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2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Program Descriptions | Music/Performing Arts | Majors

Music Education

[B.S. in MUSIC EDUCATION -  0832]

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education leads to New York State initial certification to teach vocal and instrumental music in kindergarten through grade 12. As an alternative to employment in the public schools, music education graduates also find employment in Christian schools, performance, private teaching, and the music industry. Students follow a vocal, band instrument, or string instrument music education curriculum track. 

SPECIFICS OF THE MUSIC EDUCATION B.S. DEGREE

Minimum Total Hours:
  124-125

General Education Requirements:  Per General Education list (see General Education Division). Exceptions: ART 101 or FNA 102 (only one course is required and MUS 104 is not permitted); the 3-semester-hour history/economics/social sciences elective is not required.

Minimum Requirements:  Overall and major GPA of 2.7; no grade less than C in the major; C+ or higher in 100- and 200-level education courses; B- or higher in 300- and 400-level education courses; minimum grade of C in CMC 101, CMP 101, and mathematics proficiency course. 

Transfer Requirements:  Audition.  See institutional transfer policies.

Application to Major:  Entrance audition is required.  A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 is required to be accepted and to remain in the major.  A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all music courses is required to be accepted to the major.  Students must pass applied area performance proficiency during sophomore year. Standard institutional major application must be submitted to the Music Department prior to the proficiency. Students cannot take upper-level Music Education courses if the major application is not approved. In addition, students must apply to the Teacher Education Division after completing two EDU courses (EDU 190 and EDU 202) and must apply to student teach by the appropriate deadline.  Contact the Teacher Education Division for specific deadlines and forms.

Major Requirements:  64.5-65.5 hours

  • Core Music Requirements for all Music Education Majors (Vocal, Instrumental, Strings):
    • 12 semester hours of music theory (MUS 101, MUS 102, MUS 200, MUS 205);
    • 3 semester hours of aural skills (MUS 101A, MUS 102A, MUS 200A);
    • 3 semester hours of orchestration (MUS 411);
    • 9 semester hours of music history and literature (MUS 112, MUS 212, MUS 312);
    • 3 semester hours of conducting (MUS 295 and MUS 302 OR 303);
    • 11 semester hours of applied voice/instrument/piano;
    • 7 semester hours/8 semesters of ensemble;
    • 8 semesters of Music Seminar (MUS 100);
    • Senior Recital;
    • Piano until proficiency is met.
  • Vocal (V) Track Requirements:
    • 2 semester hours of musical stage (MUS 310);
    • 1-4 semester hours of applied piano (MUS 1001) to competency level 5
      *piano/guitar majors take 4 semester hours (competency level 6) of applied voice (MUS 1003).
  • Instrumental (I)/String (S) Track Requirements:
    • 2 semester hours of jazz theory/improvisation (MUS 330);
    • 1 semester hour of secondary applied instrument (MUS 285, MUS 286, MUS 287);
    • 1 semester hour of applied voice (MUS 1003);
    • 1-4 semester hours of applied piano (MUS 1001) to competency level 4
      *piano/guitar majors take 4 semester hours (competency level 6) of applied orchestral instrument.
  • Music Education Requirements:

V

I

S

MUS 115Piano Pedagogy I  (2)x
MUS 125Percussion Methods (1)xxx
MUS 130String Methods (1)xxx
MUS 230Brass Methods I (1)xxx
MUS 231Brass Methods II (1)x
MUS 235Woodwind Methods I (1)xxx
MUS 236Woodwind Methods II (1)x
MUS 237String Pedagogy (2)x
MUS 280Guitar Class (1)x
MUS 308School Music Methods (3)xxx
MUS 315Instrumental Methods (3)xx
MUS 316Vocal Methods (3)x
MUS 443K-12 Music Ed Student Teaching Seminar (.5)xxx

  • Teacher Education Requirements:
    19.5 semester hours (EDU 190, EDU 190 OPE, EDU 202, EDU 330, EDU 330 OPE, EDU 403A, EDU 403B, EDU 444); Training in Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment; and Training in School Violence Prevention and Intervention.