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Music Education - B.M.

Inspire the next generation of musicians with the Music Education B.M. program. Learn how to become a skilled music educator and empower your students to unleash their musical potential. Enroll now and inspire the next generation

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Bachelor of Music in Music Education - B.M.

Regarded as one of the most forward-looking curricula in the country, this program includes studies in jazz, folk, musical theatre and world music, while providing a strong grounding in Western art music. Students are prepared for Ohio licensure, recognized in most states, to teach music in grades K–12 in choral, general and instrumental music. While students receive training in all areas, they choose to specialize in either instrumental music or choral/general music.

Preparation to Teach in the Classroom

  • Applied vocal and instrumental lessons with a dedicated artist-teacher.
  • Concentrations in band, orchestra, and choral/general music with opportunities to learn across disciplines.
  • Courses in music emphasize:
    • Professional aspects of music education
    • Methods and techniques of teaching
    • Technological components of pedagogy
    • The comprehensive skills needed for success in contemporary classrooms

Undergraduate Audition Information

Program Information for Music Education - B.M.

Program Description

Program Description

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Full Description

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education prepares students to teach grades K-12. Students develop teaching and learning skills; gain experience in conducting, instrumental and choral techniques and methods, jazz, folk and rock; and have the opportunity to explore world music and develop their individual musicianship through private lessons, recitals and small and large ensemble performance.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Music Education - B.M.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Admission to this major is selective. Students are required to do a program/scholarship audition. Information regarding audition days and requirements can be found on the school website, and inquiries can be sent to musicadmission@kent.edu.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Plan and implement instruction in a variety of music pedagogy settings that is rooted in musical development and equity for all students.
  2. Demonstrate broad knowledge and skills with music theory, music history and musicianship.
  3. Acquire music K-12 licensure in the state of Ohio by successfully completing all requirements in music and general education.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade required in all courses)
MUS 11121THEORY I 14
MUS 11122THEORY II 14
MUS 17111PIANO CLASS I 21
MUS 17112PIANO CLASS II 1
MUS 17512WIND TECHNIQUES I 1
MUS 21111THEORY III 4
MUS 21112THEORY IV 4
MUS 22121MUSIC AS A WORLD PHENOMENON (DIVG) (KFA) (music major section)3
MUS 23241MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION 32
MUS 27512WIND TECHNIQUES II 1
MUS 27513PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES 41
MUS 32211WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY I 3
MUS 32212WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 53
MUS 33214MUSIC EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNIQUES 1
MUS 33314PROGRESSIVE AND VERNACULAR MUSIC METHODS 4,62
MUS 33315GENERAL MUSIC METHODS 3,62
MUS 33316CHORAL MUSIC METHODS 3,62
MUS 34111INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING 1
MUS 34121CONDUCTING AND LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOLS 1
MUS 37512STRING TECHNIQUES 1
MUS 37514VOICE TECHNIQUES 1
or MUS 43241 MARCHING BAND TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE
MUS 42392STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 69
MUS 43245JAZZ ENSEMBLE TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1
MUS 44210INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC METHODS 3,62
MUS 45222MARCHING BAND 1
MUS 49525SEMINAR FOR STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 3,63
Applied Music Electives (MUS 36000 level) 78
Applied Music Electives (MUS 46000 level) 76
Large Ensemble Electives, choose from the following:6
MUS 45141
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY CHORALE
MUS 45142
CORO CANTARE
MUS 45143
CANTIQUE
MUS 45212
ORCHESTRA
MUS 45221
SYMPHONY BAND
MUS 45223
WIND ENSEMBLE
Large Ensemble or Jazz Ensemble Elective, choose from the following:1
MUS 45141
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY CHORALE
MUS 45142
CORO CANTARE
MUS 45143
CANTIQUE
MUS 45212
ORCHESTRA
MUS 45221
SYMPHONY BAND
MUS 45223
WIND ENSEMBLE
MUS 45231
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
MUS 45313
NOVA JAZZ SINGERS
Non-Western and Other Ensemble Elective, choose from the following: 81
MUS 45121
KENT CHORUS
MUS 45131
KENT STATE OPERA THEATRE WORKSHOP
MUS 45151
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR
MUS 45224
FLASHER BRASS
MUS 45225
UNIVERSITY BAND
MUS 45251
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
MUS 45271
NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
MUS 45301
AFRICAN ENSEMBLE (DIVG)
MUS 45302
CARIBBEAN STEELBAND (DIVG)
MUS 45312
JAZZ COMBO DEVELOPMENT
MUS 45313
NOVA JAZZ SINGERS
MUS 45315
ASIAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE (DIVG)
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
CI 47330READING AND WRITING IN ADOLESCENCE/ADULTHOOD 63
CULT 29535EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY (min C grade)3
EPSY 29525EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (min C grade)3
PHIL 11001INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM) 3
or PHIL 21001 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)
PSYC 11762GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
SPED 23000INTRODUCTION TO EXCEPTIONALITIES (DIVD) (min C grade)3
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition (min C grade)6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)3
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)3
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:127
1

Music Theory Placement Test score of 02 is required.

2

Students who pass the placement exam will replace MUS 17111 with a 1-credit hour music (MUS) elective.

3

Includes 20 field hours.

4

Includes 10 field hours.

5

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

6

Course requires admission to advanced study through the College of Education, Health and Human Services (EHHS).

7

B.M. in Music Education students are restricted to taking 2-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson. Course selection is based on instrument of acceptance into the Music Education major. The 46000-level may be taken following the 36000-level Applied Music Proficiency Threshold evaluation, which takes place during the fourth semester final jury exam.

8

Wind, brass and percussion primaries may substitute this requirement with MUS 45222.

Progression Requirements

Students must meet all professional requirements to be admitted to advanced study and enroll in upper-division coursework:

  • Minimum 2.750 major GPA and 2.500 overall GPA
  • Students are required to pass the Music Education Professional Evaluation (MEPE), and pass all sections and be admitted to advanced study through the College of Education, Health and Human Services in order to continue in the Music Education major with CI 47330, MUS 33314, MUS 33315, MUS 33316, MUS 42392, MUS 44210 and MUS 49525. Information about the MEPE is distributed by the coordinator of music education.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.750 2.500
  • Minimum C grade required in all music (MUS) courses
  • Minimum 3.000 GPA required in MUS 11121, MUS 11122, MUS 21111 and MUS 21112
  • Attendance at minimum eight concerts or recitals during semesters of applied music registration
  • Completion of one-half senior recital, which may not be performed during the student teaching period, and registration in applied music courses (46000 level) during a degree recital semester
  • MUS 11110, MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation in this program

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information about assessments specific to licensure type. Taking and passing the licensure tests prior to graduation is encouraged, but not required.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
MUS 11121 THEORY I 4
MUS 23241 MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION 2
MUS 45222 MARCHING BAND 1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Applied Music Elective (MUS 36000 level) 2
Large Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Two
MUS 11122 THEORY II 4
MUS 17111 PIANO CLASS I 1
MUS 17512 WIND TECHNIQUES I 1
MUS 22121 MUSIC AS A WORLD PHENOMENON (DIVG) (KFA) 3
Applied Music Elective (MUS 36000 level) 2
Large Ensemble Elective 1
Non-Western and Other Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3
MUS 17112 PIANO CLASS II 1
MUS 21111 THEORY III 4
MUS 27513 PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES 1
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Applied Music Elective (MUS 36000 level) 2
Large Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Four
EPSY 29525 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
MUS 21112 THEORY IV 4
MUS 27512 WIND TECHNIQUES II 1
SPED 23000 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEPTIONALITIES (DIVD) 3
Applied Music Elective (MUS 36000 level) 2
Large Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Five
MUS 32211 WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY I 3
MUS 33315 GENERAL MUSIC METHODS 2
MUS 34111 INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING 1
MUS 37512 STRING TECHNIQUES 1
Applied Music Elective (MUS 46000 level) 2
Large Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
MUS 32212 WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 3
MUS 33214 MUSIC EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNIQUES 1
MUS 33316 CHORAL MUSIC METHODS 2
MUS 34121 CONDUCTING AND LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOLS 1
MUS 43245 JAZZ ENSEMBLE TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1
PHIL 11001
or PHIL 21001
 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM)
or INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)
3
Applied Music Elective (MUS 46000 level) 2
Large Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Seven
CI 47330 READING AND WRITING IN ADOLESCENCE/ADULTHOOD 3
MUS 33314 PROGRESSIVE AND VERNACULAR MUSIC METHODS 2
MUS 37514
or MUS 43241
 VOICE TECHNIQUES
or MARCHING BAND TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE
1
MUS 44210 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC METHODS 2
Applied Music Elective (MUS 46000 level) 2
Large Ensemble or Jazz Ensemble Elective 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Eight
MUS 42392 STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 9
MUS 49525 SEMINAR FOR STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 3
 Credit Hours12
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:127

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Music Education - B.M.

Accreditation

The B.M. degree in Music Education is approved by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Music Education - B.M.

Those who complete the Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Kent State University can benefit from specialized career opportunities in music education.

Education teachers, postsecondary

4.8%

about as fast as the average

77,300

number of jobs

$65,440

potential earnings

Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.6%

about as fast as the average

627,100

number of jobs

$60,810

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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