Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Music Education (PreK-12), Bachelor of Music (BM)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education prepares individuals to teach instrumental, vocal, and general music to students in grades PreK-12. For additional information about our Music Education Program, contact the following faculty:

For information regarding auditions for the Music Department, please click here.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • The student will be able to identify and interpret the basic elements of music both visually and aurally, including analyzing musical compositions, focusing on theoretical and historical aspects. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to identify and explain the significance of music of a variety of historical periods, cultures, and composers. (UO: 2,6) 
  • The student will be able to harmonize, transpose, compose, arrange, and orchestrate music using knowledge of music theory and instrumental and vocal characteristics.  (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to perform as a member of a musical ensemble demonstrating proper techniques of ensemble performance such as balance and blend, as well as musical and social interaction and cooperation, to achieve shared goals. (UO: 2,5,6,7,8,9)
  • The student will be able to perform his/her primary instrument with appropriate techniques of posture, breathing, tone production, articulation/bowing, diction, intonation, expression, and style. (UO: 2,5,6)
  • The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of instrumental/vocal repertoire by performing music of different styles, periods, and composers. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to analyze a written score and effectively apply basic conducting patterns, techniques, expression, and rehearsal techniques to realize musical events through the use of gesture with vocal and instrumental ensembles. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to play scales, accompaniments, song repertoire, songs by ear, and transpose melodies with harmonization on the guitar. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to explain and identify jazz concepts and styles and improvise. (UO: 1,2,6)
  • The student will be able to play scales, repertoire, hymns, vocal scores, accompaniments, songs by ear, and transposed melodies with harmonization on the piano. (UO: 2,6)
  • The student will be able to employ creative strategies to express feelings, perform music, and select resources and procedures for instruction with their students. (UO: 1,2,5,6)
  • The student will be able to identify instrumental/vocal strengths and weaknesses and provide appropriate instruction to improve performance of students/self.  (UO: 2,6) 
  • The student will be able to use technology in composition, performance, analysis, teaching, and research. (UO: 2,6,10)
  • Using informal and formal assessment measures, the student will be able to assess the musical skills of their students, including identifying and correcting discrepancies between an aural perception of performance and visual perception of the music score, implementing developmental and remedial experiences that will provide alternate ways for their students to achieve musical objectives when needed. (UO: 1,2,6,7,8,9,10)
  • The student will be able to create a positive learning environment by using classroom management procedures and motivational techniques that provide their students with opportunities for optimal learning. (UO: 1,5,7,8)
  • The student will be able to perform tuning, warm-ups, technical exercises, repertoire, and general maintenance/health as applicable on string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and the voice, appropriate for beginning to intermediate students. (UO: 1,2,6)
  • The student will be able to apply concepts of stationary fundamentals, moving fundamentals, staging, sound design, and general effect to successfully create, perform, and instruct both drill and music as a part of the contemporary marching arts. (UO: 1,2,6,7,8) 
  • The student will be able to promote and implement multicultural and interdisciplinary awareness. (UO: 1,8,9) 
  • The student will be able to draw upon knowledge of emotional, intellectual, social, physical, and psychological development while planning, assessing, and teaching students of all ages by creating instructional plans with objectives, standards, materials, procedures, accommodations, assessment, and reflection.  (UO: 1,7,8,9)
  • The student will be able to use critical-thinking skills and communicate effectively in oral, written, and electronic modes.  (UO: 1,2,10)
  • The student will be able to exhibit professional attributes and personal characteristics that contribute toward excellence in teaching, including attaining a level of musicianship necessary to present oneself as a role model for students and demonstrating professional responsibility by successfully completing organizational and administrative responsibilities. (UO: 1,5,7,8,9,10)

Related Links

Music Education, BM Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Overall GPA for Teacher Candidacy: 2.8 or higher
GPA required to graduate: 3.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major Requirements87

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select one of the following:3
MUSI 114-414
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSI 115-415
Concert Choir
MUSI 116-416
University Choir
MUSI 118-418
Marching Pride
MUSI 119-419
Concert Band
MUSI 121-421
Symphony Orchestra
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Requirement Waived
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal12
Additional Rock Studies 2 Requirements
SPED 121Overview of Special Education3
CDEV 248Human Development and Education3
SEFE 326ELL Strategies and Practice3
SEFE 342Educational Psychology for Diverse Learners3
Select one of the following:3
MATH 113-499
Math Requirement
Elementary Statistics I
Subtotal15
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major Requirements

  • 44 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 44 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Music Courses
Students must earn a “C” or higher in Musicianship Skills, Music Theory and Music Ed courses 1
MUSI 111Introduction to Music Education3
MUSI 129Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Methods 2,32
MUSI 133Class Voice I 2,31
MUSI 140Low Brass Methods 2,32
MUSI 151Music Theory and Musicking I 2,32
MUSI 154Musicianship Skills I 2,31
MUSI 203Musician's Health 2,31
MUSI 206Fundamentals of Conducting 2,31
MUSI 208Clarinet and Saxophone Methods 2,32
MUSI 212Fundamentals of Conducting Lab 2,31
MUSI 247Percussion Methods 2,32
MUSI 253Music Theory and Analysis II 2,32
MUSI 254Music Theory and Analysis III 2,32
MUSI 255Music Theory and Analysis IV 2,32
MUSI 256Musicianship Skills II 2,31
MUSI 257Musicianship Skills III 2,31
MUSI 258Musicianship Skills IV 2,31
MUSI 291Field Experience in Music 2: Pre-K Experience 21
MUSI 300Marching Band Techniques 2,32
MUSI 304Orchestral String Methods 2,32
MUSI 334Vocal & Choral Methods 2,32
MUSI 335Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary General Music Methods 2,32
MUSI 336Instrumental Methods 2,32
MUSI 337Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques 2,31
MUSI 339Rehearsal Techniques Field Experience 21
MUSI 353Music Methods Block Field Experience 21
MUSI 354Integrated Music Methods Lab 2,31
MUSI 357Music Education for Diverse Learners 2,33
MUSI 359History of Music I 23
Select one of the following:1
Keyboard Improvisation 2
Instrumental Improvisation 2
MUSI 373History of Music II 23
MUSI 376Flute, Oboe, & Bassoon Methods 2,32
MUSI 377High Brass Methods 2,32
MUSI 406Advanced Conducting 2,32
MUSI 407Choral Rehearsal Techniques 2,31
Subtotal59
Major Applied - Must all be in the same instrument
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study. Four credits at the 300+ level are required.
Select two credits of the following:2
Applied Music 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Select two credits of the following:2
Applied Piano 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Select two credits of the following:2
Applied Piano 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Select one credit of the following:1
Applied Piano 2
Applied Voice 2
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal7
Minor Applied - Instrumental and Voice Majors Only
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study.
Select one of the following:0-4
Class Piano I
and Class Piano II
and Class Piano III
and Class Piano IV 2,3
MUSI 179-479
Applied Piano 2,3
Subtotal0-4
Minor Applied - Piano Majors Only
Students must earn a “C” or better in each semester of applied major study.
Select four credits:0-4
MUSI 181-481
Applied Voice 2
MUSI 182-482
Applied Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) 2
MUSI 183-483
Applied Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium) 2
MUSI 184-484
Applied Woodwinds (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flute, Saxophone) 2
MUSI 185-485
Applied Percussion 2
Subtotal0-4
Additional Voice Major Requirements
Two credits:0-2
Diction for Singers 2,3
Diction for Singers II 2,3
Subtotal0-2
Ensemble Participation
Four semesters must be at the 300+ level. The student must earn a “C” or better in each semester to satisfy the requirement. Students must play in one ensemble every semester up to 7 semesters. See Ensemble Policy below.
Ensembles
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
MUSI 233
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Saxophone Quartet
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
University Chorus
Chamber Singers
Marching Pride
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber String Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Flute Choir
Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
Jazz Lab Band
World Percussion Ensemble
Subtotal7
Professional Education
MUSI 455Student Teaching - Music 212
Total Hours87
1

Voice majors –exempt from MUSI 133 and MUSI 203
String majors –exempt from MUSI 203

2

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

3

Grade of “C” or better required.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Ensemble Policy 

While students are encouraged to participate in a variety of ensemble experiences, students must participate in at least one ensemble on their primary instrument every semester in which they are enrolled at SRU and taking applied lessons.  

Students are required to complete an ensemble placement audition each semester after which ensemble directors, in consultation with applied teachers and advisors, will assign semester ensemble placements. Only once all ensembles have been staffed and no other opportunities exist for a specific primary instrument will participation on a secondary instrument be counted toward this requirement. 

In addition, music education students whose primary instrument is voice must play an instrument in an instrumental ensemble for at least one semester and music education students whose primary instrument is anything other than voice must sing in a vocal ensemble for at least one semester.

 

Important Information for Music Education Majors

  • Piano Proficiency: Music education students are expected to achieve piano proficiency by the end of Class Piano IV. Applied piano majors will follow the same proficiency schedule as the class piano students. Students will not be permitted to take the methods block or student teach until the proficiency is passed. See guidelines. Piano Majors will select another instrument for their minor applied requirement but still must pass the piano proficiencies.
  • Enrollment in one semester of Marching Band (semester I or III) is a prerequisite to Marching Band Techniques.
  • Music Education majors have a choice of Instrumental Improvisation or Keyboard Improvisation.
  • Students must pre-register for student teaching one year in advance and must be admitted into Teacher Candidacy.
  • Six credits of Math (MATH 113 or higher) required prior to admission to Teacher Candidacy
  • Intro to Music Education (MUSI 111), Critical Writing (ENGL 102), Critical Reading (ENGL 104), High Incidence Disabilities (SPED 121) and Human Development (CDEV 248)are required for admission to Teacher Candidacy.

Completed Requirements Checklist

Requirement Description

  • Music Education: Freshman Review
  • Music Education: Upper Division Review
  • Teacher Candidacy Review
  • Musicianship Skills Proficiency
  • Musicianship Health Competency: Can be satisfied by passing the eight
  • Musicianship Health Competency quizzes with scores of 70% or higher OR by earning a C or better in MUSI 203, Musician’s Health.
  • Piano Proficiency
  • Music Methods Competencies

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester)
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Student leadership development
  5. Career education and development
  6. Internships
  7. Field Experiences
  8. Student Teaching
  9. Volunteering (schools, health care facilities, churches, communities)

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

MUSIC EDUCATION - BM (5232)
This program is effective as of Fall 2022
Revised 04.27.2023
UCC 01.31.2023 

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
Major Applied – 100 level 1
Assigned Ensemble (major instrument) – 100 level (Arts Inq. I) 1
MUSI 111 Introduction to Music Education 3
MUSI 115 Concert Choir 2 1
MUSI 129 Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Methods 2
MUSI 131 Class Piano I 1 1
MUSI 151 Music Theory and Musicking I 2
MUSI 154 Musicianship Skills I 1
Select one of the following: 1
Class Voice I (instrumental majors only)
Diction for Singers (voice majors only)
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 3 3
 Hours16
Spring
Major Applied – 100 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 100 level (Arts Inquiry 2) 1
MUSI 132 Class Piano II 1 1
MUSI 140 Low Brass Methods 11 2
MUSI 253 Music Theory and Analysis II 2
MUSI 256 Musicianship Skills II 1
Select one of the following: 1
Musician's Health (piano and non-string inst. Majors)
Concert Choir (string majors)
Diction for Singers II (voice majors only)
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 4 3
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
SPED 121 Overview of Special Education 3
 Hours18
Second Year
Fall
Major Applied – 200 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 200 level (Arts Inquiry 3) 1
MUSI 206 Fundamentals of Conducting 1
MUSI 208 Clarinet and Saxophone Methods 10 2
MUSI 212 Fundamentals of Conducting Lab 1
MUSI 234 Class Piano III 1 1
MUSI 247 Percussion Methods 2
MUSI 254 Music Theory and Analysis III 2
MUSI 257 Musicianship Skills III 1
MUSI 291 Field Experience in Music 2: Pre-K Experience 9 1
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 4 3
 Hours16
Spring
Major Applied – 200 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 200 Level 1
MUSI 235 Class Piano IV 1 1
MUSI 255 Music Theory and Analysis IV 2
MUSI 258 Musicianship Skills IV 1
MUSI 357 Music Education for Diverse Learners 3
MUSI 291 Field Experience in Music 2: Pre-K Experience 9 1
MUSI 377 High Brass Methods 13 2
MUSI 406 Advanced Conducting (w/Lab) 2
CDEV 248 Human Development and Education 3
 Hours17
Third Year
Fall
Major Applied – 300 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 300 level 1
MATH 113 Mathematics as a Liberal Art (or higher) 3
MUSI 304 Orchestral String Methods 2
MUSI 359 History of Music I 3
MUSI 376 Flute, Oboe, & Bassoon Methods 5, 12 2
SCI 101 Science of Life 3
SEFE 326 ELL Strategies and Practice 3
 Hours18
Spring
Major Applied – 300 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 300 level 1
MUSI 334 Vocal & Choral Methods (w/Field Experience) 5 2
MUSI 335 Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary General Music Methods (w/Field Experience) 5 2
MUSI 336 Instrumental Methods (w/Field Experience) 5 2
MUSI 300 Marching Band Techniques 2
MUSI 353 Music Methods Block Field Experience 1
MUSI 354 Integrated Music Methods Lab 1
MUSI 361 Instrumental Improvisation 8 1
MUSI 373 History of Music II 3
 Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
Major Applied – 400 level 1
Assigned Ensemble – 400 level 1
MUSI 337 Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques (w/Field Exp.) 5 1
MUSI 339 Rehearsal Techniques Field Experience 1
MUSI 360 Keyboard Improvisation 8 1
MUSI 407 Choral Rehearsal Techniques (w/Field Exp.) 5,6 1
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
SEFE 342 Educational Psychology for Diverse Learners 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
 Hours18
Spring
Student Teaching 7 12
 Hours12
 Total Hours**131
1

Piano & Skills Proficiencies: Music education students are expected to achieve proficiency by the end of Class Piano IV and Musicianship Skills IV. Applied piano majors will follow the same proficiency schedule as the class piano students. Students will not be permitted to take the methods block or student teach until the proficiencies are passed. See guidelines. Piano Majors will select another instrument for their minor applied requirement but still must pass the piano proficiencies.

2

Enrollment in one semester of Marching Band (semester I or III) is a prerequisite to MUSI 300.

3

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

4

Six credits of math (MATH 113 or higher), Critical Reading (ENGL 102), Critical Reading (ENGL 104), High Incidence (SPED 121), Intro to Music Education (MUSI 111), and Human Development (CDEV 248) are required for admission to Teacher Candidacy.

5

Acceptance to Teacher Candidacy is a prerequisite for the following courses: MUSI 339, MUSI 353MUSI 375MUSI 455.

6

Enrollment in one semester of Concert Choir is a prerequisite for Choral Rehearsal Techniques.

7

Students must pre-register for student teaching one year in advance and must be admitted into Teacher Candidacy.

8

Students must take either MUSI 360 or MUSI 361.

9

MUSI 291 may be taken in Second Year, Fall or Spring Semester. 

10

MUSI 208 will be offered in the Fall of even years. If you begin your program in an odd year, you will take this class as a sophomore. If you begin in an odd year, you will take this class as a Junior.

11

MUSI 140 will be offered in the Spring of odd years. If you begin your pogram in an even year, you will take this class as a Freshman. If you begin in an odd year, you will take it as a Sophomore. 

12

MUSI 376 will be offered in the Fall of odd years. If you begin your pgoram in an even year, you will take this class as a sophomore. If you begin in an odd year, you will take this class as a Junior.

13

MUSI 377 will be offered in the Spring of even years. If you begin your program in an odd year, you will take this class as a Freshman.  If you begin in an even year, you will take this class as a sophomore.

Music Education Upper-Division Review will be scheduled during Semester IV. Complete requirements for Teacher Candidacy by October 15 or March 15.Field 1 Observation due for Freshman Review AND Field Experience II: Exploration due for Upper Division Review, both of which occur in March or April.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5233
Revised:05.15.2023