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Waldorf Elementary Music Teacher Education
Sunbridge’s 3-week certificate program in Waldorf Elementary Music Teacher Education is for current and prospective Waldorf grades 1-8 music teachers. This offering is designed to provide Waldorf music teachers with an informed understanding of Waldorf curriculum and an anthroposophical view of child development, enabling these individuals to be more fully integrated members of their school community and to meet their students through the lens of a Waldorf educator.
This program is offered every other year and next takes place summer 2027.
Academic Experience
In addition to taking subject-specific classes in how teach to music through the grades, instruction in chorus and recorder, and a music teachers seminar, Sunbridge Music students receive a grounding in anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy through classes in child development and inner development, reading fundamental texts by Rudolf Steiner, and developing a meditative practice. There are also electives in academic subjects and the arts.
Through your studies, you will gain a Waldorf pedagogical understanding of the child and a knowledge of how that understanding relates to music study, thus gaining an understanding of the relationship between the child and music. This will lead to a deepening of the curriculum for both you as a Waldorf music teacher and the class teachers with whom you work, allowing for a more informed partnership.
Taking classes alongside students from our three-year Elementary Teacher Education program, many of whom are practicing Waldorf teachers, provides you with the benefit of developing colleagueship among fellow Waldorf educators.
“I feel much more empowered to begin teaching in the fall. Thank you for all the amazing work!“
- Sunbridge Elementary Music Teacher Education student
Combine with Elementary Program
Sunbridge Music students may elect to combine their specialized music studies with matriculation in our Elementary Teacher Education program and receive a full teacher education diploma with concentration in music teaching. Matriculation in our Elementary program entails meeting certain admission requirements such as completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university, and paying full program tuition. If you would like to learn more about this option, please contact our admissions office at info@sunbridge.edu / 845-425-0055 x720.
Program Components
Length
This program is comprised of a three-week on-campus summer study, plus a one-week observation of an experienced Waldorf music teacher.
Observation
The required one-week observation of an experienced Waldorf music teacher will be arranged to take place at a mutually-convenient time and setting during the academic year following your summer intensive and must be completed by that June.
Sample Curriculum
Teaching Music (In Accordance with Principles of Waldorf Pedagogy)
Child Development and Learning
Inner Development
Eurythmy
Chorus and Recorder
Teacher Observation
Admission Requirements
Our Waldorf Elementary Music Teacher Education certificate program is designed for practicing Waldorf teachers who are experienced musicians or experienced musicians who wish to become Waldorf music teachers. Applicants must be proficient musicians (either instrumentalists or vocalists), be able to read music, and possess an understanding of music theory. A high school diploma is required for admission; a bachelor’s degree is not required.
Application Process
The regular application deadline is June 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, especially those individuals seeking financial aid.
Applications for the summer 2027 cohort will be available October 1, 2026.
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A completed application includes:
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Completed application form
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Current résumé
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A letter of recommendation (accompanied, if required, by a signed letter-of-recommendation form) sent from your recommender directly to the Sunbridge Institute Admissions Office
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If applicable, a transcript indicating the highest level of college credits/degree earned; otherwise, your high school diploma/transcript
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Non-refundable $50 application fee. Applications submitted after the June 1 deadline incur an additional $50 late fee.
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If mailing any materials, please send to:
Sunbridge Institute Office of Admissions
285 Hungry Hollow Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
Once your application is filed and processed by our admissions office, you’ll receive a checklist in your account of all the items (still) needed. When your file is complete, it will be forwarded to a program coordinator who will contact you for an interview. Admissions decisions are sent out soon thereafter, on a rolling basis.
Contact tech@sunbridge.edu if you need assistance with our application form or info@sunbridge.edu for general application questions.
All applicants whose first language is not English or who have taken their prior education in a non-English-speaking college or university must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in English during the admissions process (through a hand written personal statement and phone conversation). Taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be required.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for our summer 2027 cohort will be posted October 1, 2026.
Read about ways to finance your Sunbridge education, including financial aid opportunities.
For Further Assistance
Contact our admissions office at info@sunbridge.edu / 845-425-0055 x720
Non-Discrimination Statement
In all of its dealings, including its admissions, educational, and employment practices, it is the policy of Sunbridge Institute, its Trustees, officers, employees and other duly authorized agents not to discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, creed, gender, age, culture, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or identification, or mental or physical disability.
Sunbridge Institute reserves the right to cancel or change any offering at any time and to make faculty or course substitutions when necessary.