OPTION ONE

Podcast: People Over Programs

Episode: “Stacking Credentials: How Certificates Can Supercharge Your Music Degree.”

Featuring: Dr. Fritz Flarherty, Dr. Michael-John Gorshin, and Dr. Chris Kozark

[Intro Music – Confident orchestral theme with a playful bounce]

ANNOUNCER:
This People Over Programs podcast is brought to you by three Pittsburgh-area school districts—Alvinworth, Eastgate, and Charterson Valley. But today’s spotlight is on three fine arts leaders who’ve known each other for more than 30 years… and still speak to each other. Most days.

CHRIS: (cutting in) Barely.

FRITZ: Let’s start with introductions before we start the roast. I’m Dr. Fritz Flarherty, Fine Arts Consultant for Alvinworth, and I play the cello—because somebody has to bring elegance and class to this trio.

MICHAEL-JOHN: I’m Dr. Michael-John Gorshin, Eastgate’s Fine Arts Director. Bass trombone. Big instrument, low notes, and the occasional glare from the conductor when I play too loud.

CHRIS: And I’m Dr. Chris Kozark, Charterson Valley’s Director of Performing Arts. I play bassoon. If you’ve never heard one, just imagine a duck who went to finishing school.

FRITZ: That’s generous.

MICHAEL-JOHN: We met in the Pittsburgh Youth Orchestra—three instruments scattered across the stage.

CHRIS: Then came Penn State.

MICHAEL-JOHN: Same major—music education…

CHRIS: Same off-campus apartment our junior and senior year.

FRITZ: One bathroom. Three musicians.

CHRIS: No soundproofing.

MICHAEL-JOHN: Which means I’ve heard every cello warm-up in the book.

CHRIS: And I know Fritz’s warm-up is just the same eight measures from Dvořák’s New World Symphony… forever.

FRITZ: And I still have nightmares about Chris practicing bassoon scales at 2 a.m.

MICHAEL-JOHN: But here we are—decades later—running fine arts programs—

FRITZ: —and hiring the next generation of music teachers.

[Playful sting]

ANNOUNCER:
Today, these three are tackling a question for parents: What’s a collegiate certificate in music, and why could it be a secret weapon for your student’s future?

MICHAEL-JOHN: And no—it’s not just a paper framed certificate from a summer camp.

CHRIS: Not even close.

FRITZ: It’s an additional, specialized credential that says, “I’ve gone deeper, I’ve trained harder, and I’ve got skills that go beyond the standard degree.”

MICHAEL-JOHN: Think of it this way—your child’s degree is like the main stage performance. The certificate? That’s the solo feature that makes everyone sit up and pay attention.

CHRIS: And sometimes… it’s bragging rights at Thanksgiving.

FRITZ: Oh, absolutely. “Pass the mashed potatoes—and let me remind you my kid has a certificate in film scoring.”

(They chuckle.)

CHRIS: But seriously—here’s the part parents need to know—it’s not just about being “good at music.” This is targeted training in an area that can open doors.

FRITZ: Like audio engineering, music business, film scoring, jazz studies, marching band design, or even community music engagement.

MICHAEL-JOHN: These programs can be woven right into a four-year degree—sometimes with just a couple of extra classes or a summer session.

CHRIS: Translation: It doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be stuck in college longer.

FRITZ: And yes—there are scholarships for certificates at many schools.

MICHAEL-JOHN: From a hiring standpoint—when I see a certificate listed on a résumé, my reaction is: this person took initiative.

CHRIS: They didn’t just do the minimum to get the degree—they went after something that set them apart.

FRITZ: And when we’re looking to hire? That matters.

MICHAEL-JOHN: Because in a competitive job market—

CHRIS: —which music education definitely is—

FRITZ: —the difference between two equally talented candidates can be that extra line on the résumé that says “Certificate in Music Technology” or “Certificate in Jazz Pedagogy.”

MICHAEL-JOHN: Parents, this is where you come in. Knowing these opportunities exist means you can help your child think about them before they even choose a college.

CHRIS: Right—because not every school offers the same certificates.

FRITZ: Some schools, like Berklee or University of Miami Frost, have certificate options baked into their mission. Others don’t offer them at all.

MICHAEL-JOHN: And that’s where research—and yes, resources like the article on Accoladi.com—come in handy.

CHRIS: (grinning) Nice plug.

MICHAEL-JOHN: But seriously, read the article. It’s called “Stacking Credentials: How Certificates Can Supercharge Your Music Degree.” It lays out examples, costs, scholarship info—the works.

FRITZ: If your child is serious about a music career, this is the kind of planning that can keep them employable, adaptable, and ahead of the curve.

CHRIS: And maybe even save them from that awkward post-graduation phase of, “Now what do I do?”

FRITZ: And yes… circling back to what Chris said earlier—don’t underestimate the Thanksgiving brag.

MICHAEL-JOHN: (laughs) And we’re back to that.

CHRIS: We never left it.

FRITZ: Look—we’re parents too. We know you want your child’s degree to mean something in the real world. A certificate is one way to make sure it does.

MICHAEL-JOHN: So—parents, go read the article,

FRITZ: Again, the article is “Stacking Credentials: How Certificates Can Supercharge Your Music Degree.” and it’s found on Accoladi.com.

CHRIS: That’s A-C-C-O-L-A-D-I.com

MICHAEL-JOHN: Like I was saying, talk with your child, and keep this in mind when you’re visiting colleges.

CHRIS: And if your child ever ends up interviewing with one of us—

FRITZ: Make sure they have that extra line on their résumé.

[Outro Music – Warm, uplifting theme]

ANNOUNCER:

OPTION TWO

Podcast: People Over Programs

Episode: “Stacking Credentials: How Certificates Can Supercharge Your Music Degree.”

Featuring: Dr. Chris Kozark

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[Intro Music – Warm, confident orchestral theme with a hint of jazz]

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to People Over Programs, the podcast where we put students—and their futures—center stage. Today’s episode is brought to you by the Charterson Valley School District, home of a performing arts program that’s as ambitious as its students. And here to talk with us is the man who keeps that ambition running at full tilt—Director of Performing Arts, Dr. Chris Kozark.

CHRIS: Thanks for having me. And by the way, “keeps that ambition running” is a nice way of saying “herds cats with trumpets.”

ANNOUNCER: (laughs) Chris, you’ve been on our show before with your friends from Alvinworth and Eastgate, but today it’s just you.

CHRIS: Right, which means I can actually finish a sentence without Michael-John interrupting me to tell a bass trombone story.

ANNOUNCER: And we’re diving into something you’ve been passionate about lately—collegiate certificates in music.

CHRIS: Yes—and I can already hear some parents out there thinking, “Wait… certificate? Like the one my kid got for perfect attendance in kindergarten?” No. Not even close.

ANNOUNCER: So, let’s start there. What exactly is a collegiate music certificate?

CHRIS: Think of it like this: your child’s music degree is a full-course meal. A certificate is that extra dish the chef sends out—not on the regular menu—that makes everyone at the table say, “Wow.” It’s an additional, highly-focused area of study that runs alongside the regular degree.

ANNOUNCER: So, it’s not a minor?

CHRIS: Good question. A minor is broader—like studying music history in general. A certificate is laser-focused—like “Film Scoring for Animation” or “Jazz Pedagogy.” You finish it and you can actually say, “I have specialized training in this exact thing.”

ANNOUNCER: Give us some examples parents might not know about.

CHRIS: Sure—audio engineering, community music engagement, marching band design, music technology, world percussion studies, commercial songwriting. Some schools even have certificates in areas like music for video game scoring or arts entrepreneurship. These aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re career launchers.

ANNOUNCER: And how does this fit into a four-year degree?

CHRIS: That’s the beauty—it’s usually woven in. A student might take two or three extra courses, sometimes a summer class, maybe an internship, and boom—certificate earned. It doesn’t necessarily mean more years in school, just smart planning.

ANNOUNCER: Okay, but you’re a hiring director. Does this really matter to you when you’re looking at résumés?

CHRIS: Absolutely. When I see “Bachelor’s in Music Education” on two different résumés, both from solid schools, both with good GPAs—how do I choose? That certificate tells me this candidate has gone above and beyond. It screams initiative, curiosity, and practical skill.

ANNOUNCER: So, this isn’t just a bragging point.

CHRIS: (Laughs) Well… it is a great bragging point. Imagine Thanksgiving dinner—Grandma asks your kid what they’re doing in college, and instead of “music degree,” they say, “Oh, and I’m getting a certificate in music technology so I can design recording studios.” You just earned the cool parent badge.

ANNOUNCER: Let’s talk about money. Do these cost extra?

CHRIS: Sometimes, but not always. Many schools roll them into your existing tuition. Some even have scholarships just for certificate students. But here’s the thing—whether or not it costs more, the return on investment is huge if it gives your child a skill that lands them a job or an audition.

ANNOUNCER: And not all colleges offer the same options, right?

CHRIS: Exactly. Some, like Berklee or the University of Miami Frost School of Music, have certificates built into their DNA. Others have just a few, and some have none. That’s why I tell parents—start looking at certificate offerings before you pick a college. It’s like checking the dessert menu before you order dinner.

ANNOUNCER: If a parent is hearing this and thinking, “I wish I’d known this before,” what’s the first step?

CHRIS: Read. Ask. Dig. And yes—go to Accoladi.com and read the article “Stacking Credentials: How Certificates Can Supercharge Your Music Degree.” It lays out what certificates are, how they work, examples from across the country, and even scholarship info.

ANNOUNCER: You’re saying this is a game-changer.

CHRIS: It is. Because in a world where a lot of graduates come out with similar degrees, a certificate is the thing that whispers, “I’m different. I’m ready. Hire me.” And as someone who hires music teachers—believe me—I notice.

ANNOUNCER: Final thought for the parents out there?

CHRIS: Don’t wait until your child’s junior year to talk about this. Make it part of the college search. And make sure your child knows certificates exist. Because one extra decision now could mean a lifetime of doors opening later.

[Outro Music – Uplifting and warm]

ANNOUNCER: You’ve been listening to People Over Programs with Dr. Chris Kozark. To learn more about collegiate certificates in music, check out the full article at Accoladi.com. That’s A-C-C-O-L-A-D-I.com.

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OPTION ONE

Vlog Script – “Stacking Credentials: How Certificates Can Supercharge Your Music Degree”

Audience: High school music students (band, choir, orchestra)
Length: 5–7 minutes
Tone: Warm, conversational, inspiring, slightly playful
Featured Speakers:
• Dr. Fritz Flarherty – Fine Arts Director, Alvinworth School District (Cello)
• Dr. Michael-John Gorshin – Fine Arts Director, Eastgate School District (Bass Trombone)
• Dr. Chris Kozark – Fine Arts Director, Charterson Valley School District (Bassoon)

Opening Hook (0:00–0:50)

CAMERA: B-roll montage — students in rehearsals, football field halftime show, choir warm-ups, orchestra tuning.

MUSIC BED: Light, upbeat groove with acoustic guitar and soft percussion.

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: Animated title — “Your Degree Is Just the Beginning”.

FRITZ (voiceover): “Think about the last time you worked really hard on something—a solo, an audition, a competition—and you nailed it. Remember how that felt?”

GORSHIN (voiceover): “Now imagine you walk into a college audition… and so does someone else who plays just as well as you.”

KOZARK (voiceover): “So… what makes them choose you?”

ON-SCREEN TEXT: This is where certificates come in.

Scene 1 – Dr. Fritz Flarherty: What a Certificate Really Is (0:50–2:10)

CAMERA: Medium close-up, Fritz in orchestra rehearsal room, cello beside him.

FRITZ: “A certificate isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s an official, college-level credential in a focused area of study. It’s earned right alongside your bachelor’s degree, usually 12 to 29 credit hours, and it says, I’ve built skills in something specific that the industry values.”

FRITZ: “Whether it’s recording arts, music business, jazz performance, or teaching methods like Orff or Kodály—your certificate tells the world you’re more than a music major. You’re a music major with an edge.”

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: Certificate = Specialized Training + Official Credential

Scene 2 – Dr. Michael-John Gorshin: Why It Matters (2:10–3:20)

CAMERA: Medium shot, Gorshin in band hall, bass trombone in frame.

GORSHIN: “Here’s the thing—colleges and employers notice certificates because they prove you’ve gone beyond the bare minimum. They know you’ve taken the time to deepen your skills in something targeted and valuable.”

GORSHIN: “And a lot of these programs connect you with the industry—through internships, projects, or masterclasses. Those connections? They can open doors before you even graduate.”

ON-SCREEN TEXT: Specialization + Networking = Opportunity

Scene 3 – Dr. Chris Kozark: Choosing the Right One (3:20–4:30)

CAMERA: Kozark showing bassoon reed to student, then speaking in ensemble space.

KOZARK: “Some schools stand out for their certificate programs because of their faculty, location, or industry partnerships—think Berklee, USC Thornton, University of Miami Frost, Belmont, NYU Steinhardt.”

KOZARK: “When you visit campuses, ask: Does this school offer a certificate in my area? Who teaches it? Will I get hands-on experience? That tells you if it’s worth your time and investment.”

ON-SCREEN CHECKLIST:

• My passion area?
• Expert faculty?
• Industry access?

Scene 4 – The Logistics (4:30–5:40)

FRITZ: “Can you finish in four years? Usually yes—if you plan early.”

GORSHIN: “How much does it cost? Around $3,000–$9,000 on average, sometimes included in tuition.”

KOZARK: “Are there scholarships? Often, yes—especially if you’re taking it as part of your full semester load.”

ON-SCREEN TEXT: Plan Early. Ask Questions. Make It Count.

Closing Round – All Three Directors (5:40–6:30)

FRITZ: “Your degree opens the door.”

GORSHIN: “Your certificate pushes it wide open.”

KOZARK: “And your dedication keeps it from ever closing.”

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: Your Music. Your Future. Your Move.

Outro (6:30–7:00)

FINAL TEXT: “Success doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what matters.”

Fade to black.

OPTION TWO

Vlog Script – “Your Secret Advantage: Certificates in Music”

Speaker: Dr. Michael-John Gorshin – Fine Arts Director, Eastgate School District (Bass Trombone)
Audience: High school music students (band, choir, orchestra)
Length: 5–7 minutes
Tone: Warm, motivating, slightly humorous, student-friendly

Opening Hook (0:00–0:40)

CAMERA: Medium close-up of Dr. Gorshin in a band room, bass trombone visible on a stand behind him. Start with a slight push-in as he begins speaking.

MUSIC BED: Bright, modern pop beat with a warm bass groove.

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: “Your Secret Advantage: Certificates in Music”.

GORSHIN: (smiling directly at camera) “Picture this—you and another student walk into the same college audition. You both play great. You both have solid résumés. You’ve both worked your tails off. So, who do they pick?”

(leans in slightly) “The one with the extra edge. The one who shows they’ve gone beyond the basics. That’s what I want to talk to you about today—something called an undergraduate certificate.”

Part 1 – What a Certificate Really Is (0:40–2:00)

CAMERA: Medium shot, shift to a slightly different angle.

GORSHIN: “When I say ‘certificate,’ I’m not talking about a participation award. A collegiate certificate is an official, credit-bearing program—usually 12 to 29 credit hours—that you earn right alongside your bachelor’s degree. It’s focused, specialized training in something you choose.”

B-ROLL CUTAWAYS:

• Students adjusting mixing board in recording studio
• Jazz combo rehearsing
• Music ed major leading an elementary music activity

GORSHIN (voiceover): “It could be recording arts, music business, jazz studies, worship leadership, scoring for film—whatever matches your interests. And when you graduate, that certificate shows up on your transcript as proof you have a specialized skill set.”

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: Certificate = Specialized Training + Official Credential

Part 2 – Why It Matters (2:00–3:10)

CAMERA: Return to front-facing medium close-up, bass trombone now in his hands.

GORSHIN: “Why does this matter? Because in the music world, everyone can play. What sets you apart is proof you can do more—manage a project, run a session, teach a specific method, work in a DAW, or handle music business contracts.”

B-ROLL CUTAWAYS:

• Student conducting an ensemble
• Performer checking sheet music in a recording booth
• Group presenting final project to class

GORSHIN: “And the best part—many certificates include internships or real-world projects. Those industry contacts? They can open doors long before you graduate.”

ON-SCREEN TEXT: Specialization + Networking = Opportunity

Part 3 – Choosing the Right One (3:10–4:20)

CAMERA: Side-angle medium shot for variety.

GORSHIN: “Not all certificates are the same. Some schools are famous for certain programs because of their faculty, location, or industry partnerships—like Berklee, USC Thornton, University of Miami Frost, Belmont, NYU Steinhardt.”

B-ROLL CUTAWAYS:

• Nashville skyline (Belmont)
• Los Angeles streets with music studios (USC Thornton)
• Miami waterfront with campus view (Frost School)

GORSHIN: “When you’re checking out colleges, ask three questions:
One—Does this school offer a certificate in what I’m passionate about?
Two—Who’s teaching it? Are they active in the field?
Three—Will I get hands-on experience that actually prepares me for the industry?”

ON-SCREEN CHECKLIST:

• My passion area?
• Expert faculty?
• Industry access?

Part 4 – The Logistics (4:20–5:30)

CAMERA: Medium close-up, casual stance, leaning on a music stand.

GORSHIN: “Now let’s get practical: Can you finish in four years? Most of the time—yes—if you start early. Costs? Usually $3,000 to $9,000 extra, but some schools roll it into your tuition if you take the classes during the regular semester. Scholarships? Often yes, especially if the certificate is part of your full-time course load.”

B-ROLL CUTAWAYS:

• Student talking with academic advisor
• Financial aid paperwork on laptop
• Practice session in a recital hall

ON-SCREEN TEXT: Plan Early. Ask Questions. Make It Count.

Closing (5:30–6:50)

CAMERA: Back to straight-on medium close-up, bass trombone visible in background.

GORSHIN: “Your bachelor’s degree opens the door. Your certificate pushes it wide open. And your dedication keeps it from ever closing. If you want to be the one they choose—whether it’s for a college program, a scholarship, or a gig—make the decision now to invest in skills that matter.”

B-ROLL MONTAGE:

• Standing ovation
• Students smiling after performance
• Handshake between student and professor

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: Your Music. Your Future. Your Move.

Outro (6:50–7:00)

FINAL TEXT: “Success doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what matters.”

Fade to black.