Certificate in Music for Social Change and Human Values
Music is a universal part of human life and comes with great power, opportunities, meaning and responsibilities: encouraging creativity, inspiring collaboration, bridging gaps, and breaking down barriers. For children, learning to play an instrument can be a source of pride, accomplishment, joy, and fun that leads to the development of excelling in all kinds of education and self-esteem that is necessary to reach for any dream.
Founded on the El Sistema Teaching Model
El Sistema is a proven model of teaching music to children in a way that not only creates great musicians but can also propel kids to achieve great success in all areas. Developed in Venezuela to provide free musical education to the poorest children, this method also involves parents and communities in creating safe, loving environments that encourage growth and confidence.
The Nation’s First Undergraduate Certificate in El Sistema
While it is gaining popularity in the United States and around the world, few programs are available for training teachers in the El Sistema method. The School of Music, Art and Theatre at North Park University is offering the first undergraduate certificate in the country.
The Music for Social Change and Human Values program evolved from an ongoing collaboration between North Park University and the People’s Music School in the city of Chicago. Students majoring in music can add this certificate to their degree program to expand their knowledge and experience of the El Sistema philosophy. Focused on teaching youth to use bowed stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass), North Park University and the People’s Music School offer hands-on internship experience in Chicago-area youth orchestras as well as the opportunity to learn from El Sistema instructors.
Why Choose North Park?
Grounded in a mission of preparing students for lives of significance and service, North Park’s commitment to an education that considers faith, the urban setting, and inter-cultural learning is a perfect backdrop to a Certificate in Music for Social Change and Human Values. You’ll receive an excellent musical education: personalized advising, expert teaching and coaching from professional musicians, and a close-knit community of faculty and students who want to see you succeed. Four undergraduate music degree programs—with options for specializing in a variety of disciplines—offer options for every music student. You’ll build relationships and gain valuable performance experience in our variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles that include classical groups, jazz options, and an energetic gospel choir.
Certificate Requirements
To earn a Certificate in Music for Social Change and Human Values, you must be a music major (any of the degree options) who plays a stringed instrument and complete the following eight semester hours of coursework and internship credits:
Required semester hours: 8 sh
Required core courses:
- MUS 1600: El Sistema (1 sh)
- Either MUS 2083 and 3083 OR AMUS 3050
- MUS 2083: Applied Methods: Strings (1 sh) and
MUS 3083: Pedagogical Methods: Strings (1 sh) - AMUS 3050: Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature II (2 sh)
- MUS 2083: Applied Methods: Strings (1 sh) and
- MUS 3690: Youth Orchestra Techniques (2 sh)
- MUS 4970: Internship in music (1 sh per semester, 3 sh total)
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Tom Zelle, professor of music and director of orchestral studies, has been integral in connecting North Park students with local youth orchestras where they can gain experience in El Sistema-inspired methods.