Certification in the
Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education
Level 1 - Content
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.
Assessment and Certification - Level 1 - Requirements
Level 1 Certification is awarded upon successful completion of all course requirements. These requirements are designed to reflect both understanding and practical application of The Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education.
1. Performance Recital
Each teacher must present a recorded recital consisting of all songs and pieces from Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 1.
The full repertoire is to be performed from memory
The recital must be performed in a single sitting (approximately 15–20 minutes)
Songs that include lyrics and/or solfege must be sung while playing, both with lyrics and with solfege where appropriate
The recital must be video recorded and submitted
This requirement ensures that teachers experience the material as a student would, developing fluency, confidence, and musical understanding.
2. Written and Aural Work
Teachers must complete:
all exercises and worksheets included in Presto! It’s Piano Magic, Book 1
all additional written and aural assignments given throughout the course
These assignments support the development of music literacy, theory, and musicianship in alignment with the approach.
3. Active Teaching Requirement
Teachers must be actively engaged in teaching music throughout the duration of the course.
This may include:
private individual instruction
small group instruction
classroom teaching
ensemble direction
Teaching may be full-time or part-time, and may include any instrument, voice, or ensemble setting.
This requirement ensures that course concepts are applied consistently in real teaching situations.
4. Musicianship and Theory Examinations
Teachers must successfully complete written and aural examinations in music theory and musicianship.
These assessments are performance-based and may include:
rhythm and counting
sight reading and sight singing
ear training and audiation
solfege (moveable-do)
foundational theory concepts
arranging, composing, and improvising
These examinations ensure that teachers demonstrate practical musicianship skills, not just conceptual understanding.
5. Concluding Essay
Teachers must complete a concluding essay on an approved topic related to the Core Tenets of The Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education.
The essay should demonstrate:
clear understanding of the principles of the approach
thoughtful reflection on teaching practice
connection between theory and real teaching experience
6. Attendance
Attendance is required for all scheduled sessions.
100% attendance (or equivalent) is required for successful completion of the program
This ensures continuity of learning and full participation in the course.
7. Assigned Reading
Teachers must complete all assigned reading materials throughout the course.
These readings support the theoretical and philosophical foundation of the approach and are an essential component of the learning process.
Course Structure
Level 1 Certification is a one-year (52-week) program consisting of:
44 instructional weeks
2 hours per session (combination of synchronous and asynchronous)
88 total instructional hours
There are 8 scheduled weeks off, distributed throughout the year.
Final Note
Level 1 Certification is designed as a comprehensive and practical course of study.
Teachers completing this program will have:
a clear understanding of The Dennis Frayne Approach to Music Education
practical experience applying its principles in lessons
strengthened musicianship and teaching skills
a foundation for continued study and certification