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

About This Program

Inspire the next generation of musicians with the Music Education B.M. program. Learn how to become a skilled music educator and empower your students to unleash their musical potential. Enroll now and inspire the next generation. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Jay Dorfman | jdorfma2@kent.edu | 330-672-3871
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

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

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

The B.M. degree in Music Education 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 Music and Speech, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242-0001 (or call 330-672-2172).

For more information on admissions, including additional requirements for some academic programs, visit the admissions website for new freshmen and the admissions website for transfer, transitioning and former students.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Applied music is seven semesters (14 total credit hours), which comprises four semesters (8 credit hours) at 36000 level and three semesters (6 credit hours) at 46000 level. Course selection is based on instrument of acceptance into the music education major. The 46000-level courses can be taken following a successful 46000-level barrier exam.

²

Major ensemble (seven separate semesters): Students must enroll in a major ensemble appropriate to their major performance area. Students in the Choral General concentration should choose choral based courses; students in Instrumental concentration should choose the instrument-based courses. Guitar principals may elect MUS 45231 or MUS 45312 for a total of two semesters to replace major ensembles.

³

All courses in the Kent Core Composition category must be completed with a minimum C grade.

Choral General Concentration Requirements

¹

Voice principals take MUS 36111. Enrollment based on placement test; additional remedial courses may be required. Piano principals take MUS 36311. Enrollment based on audition; MUS 47311 may be required as a remedial course. Guitar principals may take either course, remedial courses may be required.

²

Piano majors may take MUS 45231 with approval.

Instrumental Concentration Requirements

¹

Wind, brass and percussion majors must enroll in MUS 45222 once during their first two years of study. String majors select from MUS 45221, MUS 45222 or MUS 45225. 

Progression Requirements

Students must meet all professional requirements for admission to advanced study and to enroll in upper-division coursework.

• Minimum 2.750 major GPA and 2.500 overall GPA
• Students are required to pass the Music Education Professional Evaluation (MEPE), and must pass all sections in order to continue in the music education program with MUS 34211, MUS 34212, MUS 44211 or MUS 44212. Information regarding the MEPE is distributed by the Coordinator of Music Education.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of the Major Field Test (MFT) in music history and music theory during senior year (specific score level achievement is not required)
• Minimum C grade required in all music (MUS) courses
• Attendance at minimum eight concerts or recitals during semesters of Applied Music registration. 
• Completion of one-half senior recital, which may not be performed during the student-teaching period, and registration of applied music courses (46000 level) during a degree recital semester
• MUS 11110, MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation in this program.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type. Taking and passing the licensure tests prior to graduation is encouraged but not required.

Roadmaps

Choral General 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. Successfully meet all requirements for state licensure.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education prepares students for Ohio licensure to teach music in grades K-12 in choral general and instrumental music. The program includes studies in jazz, folk, musical theatre, world music and music technology, while providing a strong grounding in Western art music history, theory and performance.

The Music Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Choral General concentration is for guitar, voice and piano principals.
• The Instrumental concentration is for students with an instrumental background. Piano and guitar principals with significant instrumental background may elect this concentration with the approval of the music education coordinator.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Requirements for Admission to Advanced Study for Art Education and Music Education

Admission to advanced study is required of all art education and music education majors and minors prior to enrolling in upper-division education courses. Upon completion of coursework, as determined by program area, students should have satisfied the prerequisites for admission to advanced study. Students must submit an application for advanced study by the second Friday of the term during which all prerequisites for advanced study will be completed, and at least one semester prior to beginning any coursework for which "Admission to Advanced Study" is a prerequisite. Students at the Kent Campus apply for Advanced Study through the College of Education, Health and Human Services Student Portal, which can be accessed through the Vacca Office of Student Services web page. Students completing a licensure program at a regional campus should check with that campus for instructions on how to apply for "Advanced Study." Please note: Admission to advanced study is required for students pursuing an undergraduate major that leads to teacher licensure. Please be aware that reapplication may be necessary if postponing advanced study coursework or if withdrawn for one year or more.

Requirements for Admission to Advanced Study for Art Education and Music Education

• College Writing: Students are required to attain a minimum C grade in each writing courses (ENG 11011 and ENG 21011 or equivalent).
• Pre-Advanced Study Coursework: To be eligible for advanced study, students must earn a minimum C grade in CULT 29535 and a minimum C grade in one of the following courses (please note that a minimum C grade must be earned in all of the four courses for teacher licensure programs):
  • EPSY 29525
  • SPED 23000 
• Grade Point Average:
  • Art Education majors must have earned a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA in order to be admitted to Advanced Study.
  • Music Education majors must have earned a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.750 major GPA at the time of application in order to be admitted to Advanced Study.
• Disposition Assessment/Professional Disposition Plans (PDPs): Students are required to have completed all professional dispositions plan (PDPs) at the time of application to be eligible for advanced study.
• Advising Appointment: Art Education and Music Education students should make an advising appointment with a professional advisor in the Vacca Office of Student Services (or Regional Campus advising office if completing the program at that campus) for information about applying for Advanced Study and educator licensure. Advising appointments at the Kent Campus are made through the Vacca Office of Student Services' website at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss.
• Teacher Candidate Acknowledgments and Legal Questions for Licensure: Candidates are required to electronically sign four statements acknowledging that they have read and understand the following areas: background check requirements; professional dispositions; licensure application information; legal questions asked on the licensure application. Statements can be found on the student portal.