Music Education - B.M. Program Requirements Download to print

• Choral General concentration semester-by-semester Roadmap
• Instrumental concentration semester-by-semester Roadmap

Type Legend: DD Diversity–Domestic; DG Diversity–Global; ELR Experiential Learning; KAD Kent Core Additional; KBS Kent Core Basic Sciences; KCM Kent Core Composition; KFA Kent Core Fine Arts: KHU Kent Core Humanities; KMC Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning; KSS Kent Core Social Sciences; WIC Writing Intensive

Please read the sections in the University Catalog on Kent Core, diversity, writing-intensive and the experiential learning requirements.

1. A minimum C (2.000) grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

2. All courses in the Education minor and in Kent Core Composition must be completed with a minimum C (2.000) grade.

3. Applied music (7 semesters and 14 total credits: 4 semesters and 8 credits at 36000 level, 3 semesters and 6 credits at 46000 level) based on instrument of acceptance into the music education major. The 46000 level can be taken following a successful 46000 level barrier exam.  The Choral General Concentration is for voice and piano principals.  Piano principals with significant instrumental background may elect the Instrumental Concentration with the approval of the Coordinator of Music Education.  All other students use the Instrumental Concentration.

4. Major ensemble (7 semesters and 7 credit hours): Students must enroll in a major ensemble appropriate to their major performance area each semester they are registered full time as music majors until the semester requirement has been completed. Students in the Choral General concentration should choose choral based courses, students in Instrumental concentration should choose the instrument based courses.

5. Area specific courses are required in the Education minor.

Important Notes for Music Education:

• Minimum C (2.000) grade required in all music courses.
• Students who begin their music or music education major program as first semester freshmen are required to attend a minimum of 84 concerts or recitals.  Music or music education majors who transfer from a non-music program or university must attend an average of 10 music recitals or concerts for semesters of full time enrollment.
• All music education majors must perform a half Senior Recital. Applied music registration at the 46000 level is required during a degree recital semester.
• To graduate from Kent State University with the degree B.M. or B.A. in music, it is required that students take a major field achievement test in music history and music theory during their senior year.  Specific score level achievement is not required.
• Students who pass 15 credits of non-remedial academic coursework each fall and spring semester and the 1-credit First Year Experience course will accumulate 121 credits in four years. This major requires 132 credits for graduation. Students can stay on track for graduation by:
  • Declaring their major as freshmen and completing all courses in sequence (bear in mind that switching majors may cause a delay in graduation);
  • Prioritizing required courses above electives;
  • Meeting regularly with their academic advisors to stay on track;
  • Passing each required course the first time attempted and maintaining the minimal GPA for the major;
  • Successfully completing more than 15 credit hours of relevant coursework (field-based work, internship) during academic semesters; and/or
  • Completing relevant coursework (field-based work, internship) during summer sessions.

Important Notes for the Education Minor:

• In addition to the School of Music professional standards listed above, each B.M. in music education candidate must meet the following requirements in order to enroll in upper-division coursework: pass an achievement examination to enter upper-division music education study; have  a 2.750 major GPA; clear all College of Education, Health, and Human Services professional requirements for admission to advanced study; and declare the education minor. Students seeking teaching licensure must be admitted to advanced study. Application for advanced study should be made at the Office of Advising and Academic Services, 306 White Hall, after 45 hours are completed.
• To enroll in upper-division professional education coursework, students seeking licensure must be admitted to the education minor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services. Refer to that college section in this Catalog for specific information about this process.
• A minimum cumulative 2.500 GPA and major 2.750 GPA are necessary for student teaching and graduation from this program.
• Licensure Requirement (not required for graduation)
  • 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.

Choral/General Concentration

For semester-by-semester course sequencing for this program, view the 2014-2015 Roadmap.

1. Methods courses in the student's major area.

2. 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.

3. Area specific courses

Instrumental Concentration

For semester-by-semester course sequencing for this program, view the 2014-2015 Roadmap.<

1. Methods courses in the student's major area
2. Area specific courses
3. Wind, brass and percussion majors must enroll in Marching Band once during their first two years of study. String majors replace Marching Band with MUS 47411, String Class.
4.Total 5 credit hours; should not include a class of student's principal instrument; see advisor.