all participants accepted to the Spring semester session, beginning January 17, 2026.
The application process is specialized and not a part of the USC undergraduate or graduate admissions. To assist applicants with their preparation, requested materials are listed on the Application Preparation PDF. This document will assist applicants in preparing application videos, responses to application questions, and documents for upload. Submit all application materials using the online form.
The application cycle begins September 22, 2025, and ends October 31, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be announced on November 10, 2025.
| Course | Description | Student Hours |
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Welcome to MTAC Zoom Orientation Meetings |
Overview of MTAC program schedule, introduction to faculty and students; conversation on program goals and individuals’ aspirations for participation. |
Orientation I: Orientation II: Two sessions required |
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Teaching Methods and Practicum for Teaching Artists Hassan Anderson and Dr. Amanda Schlegel |
Class sessions will help students design, create, and implement an effective classroom curriculum. Students will learn to develop syllabi, curriculum overviews, large scope and sequences, and weekly lesson plans. Furthermore, students will learn the skills and strategies for delivering high-level instruction in the classroom environment. Students will:
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USC School of Music 3 hours per session January 17, 2026 February 21, 2026 March 28, 2026 April 11, 2026
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Society and Music Education Dr. Gail V. Barnes |
Participants will explore many factors influencing music participation: home environment, schools, teachers and the community. Group teaching strategies will also be explored. |
One 60-minute online session January 29, 2026
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Guided and supported attendance to SCMEA state conference |
The Teaching Artist Certificate Program will guide and support students in attending the state-wide music education conference presented by the South Carolina Music Education Association (SCMEA). This annual gathering of music education professionals in Columbia, SC, is a critical experience for connecting with music learning opportunities and best practices and exploring ways teaching artists can align with music education in schools. Students will:
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Pre-conference online meetings, attend one, via Zoom Jan. 12, 2026 Jan. 13, 2026 Required conference attendance: February 5-7, 2026 Post-conference meeting: February 16, 2026 February 17, 2026 Via Zoom |
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Considering Teacher Certification |
Review strategies for pursuing teacher certification including SC alternative certification |
TBD |
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Final Capstone Project |
Students will observe experienced music teachers, reflect on best practice(s) and demonstrate effectiveness as teaching artist
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Spring, Summer 2026 May 1 – June 5, 2026 (due) |
*Full scholarship value = $5,000
Mary Luehrsen serves as Professor of Practice in the School of Music at the University of South Carolina and supports music majors as they develop as musical and artistic leaders in communities and organizations. Mary was the director of public affairs and government relations for NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants for 23 years and was the founding executive director of the NAMM Foundation (2006).
Named the Yale School of Music 2019 Distinguished Teaching Artist of the Year, American oboist Hassan Anderson is a soloist, chamber musician, conductor, and teacher. He is the Co-Artistic Director of The East Coast Contemporary Ensemble (ECCE) and is an Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of South Carolina.
Gail Barnes teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in stringed instrument methods and orchestra literature. She also teaches graduate courses in topics such as Introduction to Research in Music Education, Administration and Curriculum of Music Programs (with a focus on the Sociology of Music Education). Her research interests include community and school orchestra programs and access to music education for under-served youth.
Amanda Schlegel is assistant professor of instrumental music education at USC. Her research interests surround music perception and cognition as a function of instrumental music teacher/conductor effectiveness, music teacher education, and affective and emotional responses to music.
Wendy Valerio’s research interests include early childhood and elementary music development. She is a frequent presenter at national and international music education professional development conferences. Valerio supervises a variety of early childhood and elementary music practicum experiences for undergraduate music education majors, and she advises dissertations and theses.