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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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College of the Arts
School of Music
www.kent.edu/music

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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.

Undergraduate Audition Information

Program Information

Program Description
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Full Description

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education prepares students for Ohio licensure to teach music in grades K-12 in choral general and instrumental music. The program includes studies in jazz, folk, musical theatre, world music and music technology, while providing a strong grounding in Western art music history, theory and performance.

The Music Education major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Choral General concentration is for guitar, voice and piano principals.
  • The Instrumental concentration is for students with an instrumental background. Piano and guitar principals with significant instrumental background may elect this concentration with the approval of the music education coordinator.

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.

Requirements for Admission to Advanced Study for Art Education and Music Education

Admission to advanced study is required of all art education and music education majors and minors prior to enrolling in upper-division education courses. Upon completion of coursework, as determined by program area, students should have satisfied the prerequisites for admission to advanced study. Students must submit an application for advanced study by the second Friday of the term during which all prerequisites for advanced study will be completed, and at least one semester prior to beginning any coursework for which "Admission to Advanced Study" is a prerequisite. Students at the Kent Campus apply for Advanced Study through the College of Education, Health and Human Services Student Portal, which can be accessed through the Vacca Office of Student Services web page. Students completing a licensure program at a regional campus should check with that campus for instructions on how to apply for "Advanced Study." Please note: Admission to advanced study is required for students pursuing an undergraduate major that leads to teacher licensure. Please be aware that reapplication may be necessary if postponing advanced study coursework or if withdrawn for one year or more.

Requirements for Admission to Advanced Study for Art Education and Music Education

  • College Writing: Students are required to attain a minimum C grade in each writing courses (ENG 11011 and ENG 21011 or equivalent).
  • Pre-Advanced Study Coursework: To be eligible for advanced study, students must earn a minimum C grade in CULT 29535 and a minimum C grade in one of the following courses (please note that a minimum C grade must be earned in all of the four courses for teacher licensure programs):
    • EPSY 29525
    • SPED 23000 
  • Grade Point Average:
    • Art Education majors must have earned a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA in order to be admitted to Advanced Study.
    • Music Education majors must have earned a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.750 major GPA at the time of application in order to be admitted to Advanced Study.
  • Disposition Assessment/Professional Disposition Plans (PDPs): Students are required to have completed all professional dispositions plan (PDPs) at the time of application to be eligible for advanced study.
  • Advising Appointment: Art Education and Music Education students should make an advising appointment with a professional advisor in the Vacca Office of Student Services (or Regional Campus advising office if completing the program at that campus) for information about applying for Advanced Study and educator licensure. Advising appointments at the Kent Campus are made through the Vacca Office of Student Services' website at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss.
  • Teacher Candidate Acknowledgments and Legal Questions for Licensure: Candidates are required to electronically sign four statements acknowledging that they have read and understand the following areas: background check requirements; professional dispositions; licensure application information; legal questions asked on the licensure application. Statements can be found on the student portal.
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 must audition before being admitted to the Music major. Inquiries can be directed to the coordinator of admissions and scholarships, School of Music, E-101 Music and Speech, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2172).

For more information on admissions, including additional requirements for some academic programs, visit the admissions website for new freshmen and the admissions website for transfer, transitioning and former students.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Successfully meet all requirements for state licensure.
Coursework
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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade is required in all courses)
MUS 11121THEORY I 4
MUS 11122THEORY II 4
MUS 21111THEORY III 4
MUS 21112THEORY IV 4
MUS 22111UNDERSTANDING WESTERN MUSIC (KFA) (music major section)3
MUS 22121MUSIC AS A WORLD PHENOMENON (DIVG) (KFA) (music major section)3
MUS 23241MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION 2
MUS 32211MUSIC HISTORY I 3
MUS 32212MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 3
MUS 33214MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS 2
MUS 33314PROGRESSIVE AND VERNACULAR MUSIC METHODS 2
MUS 34111INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING 2
MUS 41112WESTERN MUSIC SINCE 1945 1
MUS 42392STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 9
MUS 49525SEMINAR FOR STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 3
Applied Music Electives (MUS 36000 level) 18
Applied Music Electives (MUS 46000 level) 16
Major Ensemble, choose from the following: 27
MUS 45111
UNIVERSITY CHOIR
MUS 45141
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY CHORALE
MUS 45142
CORO CANTARE
MUS 45143
CANTIQUE
MUS 45212
ORCHESTRA
MUS 45221
SYMPHONY BAND
MUS 45223
WIND ENSEMBLE
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
CI 47330READING AND WRITING IN ADOLESCENCE/ADULTHOOD (min C grade)3
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) 36
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)3
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
Concentrations
Choose from the following:19
Choral General
Instrumental
Minimum Total Credit Hours:132
1

Applied music is seven semesters (14 total credit hours), which comprises four semesters (8 credit hours) at 36000 level and three semesters (6 credit hours) at 46000 level. Course selection is based on instrument of acceptance into the music education major. The 46000-level courses can be taken following a successful 46000-level barrier exam.

2

Major ensemble (seven separate semesters): Students must enroll in a major ensemble appropriate to their major performance area. Students in the Choral General concentration should choose choral based courses; students in Instrumental concentration should choose the instrument-based courses. Guitar principals may elect MUS 45231 or MUS 45312 for a total of two semesters to replace major ensembles.

3

All courses in the Kent Core Composition category must be completed with a minimum C grade.

Choral General Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade required in all courses)
MUS 34211ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY GENERAL MUSIC 2
MUS 34212ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY CHORAL MUSIC 2
MUS 36111APPLIED MUSIC-PIANO 12
or MUS 36311 APPLIED MUSIC-VOICE
MUS 37113PIANO SKILLS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2
MUS 43243CONTEMPORARY CHORAL METHODS IN THE SCHOOLS 3
MUS 44111ADVANCED CHORAL CONDUCTING 2
MUS 45313NOVA JAZZ SINGERS 21
MUS 47811INSTRUMENT CLASS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1
MUS 48241VOICE PEDAGOGY 2
MUS 48231INSTRUMENTAL PEDAGOGY FOR THE CHORAL GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2
Minimum Total Credit Hours:19
1

Voice principals take MUS 36111. Enrollment based on placement test; additional remedial courses may be required. Piano principals take MUS 36311. Enrollment based on audition; MUS 47311 may be required as a remedial course. Guitar principals may take either course, remedial courses may be required.

2

Piano majors may take MUS 45231 with approval.

Instrumental Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade required in all courses)
MUS 37114PIANO SKILLS FOR THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1
MUS 43241MARCHING BAND TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1
MUS 43245JAZZ ENSEMBLE TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1
MUS 44121ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING 2
MUS 44211INSTRUMENTAL METHODS I 2
MUS 44212INSTRUMENTAL METHODS II 2
MUS 45231JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1
MUS 47311VOICE CLASS FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1
MUS 47412STRING CLASS 1
MUS 47512WIND TECHNIQUES - FRENCH HORN AND DOUBLE REEDS 1
MUS 47513WIND TECHNIQUES - FLUTE, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE 1
MUS 47612WIND TECHNIQUES - TRUMPET AND LOW BRASS 1
MUS 47712PERCUSSION CLASS 1
MUS 48232GENERAL MUSIC PEDAGOGY FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1
MUS 48233CHORAL MUSIC PEDAGOGY FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1
Band Elective, choose from the following: 11
MUS 45221
SYMPHONY BAND
MUS 45222
MARCHING BAND
MUS 45225
UNIVERSITY BAND
Minimum Total Credit Hours:19
1

Wind, brass and percussion majors must enroll in MUS 45222 once during their first two years of study. String majors select from MUS 45221, MUS 45222 or MUS 45225. 

Progression Requirements

Students must meet all professional requirements for admission to advanced study and to 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 must pass all sections in order to continue in the music education program with MUS 34211, MUS 34212, MUS 44211 or MUS 44212. Information regarding the MEPE is distributed by the Coordinator of Music Education.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.750 2.500
  • Completion of the Major Field Test (MFT) in music history and music theory during senior year (specific score level achievement is not required)
  • Minimum C grade required in all music (MUS) courses
  • 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 of 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 Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type. Taking and passing the licensure tests prior to graduation is encouraged but not required.

Roadmaps
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Roadmaps

Choral General Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, 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 22111 UNDERSTANDING WESTERN MUSIC (KFA) (music major section) 3
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Two
!MUS 11122 THEORY II 4
!MUS 22121 MUSIC AS A WORLD PHENOMENON (DIVG) (KFA) 3
!MUS 23241 MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION 2
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Three
CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3
!MUS 21111 THEORY III 4
MUS 36111
or MUS 36311
 APPLIED MUSIC-PIANO
or APPLIED MUSIC-VOICE
2-4
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Four
EPSY 29525 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
!MUS 21112 THEORY IV 4
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
MUS 37113 PIANO SKILLS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2
PHIL 11001
or PHIL 21001
 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM)
or INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)
3
SPED 23000 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEPTIONALITIES (DIVD) 3
!Major Ensemble 1
 Credit Hours18
Semester Five
Required: minimum 2.750 GPA, admission to advanced study. Note: successful completion of the Music Education Professional Evaluation in the music education division as a prerequisite for MUS 34211 and MUS 34212.  
!MUS 32211 MUSIC HISTORY I 3
!MUS 34111 INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING 2
MUS 33214 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS 2
MUS 33314 PROGRESSIVE AND VERNACULAR MUSIC METHODS 2
MUS 34211 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY GENERAL MUSIC 2
MUS 45313 NOVA JAZZ SINGERS 1
!MUS 46XXX Applied Music2
MUS 47811 INSTRUMENT CLASS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1
!Major Ensemble 1
 Credit Hours16
Semester Six
!MUS 32212 MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 3
!MUS 34212 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY CHORAL MUSIC 2
!MUS 44111 ADVANCED CHORAL CONDUCTING 2
!MUS 46XXX Applied Music2
MUS 48231 INSTRUMENTAL PEDAGOGY FOR THE CHORAL GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2
MUS 48241 VOICE PEDAGOGY 2
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Seven
Note: Completion of a major field test in music history and music theory by the end of the semester.  
CI 47330 READING AND WRITING IN ADOLESCENCE/ADULTHOOD 3
!MUS 41112 WESTERN MUSIC SINCE 1945 1
MUS 43243 CONTEMPORARY CHORAL METHODS IN THE SCHOOLS 3
!MUS 46XXX Applied Music2
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Eight
Note: Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.  
!MUS 42392 STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 9
!MUS 49525 SEMINAR FOR STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 3
 Credit Hours12
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:132
 

Instrumental Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, 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 22111 UNDERSTANDING WESTERN MUSIC (KFA) (music major section) 3
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
MUS 45222 MARCHING BAND 0-1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Two
!MUS 11122 THEORY II 4
!MUS 22121 MUSIC AS A WORLD PHENOMENON (DIVG) (KFA) 3
MUS 23241 MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION 2
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
!Major Ensemble 1
String, Woodwind, Brass or Percussion Electives 2
 Credit Hours17
Semester Three
CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3
!MUS 21111 THEORY III 4
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
MUS 37114 PIANO SKILLS FOR THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1
PHIL 11001
or PHIL 21001
 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM)
or INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)
3
!Major Ensemble 1
String, Woodwind, Brass or Percussion Electives 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Four
EPSY 29525 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
!MUS 21112 THEORY IV 4
!MUS 36XXX Applied Music2
MUS 48232 GENERAL MUSIC PEDAGOGY FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1
SPED 23000 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEPTIONALITIES (DIVD) 3
!Major Ensemble 1
String, Woodwind, Brass or Percussion Electives 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Five
Required: minimum 2.750 GPA, admission to advanced study. Note: successful completion of the Music Education Professional Evaluation in the music education division as a prerequisite for MUS 44211 and MUS 44212.  
!MUS 32211 MUSIC HISTORY I 3
MUS 33314 PROGRESSIVE AND VERNACULAR MUSIC METHODS 2
!MUS 34111 INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING 2
!MUS 44211 INSTRUMENTAL METHODS I 2
MUS 45231 JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1
!MUS 46XXX Applied Music2
MUS 47311 VOICE CLASS FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours17
Semester Six
!MUS 32212 MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 3
!MUS 44212 INSTRUMENTAL METHODS II 2
!MUS 43245 JAZZ ENSEMBLE TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1
!MUS 44121 ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING 2
MUS 45221
or MUS 45225
 SYMPHONY BAND
or UNIVERSITY BAND
0-1
!MUS 46XXX Applied Music2
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
Note: Completion of a major field test in music history and music theory by the end of the semester.  
CI 47330 READING AND WRITING IN ADOLESCENCE/ADULTHOOD 3
MUS 33214 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS 2
!MUS 41112 WESTERN MUSIC SINCE 1945 1
!MUS 43241 MARCHING BAND TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1
!MUS 46XXX Applied Music2
MUS 48233 CHORAL MUSIC PEDAGOGY FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1
!Major Ensemble 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
String, Woodwind, Brass or Percussion Electives 1
 Credit Hours18
Semester Eight
Note: Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.  
!MUS 42392 STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 9
!MUS 49525 SEMINAR FOR STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 3
 Credit Hours12
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:132
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation

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

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

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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