The Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education
Certification - Level 2
Level 2 Certification builds on the foundation established in Level 1 through more advanced study, application, musicianship, reflection, and professional inquiry. Teachers work with increasingly complex teaching situations and demonstrate their ability to apply and adapt the Dennis Frayne Approach across different students, settings, and challenges. Action research, real teaching, curriculum planning, musicianship development, and reflective analysis give teachers opportunities to examine their decisions and document how their practice develops over time. Level 1 Certification is a prerequisite for Level 2.
What Level 2 Certification Develops
Level 2 Certification moves beyond foundational understanding into demonstrated application, adaptation, inquiry, and leadership across a wider range of students, teaching settings, and instructional 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
advanced study and demonstrated application in group and ensemble teaching, including coordination, pacing, participation, 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
The goals of Level 2 Certification’s guided lessons in the use of Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 2 include the teacher playing and performing the complete contents of Book 2, as well as learning to teach Book 2 to intermediate music students. 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 intermediate-level musical and instructional situations. Certification courses make extensive use of the Presto! It’s Music Magic curriculum, authored by Dr. Dennis Frayne. Eligible Teacher Members have access to purchase the curriculum for use in their teaching.
Requirements for Completion and Certification
Successful completion of Level 2 Certification will include demonstrations of teaching in real contexts, as well as documentation of the outcomes of their action research projects. 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
Together, these requirements provide evidence of how teachers plan, teach, adapt, investigate questions, evaluate outcomes, and reflect on their professional decisions. Level 2 Certification recognizes advanced study and application that have been demonstrated through real teaching and documented professional inquiry.
Who Level 2 Is For
Level 2 Certification is designed for music teachers in the United States who have satisfactorily completed Level 1 Certification and 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
Advanced Professional Study
Level 2 represents a substantial stage of professional study within the Dennis Frayne Approach. Teachers examine more complex teaching situations, adapt principles across different learners and environments, design longer-term curriculum, continue developing their musicianship, and investigate questions arising from their own practice. Through teaching demonstrations, reflection, documentation, and action research, they provide evidence of increasingly independent professional judgment.
Course Structure
Level 2 Certification consists of 44 two-hour sessions, totaling 88 instructional hours. Current course formats and session schedules are listed on the Courses page.
Relationship to Membership
The 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
Level 2 asks teachers to take greater responsibility for interpreting, applying, and examining the principles they studied in Level 1. By working with more varied teaching situations, developing advanced musicianship, designing curriculum, documenting student learning, and conducting action research, teachers build a stronger basis for independent professional judgment and future leadership.
Additional certification levels can build upon this demonstrated work through further study, musicianship, inquiry, mentorship, leadership, and contribution to the profession. Level 3 Certification, in the future, will prepare Teachers of Teachers.
Getting Enrolled
If you are an active member in good standing, have successfully completed Certification Level 1, and wish to enroll in Certification Level 2, click here to get started.