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
Music Education - B.M.
Contact Us
College of the Arts
School of Music
www.kent.edu/music
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Program Coordinator:
Jay Dorfman
jdorfma2@kent.edu
330-672-3871
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
Program Information for Music Education - B.M.
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Program Description
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.
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Admissions
for Music Education - B.M.
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, ºÚÁÏÍø, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2172).
International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.
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Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Successfully meet all requirements for state licensure.
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Coursework
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade required in all courses) MUS 11121 THEORY I 4 MUS 11122 THEORY II 4 MUS 21111 THEORY III 4 MUS 21112 THEORY IV 4 MUS 22111 UNDERSTANDING WESTERN MUSIC (KFA) (music major section) 3 MUS 22121 MUSIC AS A WORLD PHENOMENON (DIVG) (KFA) (music major section) 3 MUS 23241 MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION 2 MUS 32211 WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY I 3 MUS 32212 WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 1 3 MUS 33214 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS 2 MUS 33314 PROGRESSIVE AND VERNACULAR MUSIC METHODS 2 MUS 34111 INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING 2 MUS 41112 WESTERN MUSIC SINCE 1945 1 MUS 42392 STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 9 MUS 49525 SEMINAR FOR STUDENT TEACHING (ELR) 3 Applied Music Electives (MUS 36000 level) 2 8 Applied Music Electives (MUS 46000 level) 2 6 Major Ensemble, choose from the following: 3 7 MUS 45141KENT STATE UNIVERSITY CHORALE MUS 45142CORO CANTARE MUS 45143CANTIQUE MUS 45212ORCHESTRA MUS 45221SYMPHONY BAND MUS 45223WIND ENSEMBLE Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA) CI 47330 READING AND WRITING IN ADOLESCENCE/ADULTHOOD (min C grade) 3 CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY (min C grade) 3 EPSY 29525 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (min C grade) 3 PHIL 11001 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM) 3 or PHIL 21001 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM) PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3 SPED 23000 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEPTIONALITIES (DIVD) (min C grade) 3 UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1 (min C grade) 4 6 3 3 6-7 6 Concentrations Choose from the following: 19 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 132 - 1
A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.
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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. 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.
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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 the Instrumental concentration should choose instrument-based courses. Guitar principals may elect MUS 45231 or MUS 45312 for a total of two semesters to replace major ensembles.
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All courses in the Kent Core Composition category must be completed with a minimum C grade.
Choral General Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade required in all courses) MUS 34211 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY GENERAL MUSIC 2 MUS 34212 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY CHORAL MUSIC 2 MUS 36111 APPLIED MUSIC PIANO 1 2 or MUS 36311 APPLIED MUSIC VOICE MUS 37113 PIANO SKILLS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2 MUS 43243 CONTEMPORARY CHORAL METHODS IN THE SCHOOLS 3 MUS 44111 ADVANCED CHORAL CONDUCTING 2 MUS 45313 NOVA JAZZ SINGERS 2 1 MUS 47811 INSTRUMENT CLASS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1 MUS 48231 INSTRUMENTAL PEDAGOGY FOR THE CHORAL GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2 MUS 48241 VOICE PEDAGOGY 2 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 19 - 1
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. 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.
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Piano majors may take MUS 45231 with approval.
Instrumental Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA) (min C grade required in all courses) MUS 37114 PIANO SKILLS FOR THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1 MUS 43241 MARCHING BAND TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1 MUS 43245 JAZZ ENSEMBLE TECHNIQUES AND LITERATURE 1 MUS 44121 ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING 2 MUS 44211 INSTRUMENTAL METHODS I 2 MUS 44212 INSTRUMENTAL METHODS II 2 MUS 45231 JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1 MUS 47311 VOICE CLASS FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1 MUS 47412 STRING CLASS 1 MUS 47512 WIND TECHNIQUES - FRENCH HORN AND DOUBLE REEDS 1 MUS 47513 WIND TECHNIQUES - FLUTE, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE 1 MUS 47612 WIND TECHNIQUES - TRUMPET AND LOW BRASS 1 MUS 47712 PERCUSSION CLASS 1 MUS 48232 GENERAL MUSIC PEDAGOGY FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1 MUS 48233 CHORAL MUSIC PEDAGOGY FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1 Band Elective, choose from the following: 1 1 MUS 45221SYMPHONY BAND MUS 45222MARCHING BAND MUS 45225UNIVERSITY 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
Graduation Requirements Summary 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.
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Roadmaps
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 One Credits ! MUS 11121 THEORY I 4 ! MUS 22111 UNDERSTANDING WESTERN MUSIC (KFA) (music major section) 3 ! MUS 36XXX Applied Music 2 UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 17 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 Music 2 PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 18 Semester Three CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3 ! MUS 21111 THEORY III 4 MUS 36111 or MUS 36311APPLIED MUSIC PIANO or APPLIED MUSIC VOICE2-4 ! MUS 36XXX Applied Music 2 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 18 Semester Four EPSY 29525 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 ! MUS 21112 THEORY IV 4 ! MUS 36XXX Applied Music 2 MUS 37113 PIANO SKILLS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2 PHIL 11001 or PHIL 21001INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM) or INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)3 SPED 23000 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEPTIONALITIES (DIVD) 3 ! Major Ensemble 1 Credit Hours 18 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 WESTERN 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 Music 2 MUS 47811 INSTRUMENT CLASS FOR THE CHORAL/GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1 ! Major Ensemble 1 Credit Hours 16 Semester Six ! MUS 32212 WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY II (WIC) 3 ! MUS 34212 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY CHORAL MUSIC 2 ! MUS 44111 ADVANCED CHORAL CONDUCTING 2 ! MUS 46XXX Applied Music 2 MUS 48231 INSTRUMENTAL PEDAGOGY FOR THE CHORAL GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 2 MUS 48241 VOICE PEDAGOGY 2 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 17 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 Music 2 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 16 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 Hours 12 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 One Credits ! MUS 11121 THEORY I 4 ! MUS 22111 UNDERSTANDING WESTERN MUSIC (KFA) (music major section) 3 ! MUS 36XXX Applied Music 2 MUS 45222 MARCHING BAND 0-1 UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 17 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 Music 2 PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3 ! Major Ensemble 1 String, Woodwind, Brass or Percussion Electives 2 Credit Hours 17 Semester Three CULT 29535 EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY 3 ! MUS 21111 THEORY III 4 ! MUS 36XXX Applied Music 2 MUS 37114 PIANO SKILLS FOR THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATOR 1 PHIL 11001 or PHIL 21001INTRODUCTION 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 Hours 18 Semester Four EPSY 29525 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 ! MUS 21112 THEORY IV 4 ! MUS 36XXX Applied Music 2 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 Hours 18 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 WESTERN 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 Music 2 MUS 47311 VOICE CLASS FOR THE INSTRUMENTALIST 1 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 17 Semester Six ! MUS 32212 WESTERN 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 45225SYMPHONY BAND or UNIVERSITY BAND0-1 ! MUS 46XXX Applied Music 2 ! Major Ensemble 1 Kent Core Requirement 3 Credit Hours 15 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 Music 2 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 Hours 18 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 Hours 12 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 132 -
Program Delivery
- Delivery:
- In person
- Location:
- Kent Campus
- Delivery:
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Accreditation
for Music Education - B.M.
The B.M. degree in Music Education is approved by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Music Education - B.M.
Those who complete the Bachelor of Music in Music Education at ºÚÁÏÍø can benefit from specialized career opportunities in music education.
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Education teachers, postsecondary
4.8%
about as fast as the average
77,300
number of jobs
$65,440
potential earnings
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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
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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
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Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . 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.