School of Music
College of the Arts
E101 Music and Speech Center
E-mail: dseachri@kent.edu
Tel: 330-672-2172
Fax: 330-672-7837
Web: http://dept.kent.edu/music

Music Major

Music (B.A.)—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

The Bachelor of Arts degree gives music majors 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.

Music (B.M.)

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) is a professional degree and provides intensive specialization in one of the following areas: music composition, music theory and music education and instrumental, piano or vocal performance (curriculum for music education). 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: piano, harp, violin, viola, violoncello, 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. Students who study guitar may audition only as majors in music education, composition, music theory or the Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Music composition concentration—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

In addition to completing the required courses, students in the music composition concentration must do the following: (1) pass a theory/composition piano proficiency exam as a prerequisite for required courses MUS 41131, 41151 and 48251; and (2) present a senior applied recital. The applied recital may be performed concurrently with the composition recital required as a part of the senior composition project.

Instrumental performance concentration—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

The instrumental concentration in the Bachelor of Music degree program 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.

Students in the instrumental performance concentration are required to complete one-half junior and one full senior recital.

Piano performance concentration—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

The piano performance concentration in the Bachelor of Music degree program 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.

Students in the piano performance concentration are required to complete one-half junior and one full senior recital. Their 8-credit-hour major ensemble requirement should comprise 2 credits of major ensemble and 6 credits of MUS 45321 Accompanying and MUS 45311 Chamber Music.

Music theory concentration—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

The theory concentration in the Bachelor of Music degree program leads to a professional degree and includes intensive specialization in music theory.  Students audition on their main instrument for acceptance into the Bachelor of Arts degree program as music majors.  Following the completion of the second year of music theory courses, students can request acceptance into the theory concentration, where they also study 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.

In addition to completing the required courses, students in the music theory concentration must do the following: (1) pass a theory/composition piano proficiency exam as a prerequisite for required courses MUS 41131, 41151 and 48251; and (2) present a senior applied recital. The applied recital may consist of a lecture/recital based on the required senior project.

Voice performance concentration—2009-2010 Roadmap [Degree Requirements]

The voice performance concentration in the Bachelor of Music degree program 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. 

Students in the vocal performance concentration are required to complete one-half junior and one full senior recital.

Music Minor

The music minor provides a basic understanding of music literature, theory and performance. Prospective minors must audition in voice or on a traditional orchestral/band instrument before they begin applied study and must take a theory placement test. Applied study is subject to faculty and studio availability and may be elected only with the permission of the School of Music.

Students earning the minor in music may not elect both MUS 22111 Understanding Music and MUS 12211 Music of Western Cultures, or both MUS 22121 Music as a World Phenomenon and MUS 12212 Music of Nonwestern Cultures.


Course requirements for music minor (23 credits):

Minimum 2.25 GPA in the minor required for graduation.

Minimum C- (1.70) grade required in all music courses.

Music electives may include additional applied music, major or chamber ensembles or any other music courses for which the students have fulfilled the prerequisite.
Major ensembles include: MUS 45111 University Choir, MUS 45121 Kent Chorus, MUS 45141 KSU Chorale, MUS 45212 Orchestra, MUS 45221 Concert Band and MUS 45223 Wind Ensemble.