Music - B.M. Program Requirements Download to print

• Composition concentration semester-by-semester Roadmap
• Instrumental concentration semester-by-semester Roadmap
• Piano Performance concentration semester-by-semester Roadmap
• Voice Performance 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.

Important Notes:

• 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.
• To graduate from Kent State University with the degree B.M. 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 125 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.

1. A minimum 3.000 GPA is required in music theory courses (MUS 11121, 11122, 21121, 21122) in the Composition concentration.
2. A minimum C (2.000) grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.
3. Major ensemble (8 semesters and 8 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 is complete. Piano performance majors satisfy the eight-semester ensemble requirement as follows: 4 credit hours of MUS 45321 Accompanying, 2 credit hours of MUS 45311 Chamber Music and 2 credit hours selected from chamber music or a major vocal or instrumental ensemble or 1 credit hour selected from chamber music or a major vocal or instrumental ensemble and DAN 28010 Dance Accompaniment Laboratory I (2 credit hours). Composition majors may use MUS 45271 New Music Ensemble for up to 4 semesters of the 8 semester requirement.

Composition Concentration

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

1. In addition to completing the required courses, students in the music composition concentration must do the following prior to taking required courses, MUS 41131, 41151 and 48251: 1). pass a theory proficiency exam, incorporating score reading, sight singing, keyboard harmony and written analysis, and 2). receive approval from the theory and composition faculty based on a portfolio of compositions.
2. If MUS 48512 is taken, take 4 credits of MUS electives.
3. Applied music (6 semesters and 12 credit hours): Students whose main instrument is piano may fulfill this requirement with piano only or can include one or two semesters with a different instrument. Students whose main instrument is not piano must take two semesters of Applied Music-Piano.  A piano placement test  or piano audition is required and additional remedial courses may be necessary. Students must meet the 46000-entry-level prior to graduation.

Instrumental Concentration

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

1. Applied music (32 total credit hours:16 credits at 36000 level, 16 credits at 46000 level) based on instrument of acceptance into the Instrumental concentration. The 46000 level may be taken following a successful 46000 level barrier exam.

Instrumental Performance students are required to perform a half junior and a full senior recital. Applied music registration at the 46000 level is required during a degree recital semester. The senior recital may be used to satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).

Piano Performance Concentration

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

Piano Performance students are required to perform a half junior and a full senior recital. Applied music registration at the 46000 level is required during a degree recital semester. The senior recital may be used to satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).

1. The 46000 level courses may be taken following a successful 46000 level barrier exam.

Voice Performance Concentration

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

Voice Performance students are required to perform a half junior and a full senior recital. Applied music registration a the 46000 level is required during a degree recital semester. The senior recital may be used to satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).

1. The 46000 level courses may be taken following a successful 46000 level barrier exam.