With state-mandated reductions in the total number of degree hours, it is becoming increasingly difficult to teach future music teachers what they need to know to pass certification examinations, much less to function as productive musicians in all areas, not just theory.

Discussion participants will respond to a brief overview statement summarizing data presented by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and a review of the domains including music theory in the new design of the state music education certification examination. Participants will have the opportunity to share concerns as well as successful strategies for reducing degree hours while maintaining standards within the discipline.