Certification in the
Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education

Frayne Approach Certification – Level 3

NEED TO WRITE Level 2 Certification builds on the foundation established in Level 1 and develops the teacher’s ability to apply, adapt, and lead with the Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education in a wide range of teaching situations.

It is designed as both a practical continuation and a more advanced, professional level of study, supporting teachers in developing deeper clarity, flexibility, and independence in their teaching.

What Level 2 Develops

Level 2 focuses on helping teachers move beyond understanding the approach and into confident, consistent application across different students, settings, and challenges.

Teachers develop the ability to:

  • design and sequence longer-term curriculum and student development

  • adapt teaching for a wide range of learners, including students with different abilities, interests, and levels of motivation

  • work effectively with students who struggle, plateau, or are required to participate but are not initially engaged

  • teach confidently in private lessons, small group settings, classroom environments, and ensemble contexts

  • integrate performance as a complete and collaborative process, including both performing and production roles

  • lead lessons, classes, and musical projects with clarity and purpose

Level 2 Certification Includes

  • deeper study of sequencing, scaffolding, and long-term curriculum design

  • strategies for addressing intermediate teaching challenges, including plateaus, transfer students, and motivation

  • advanced application of student-centered and student-directed learning

  • mastery of teaching in group and ensemble settings, including coordination, pacing, and differentiation

  • expanded approach to performance production, including planning, organization, and student participation in a wide range of roles

  • continued development of teacher musicianship at a higher level, including sight reading, sight singing, ear training, audiation, solfege, rhythm, conducting, singing and vocal work, and piano or keyboard skills

  • expanded work in music theory, composition, songwriting, arranging, transposition, transcription, and the use of notation software

  • development of leadership skills, including studio design, classroom structure, and team-based learning environments

  • ability to align lesson plans and curriculum goals with state and national music standards while maintaining the integrity of the approach

  • understanding and practical application of action research in teaching situations

  • guided use of Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 2

Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 2

Level 2 Certification includes guided use of:

Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 2

At this level, teachers work with greater independence and flexibility in how materials are used. Book 2 serves as a core framework for applying the Dennis Frayne Approach to more advanced musical and instructional situations.

Demonstration and Application

Level 2 Certification includes demonstration of teaching in real contexts.

Teachers may be asked to provide:

  • video examples of teaching

  • lesson plans and curriculum outlines

  • examples of student progress over time

  • written reflections on teaching decisions and outcomes

  • action research proposals, plans, and reports

These elements are used to support thoughtful development and practical application of the approach.

Who Level 2 Is For

Level 2 is designed for teachers who are ready to move beyond foundational understanding and into more advanced and flexible teaching.

Teachers at this level are working toward the ability to:

  • teach all types of students, including those with special needs and those who may not initially be motivated

  • adapt their teaching to meet a wide range of learning situations

  • maintain clarity and effectiveness across different teaching environments

  • develop strong musicianship and technical skills

  • connect their teaching to broader educational frameworks and standards

A Professional Level of Teaching

Level 2 represents a significant step in professional development.

Teachers at this level are not only applying the Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education, but are able to adapt it thoughtfully, respond to complex teaching situations, and lead musical experiences with confidence and clarity.

Relationship to Membership

Dennis Frayne Association membership provides ongoing support for Level 2 Certification through access to the teaching library, private community, and practical guidance.

These resources help teachers continue to refine their teaching while working through certification.

Looking Ahead

Additional levels of certification will continue to expand on these ideas, supporting deeper mastery, leadership, and contribution to the field of music education.

Closing

Teaching music at a high level requires clarity, flexibility, and depth.

Level 2 Certification supports teachers in developing these qualities, allowing them to teach more effectively, respond to a wider range of students, and lead meaningful musical experiences with confidence.