Certification in the
Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education
Level 1
Certification in The Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education is designed for teachers who want to study The Approach in a more structured and intentional way, and apply it more fully in their teaching.
The purpose of certification is not simply to complete a course, but to develop clarity, confidence, and consistency in how music is taught.
A Practical Approach to Certification
Certification is grounded in real teaching. Rather than focusing only on theory, it connects directly to lesson structure, sequencing, student understanding, and day-to-day teaching decisions.
Teachers are guided to think more clearly about what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of each student.
Level 1 Certification
All teachers begin with:
Certified in the Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education – Level 1
Level 1 focuses on the foundational ideas of the approach and how they are applied in lessons.
What Level 1 Includes:
Level 1 Certification establishes a clear and practical foundation for teaching, combining core principles, real-world application, and essential musicianship.
Level 1 Certification includes:
Study of the core principles of the Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education
Understanding clarity, sequencing, scaffolding, and sound-based learning
Practical strategies for lesson structure, pacing, problem-solving, and working with students who struggle, including breaking learning into clear, manageable steps
Understanding and implementing student-centered and student-directed learning
Strategies for introducing and maintaining tension-free technique and healthy, safe learning environments
Development of classroom and lesson environments through proactive planning, clear procedures, and consistent expectations, with routines that are taught, practiced, and reinforced to support focus, participation, and student success
Creating positive and supportive learning environments in which all students are welcomed, encouraged, and treated with respect, and where students are able to participate without fear of negative judgment
Understanding individual students’ needs, interests, and goals in order to build strong, productive lessons and classrooms
Application of ideas directly within lessons, including private instruction, small group instruction, classroom teaching, and ensemble settings
Guidance in working with students at different levels, interests, and goals, including in small group and classroom environments, and preparing students for performance
A broader approach to performance preparation, in which students participate not only as performers, but also in meaningful roles such as stage direction, stage management, costumes and wardrobe, set design, sound and lighting design, house management, promotion and advertising, ticketing, fundraising, and other aspects of production
Development of teacher musicianship, including sight reading, sight singing, ear training, audiation, moveable-do solfege, rhythm, conducting, singing and vocal work, and piano or keyboard skills
Music theory, composition, and songwriting, along with the use of notation software
Teachers learning alongside their students through ongoing reflection, application, and growth within real teaching situations
Introduction to The Dennis Frayne Ascent lifetime music achievement, honors, and awards program.
Guided use of Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 1
The goals of Level 1 Certification’s guided lessons in the use of Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 1 include both playing & performing the contents of Book 1, as well as training to teach Book 1 to beginning music students.
All teachers begin here, regardless of previous experience.
This provides a clear and practical framework for applying the approach in real teaching situations, connecting the ideas of The Approach with a structured sequence of lessons and materials.
Who Certification Is For
Certification is designed for teachers who:
want greater clarity, consistency, and confidence in how they teach
are looking for a more connected and thoughtful approach to lessons and classrooms
work with students who learn in different ways and want to better support their success
want to strengthen their ability to sequence instruction and break learning into clear, manageable steps
are interested in creating structured, positive learning environments through effective planning and procedures
want to better understand and respond to individual students’ needs, interests, and goals
are interested in developing their musicianship alongside their teaching
are committed to growing as teachers through ongoing reflection, application, and real teaching experience
Teachers at all stages of experience are welcome.
Relationship to Membership
Certification is closely connected to The Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education membership.
Membership provides access to:
the organized teaching library
the private teacher community
direct guidance and support
teaching materials and resources
These elements support the certification process and help teachers apply what they are learning in real time.
A Thoughtful, Ongoing Process
Certification is not intended to be rushed.
It is designed as a thoughtful process that allows teachers to:
study ideas carefully
apply them in lessons
reflect on their teaching
refine their approach over time
The goal is lasting improvement, not quick completion.
Future Levels
Additional levels of certification will be developed over time.
These will expand on the foundations of Level 1 and explore deeper aspects of teaching, lesson design, and application across a wider range of students and situations.
Getting Started
Teachers interested in certification are encouraged to begin by exploring the Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education and considering how these ideas apply in their teaching.
Dennis Frayne Association membership provides the most direct path into certification, along with the support and resources needed to begin.
Closing
Clear teaching leads to confident students.
Certification in The Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education offers a structured way to develop that clarity, apply it in lessons, and continue growing as a teacher over time.