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Music Education

Bachelor of Science

Music has different meaning for different people but for you if music means more than just a simple tune, this may be your program. KU’s combination of superb mentoring by renowned artists/teachers, small class sizes, diverse performance opportunities, and a well-rounded curriculum is ideally suited to guide you to professional success. Because life is full of music, and the world is ready for your verse.

This National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredited program serves teacher candidates who wish to be certified in instrumental, choral, and general music 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 MusicKutztown University offers a wide variety of teacher education programs. Explore all Teacher Programs available at KU.

Course Highlights

Foundation courses in this program are identical to those in the Bachelor of Arts in Music program. Foundations for Music Education majors including conducting, theory, aural skills, and music history are all covered. Teacher certification training includes techniques courses in strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice.  Music education majors at Kutztown are placed in cooperating schools starting in their first semester of study for observations and teaching experiences. 

As the student progresses, 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 musical related courses such as guitar in the classroom, developing a musical theatre production, and jazz ensemble techniques. 

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.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the Department of Music requires prospective students to complete the university application. Audition results determine placement in music courses and are considered as part of acceptance to the degree program.

At the audition, candidates will be asked to discuss their musical background, career goals, musical and general areas of interest.  Preliminary diagnostic exams are taken in: (a) harmony and theory, (b) ear training, (c) sight singing, and (d) piano skills. Students may receive the university's academic admissions decision prior to the audition process. Acceptance decision to the music programs will follow shortly. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Music Education (BS)
    1. Perform with competence as soloist and ensemble members.
    2. Identify, define, and engage the elements of music in sound and notation.
    3. Describe current practices and historical trends in music.
    4. Demonstrate current pedagogical practices.
    5. Conduct musical groups with attention to artistic concerns.

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