Early Childhood Teacher Development

The Diller-Quaile School of Music Certificate in Early Childhood Music

Combines short-term workshops, curriculum development, mentoring, and a customized capstone project. Teachers may complete their certificate over time and at their own pace. Workshops are offered multiple times throughout the year and during full-week intensives at the School.

Marissa Curry, Ingrid Ladendorf, Caroline Moore, & Kirsten Morgan, Instructors

TUITION: $950 + $90 materials per participant. 38 hours CTLE equivalency

* Participants may pay by the component as they go, or at once if attending an Intensive session

Full Semester Courses in Early Childhood Music

We prepare teachers to lead engaging early childhood music experiences in day care centers, Head Start centers, NYC EarlyLearn Programs, PreK & 3-K classrooms & social service agencies. Full semester Early Childhood Music courses are tuition-free for early childhood professionals teaching in publicly funded NYC day care centers, Head Start programs, & social service agencies - contact cmoore@diller-quaile.org to see if your center qualifies for tuition-free registration.

Diller-Quaile's teacher development programs have been approved for Continuing Teacher and Leader (CTLE) by the New York State Education Department. 

Early Childhood Music Level I

Through active participation in group music-making experiences & discussions, course participants gain an understanding of the musical development of children from infancy through age six, while developing their own innate musicality. Additionally, participants learn to play selections on the recorder, are introduced to music notation, & develop their ability to integrate and assess developmentally appropriate & meaningful music experiences in their early childhood program. Previous music training is not needed.

Kirsten Morgan, Marissa Curry, Instructors

Please click here for more information.

Early Childhood Music Level II

Building on the content of Early Childhood Music Level I, course participants continue to develop their ability to lead engaging early childhood music experiences, which are responsive to individual & group needs & interests. Additional emphasis is placed on developing musicianship, music lesson planning & curriculum development, implementing successful music teaching strategies, and creating tools to assess students' musical growth. Course participants learn to play beginner pieces on the recorder and piano. Diller-Quaile faculty members visit course participants at their respective day care centers to observe & mentor.

Kirsten Morgan, Instructor

Please click here for more information.

Diller-Quaile’s Teacher Training Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts, and The Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund.