Music - B.A. and B.M. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) 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. A concentration in contemporary popular music is also available as an optional concentration. This concentration gives students the opportunity to study contemporary instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass and voice, as well as participate in a variety of styles including Rock, Pop, Motown and other popular styles. 

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) is a professional degree and provides intensive specialization in one of the following areas: music composition, music education and instrumental, piano or vocal performance. The primary emphasis is on the development of the skills, concepts and sensitivity essential for those wishing to pursue music as a profession.

The composition concentration leads to a professional degree and includes intensive specialization in music 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.

The instrumental concentration 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. This program is available on the following instruments: violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion.

The piano performance concentration 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.

The voice performance concentration 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

Musicians, singers, and related workers are employed in a variety of settings. Of those who earn a wage or salary, 33 percent are employed by religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations and 12 percent by performing arts companies, such as professional orchestras, small chamber music groups, opera companies, musical theater companies, and ballet troupes. Musicians and singers also perform in nightclubs and restaurants and for weddings and other events. Well-known musicians and groups may perform in concerts, appear on radio and television broadcasts, and make recordings and music videos. The U.S. Armed Forces also offer careers in their bands and smaller musical groups.

The Bachelor of Music in Music and Bachelor of Arts in Music:

Freshman Students: Students must audition before being admitted to the School of Music. Inquiries can be directed to the Coordinator of Admissions and Scholarships, School of Music, E-101 Music and Speech, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001(or call 330-672-2172). Audition information can be found by visiting, www.kent.edu/music.

For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.

Transfer Students: In addition to meeting the general transfer admission requirement (2.0 overall GPA), students must audition before being admitted to the School of Music. Additional information is available from the School of Music Office, E-101 Music and Speech Center, Kent State University, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2172). Audition information can be found by visiting, www.kent.edu/music.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

All Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degree students must complete the Major Field Test (MFT) and meet recital attendance requirements.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music requires a minimum 120 total credit hours and 39 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.000 overall and 2.250 major GPA. Students must earn a grade of C (2.000) in all music courses. This program requires a senior recital or MUS 48598 Music Research.

The Bachelor of Music in Music requires a minimum 125 total credit hours. Minimum 2.000 overall and 2.250 major GPA. Students must earn a grade of C (2.000) in all music courses. In addition to completing the required courses, student must meet the individual concentration requirements to graduate.

The Music Composition concentration students 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 recital.

The Instrumental Performance concentration students are required to complete one-half junior and one full senior recital.

The Piano Performance concentration students 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. One semester of DAN 28010 can be used to replace one semester of chamber music or major ensemble.

The Vocal Performance concentration students are required to complete one-half junior and one full senior recital.

Graduates of these programs will be able to:

1. Demonstrate their knowledge of music history and theory by means of a standardized test.
2. Bachelor of Music graduates will be able to demonstrate beginning professional skills in recitals.

National Association of Schools of Music