Undergraduate Music programs at Kent State University

MAJORS

THE BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)

Music majors have an opportunity to study music and liberal arts with an optional minor, available in most academic areas of the university, or as a dual degree program with a major in another field. Although not as music intensive as the Bachelor of Music degree programs, this degree includes study on a main instrument and ensemble participation throughout the program.

THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC (B.M.)

This professional degree and provides intensive specialization in one of the following areas: music composition, music education and instrumental, piano or vocal performance. The primary emphasis is on the development of the skills, concepts and sensitivity essential for those wishing to pursue music as a profession.

The degree in instrumental performance is available on the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion. Applied music offerings are subject to the availability of performance faculty members.

The composition concentration leads to a professional degree and includes intensive specialization in music composition. This degree program provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction, and the ability to compose and use technology in a variety of musical styles.

The instrumental concentration leads to a professional degree and includes intensive specialization in instrumental performance. This degree program provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction, and the ability to perform as a soloist, in chamber music and in large ensembles.

The piano performance concentration leads to a professional degree and includes intensive specialization in piano performance. This degree program provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, as an accompanist, in chamber music and in large ensembles.

The voice performance concentration leads to a professional degree and includes intensive specialization in voice performance. This degree program provides preparation for graduate study in the field, a credential for private instruction and the ability to perform as a soloist, in opera, in chamber music and in large ensembles

THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN MUSIC EDUCATION (B.M.)

One of the most forward-looking curricula in the country, includes studies in jazz, folk, musical theatre and music of the entire world, while providing a strong grounding in Western art music. The program prepares students for Ohio licensure to teach music in grades K–12 in choral, general and instrumental music and is recognized in most states. While receiving training in both areas, students specialize in the instrumental or choral/general concentrations.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (B.S.)

Available only at the Kent State University Stark campus.

This degree concentrates on courses in music production and audio recording using industry-standard technology. Students take classes and work in five on-campus recording and music production facilities, as well as at Kopperhead recording studio in North Canton. The development of strong musicianship is also an important aspect of the curriculum. Students are required to study instrumental or vocal performance, music theory, and music history, including world music, to provide a well-rounded education in preparation for successful careers in the music industry.

Kent State University at Stark has educational partnerships with leading music software companies including McDSP, maker of professional grade audio plug-ins, and Rational Acoustics, maker of the industry-standard Smaart® software for real-time sound measurement in acoustic applications.

For information about the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Technology and music technology minors offered at Kent State University at Stark visit B.S. Music Technology. 

For more information, please contact:

William Casterlow 
Enrollment Management and Student Services Advisor
Kent State University at Stark
330-244-3250   |   wcasterl@kent.edu

MINORS

• Music Minor
  The music minor on voice or selected instruments is available to students in other fields who desire private instruction in addition to ensemble participation. Acceptance into this program is determined by an audition. 
• Jazz Studies Minor
  The jazz studies minor is available to students in other fields and to music majors. Acceptance into this program is determined by an audition. Download a jazz minor flyer.
• World Music Minor
  The world music minor program provides concentrated study of traditional and popular world music (style, performance, history, cultural associations and related arts).  Students of any major can pursue this minor as part of their degree program. An audition is not required.
• Music Technology Minor
  The music technology minor at Kent State Stark is designed to give students a strong foundation in the rapidly developing field of music production and audio recording technologies. Contact William Casterlow at 330-244-3250   |   wcasterl@kent.edu.
• Audio Recording Minor
  The audio recording minor at Kent State Stark is designed to give students a strong foundation in the rapidly developing field of audio recording technologies. Contact William Casterlow at 330-244-3250   |  wcasterl@kent.edu.