Music Education

Bachelor of Science in:

Music Education

This National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredited program serves teacher candidates who wish to be certified in general, instrumental, and choral music teaching in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Pennsylvania. This certification is also accepted as initial certification in many other states. The Music Education major at Kutztown combines the studies of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Education. 

The program is offered by the Department of Music.

Course Highlights
Foundation courses in the Music Education program are identical to those in the Bachelor of Arts in Music program. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music, students have the benefit of specialized study in his or her chosen field. Graduates may function in a wide variety of musical or musically-related fields such as private teacher, performer, composer, conductor, recording technology, music retail, writer, publishing, entertainment management and music librarianship. Please click on the link provided above to learn more about the B.A. in Music program.

Basics for Music Education majors include music history, conducting, harmony and theory, and aural skills are all covered. Teacher certification training includes techniques courses in strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

As students progress, specialized teaching courses prepare the undergraduates to teach in general, instrumental and choral music classes. At Kutztown, training to become a music educator additionally requires students to take part in many musically-inclined courses such as guitar in the classroom, developing a musical theatre production, and jazz ensemble techniques.

Music Admission Requirements
Music majors in the College of Visual and Performing Arts are required to complete and return a separate Department of Music admission form, in addition to the university's application. Upon receipt of the undergraduate application for admission, students will be sent the music audition requirements/guidelines. Once the music admission form is returned (to be mailed directly to the Department of Music), the student will then be scheduled for an audition with Department of Music faculty. At the interview/audition, students will play/sing in their area of musical interest and expertise. During the interview, students should be prepared to discuss their musical background, career goals, musical and general areas of interest. Students also take preliminary exams in: (a) harmony and theory, (b) ear training, (c) sight singing, and (d) piano skills. These are diagnostic examinations to determine placement in music courses, and are considered as part of acceptance in the degree program. Students will not receive a decision regarding their acceptance to the university until the interview/audition/diagnostic examinations have been completed.

Career Opportunities
Music educator in kindergarten through 12th grade, choral conductor, band director, string education specialist, orchestral conductor, general music educator, early childhood music educator, studio teacher, music supervisor.