College of the Arts
School of Music
www.kent.edu/music

About This Program

The Bachelor of Music program at Kent State is designed for students who are passionate about music and want to take their skills to the next level. With a focus on performance, composition and music theory, this program provides students with a deep understanding of music and prepares them for a variety of careers in the industry. Read more...

Contact Information

• Gerrey Noh | hnoh@kent.edu
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Additional Careers

• Instrumentalists and singers

Accreditation

The B.M. degree in Music is approved by the National Association of Schools of Music.

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Admission to this major is selective. Students must audition before being admitted to the Music major. Inquiries can be directed to the coordinator of admissions and scholarships, School of Music, E-101 Center for the Performing Arts, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2172).

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum 3.000 GPA is required in music theory courses (MUS 11121, MUS 11122, MUS 21111, MUS 21112) in the Composition concentration.

²

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

³

Students must enroll in a major ensemble appropriate to their major performance area. Piano performance majors satisfy the eight-semester ensemble requirement as follows: 2 credit hours of MUS 45311, 4 credit hours of MUS 45321 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. Composition majors may use MUS 45271 for maximum four semesters of the eight-semester requirement.

Composition Concentration Requirements

¹

In addition to completing the required courses, students in the Music Composition concentration must do the following prior to taking MUS 41131, MUS 41151 and MUS 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

Bachelor of Music students are restricted to taking 4-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson. 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 Performance Concentration Requirements

¹

Students must complete 16 credit hours at the 36000-level and 16 credit hours at the 46000-level. Applied music courses are based on instrument of acceptance into the Instrumental Performance concentration. The 46000-level may be taken following a successful 46000-level barrier exam.

²

Bachelor of Music students are restricted to taking 4-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson. 

Piano Performance Concentration Requirements

¹

Bachelor of Music students are restricted to taking 4-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson.

²

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

Voice Performance Concentration Requirements

¹

Bachelor of Music students are restricted to taking 4-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson.

²

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

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade required in all music courses
• Attendance at minimum 10 concerts or recitals during semesters of applied music registration. Composition students use semesters of registration in MUS 21213, MUS 21214, MUS 31211 and MUS 41211.
• Students in the Music Composition concentration must pass a theory/composition piano proficiency exam as a prerequisite for required courses MUS 41131, MUS 41151 and MUS 48251; and present a senior recital.
• Students in the Instrumental Performance, Piano Performance and Voice Performance concentrations must complete one half junior and one full senior recital and register for applied music courses (46000-level) during a degree recital semester. The senior recital may be used to satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).
• MUS 11110, MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation for this program.

Roadmaps

Composition Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Instrumental Performance Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Piano Performance Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Voice Performance Concentration

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of music history and theory.
2. Demonstrate beginning professional skills in recitals.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music is a professional degree. The primary emphasis is on the development of the skills, concepts and sensitivity essential for those wishing to pursue music as a profession.

The Music major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Composition concentration 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 Performance concentration 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 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 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.