Music - B.M. Program Requirements Download to print

Attribute 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. US 10097 is not required of transfer students with 25 credits (excluding College Credit Plus and dual-enrollment) or students age 21+ at time of admission. 
2. A minimum 3.000 GPA is required in music theory courses (MUS 11121, 11122, 21111, 21112) in the Composition concentration.
3. 8 separate semesters of major ensemble are required. Students must enroll in a major ensemble appropriate to their major performance area. 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.

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.

Composition Concentration

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

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

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

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.