To teach music is to introduce children to an art form that is basic to all of humanity. But the benefits of music education go far beyond learning to sing, play and appreciate music. Cognitive development, fine motor skills, cultural awareness and increased intellectual capacity all progress from the study of music. Music education combines the joy of artistic expression with the challenge and rewards of classroom instruction. A joint program of the LIU Post College of Education, Information and Technology and School of Performing Arts, the M.S. in Music Education offers two plans of study: a 33-credit plan for initial teaching certification by the New York State Education Department and a 36-credit plan leading to professional certification, for students with a significant background in education.