Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Be proficient in using music production software, digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other relevant music technology tools.
2. Have the ability to critically listen to and analyze various genres of music, identifying production techniques and sonic characteristics.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students declared in the Music or Music Education major must complete 18 credit hours in the minor that are separate from music degree requirements.
• MUS 11110, MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation for this minor.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Stark Campus

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Acquire basic understanding of music literature, theory and performance skills in a solo and ensemble setting.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this minor is selective. To declare the Music minor, students must complete a theory placement test and audition in piano, voice or on a traditional orchestral/band instrument.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

¹

Major ensembles include: MUS 45121, MUS 45141, MUS 45142, MUS 45143, MUS 45212, MUS 45221 and MUS 45223.

²

Music electives may include additional applied music, major or chamber ensembles or any other music courses for which students have fulfilled the prerequisite.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade is required in all courses for the minor.
• Transfer students must complete a minimum of 11 credit hours of music courses at Kent State University, including one semester of applied music and one semester of a major ensemble.
• MUS 11110, MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation for this minor.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Learn a fundamental process of how to practice jazz improvisation through the concepts of ear training, technique, theory and style.
2. Learn the various stylistic vernaculars of jazz improvisation.
3. Know the traditions and history of jazz through research and analyzing and comparing transcriptions.
4. Learn a fundamental process of how to create a personal style and voice as a performing jazz musician.
5. Foster a specific set of skills relevant to today’s jazz musician by applying all these concepts in large jazz ensembles and jazz combos.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this minor is selective. To declare the Jazz Studies minor, students must audition to music faculty in voice or on an instrument.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

¹

A half-jazz recital or approved equivalent is required to complete the minor. Registration in MUS 16001 is required during the jazz recital semester.

²

Advanced pianists may replace MUS 41342 with MUS 48598.

Graduation Requirements

• A minimum C grade is required in all courses for the minor.
• MUS 11110, MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation for this minor.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

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

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

¹

Music ensemble electives may include MUS 35213.

Graduation Requirements

• Students declared in the Music or Music Education major must take 18 credit hours that are separate from music degree requirements.
• MUS 11110 , MUS 11111, MUS 16914 and MUS 16915 will not count as credit for graduation in this program.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Stark Campus

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Music Technology prepares students as musicians within a broad field of constantly changing technology. Students study in courses that develop expertise in music computer technology for application in the recording industry, audio-engineering and music production.

The development of music technology has had an enormous impact on the music industry. There are many career opportunities for talented musicians in music technology. Skilled musicians can apply formal training to recording careers, studio performance, arranging or producing and live performances. Opportunities are also available in non-traditional, contemporary popular music venues, the movie industry, television, multi-media events and music for advertising, as well as traditional performing arts venues. The growth of music technology has made knowledge and experience in this area a necessity for all students preparing for a career in any area of the music industry. To compete effectively in the contemporary music world, one must possess a strong traditional music background, plus the technical expertise required to make the most of a rapidly changing and developing technology.

The Music Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Audio Recording concentration provides students the opportunity to learn advanced audio recording techniques.
• The Music Production concentration provides students the opportunity to learn how to use technology to realize creative work such as original music, arranging and production.
• The Performance concentration provides students who want to perform the necessary technological tools to succeed in the modern music industry.

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. To be admitted to the Music Technology major, students audition their primary instrument and/or with a portfolio and complete theory and keyboard placement tests.

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 Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Function as competent and versatile professional studio musicians who perform in diverse commercial music venues.
2. Compose and arrange music.
3. Create appropriate sound for visual media.
4. Create music productions of professional quality.
5. Produce professional audio recordings, both live and in studio, from start to finish.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

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

²

Major ensemble (eight separate semesters): All music technology majors must enroll in an ensemble appropriate to their major performance area. Two credit hours must be taken in major ensemble. Major ensemble credit can be earned for MUS 25011 and MUS 25225, as approved by faculty. Students may choose to complete the remaining 6 credit hours with MUS 35213, or 4 credit hours with MUS 35213 or major ensemble and 2 credit hours with ensemble electives (such as MUS 25311 and MUS 45231 for students whose instrument is guitar) as approved by faculty.

³

Applied studio musicianship (four semesters and 8 credit hours): Students must meet the Sophomore Proficiency requirement after two semesters and the Senior Proficiency requirement for graduation.

⁴

Students register for MUS 36913 for all other popular music instruments not listed.

⁵

Students who have completed the Applied Studio Musicianship and Applied Music requirement on piano may replace requirement with Music (MUS) electives.

Audio Recording Concentration Requirements

¹

Applied studio musicianship (four semesters and 8 credit hours): Students must pass the Sophomore Proficiency Threshold after two semesters and the Senior Proficiency Threshold for graduation.

²

Students who choose to complete more than one concentration may apply Applied Studio Musicianship hours toward all concentrations.

Music Production Concentration Requirements

¹

Applied studio musicianship (four semesters and 8 credit hours): Students must pass the Sophomore Proficiency Threshold after two semesters and the Senior Proficiency Threshold for graduation.

²

Students who choose to complete more than one concentration may apply Applied Studio Musicianship hours toward all concentrations.

Performance Concentration Requirements

¹

Students must take four semesters of 4 credit hours of Applied Studio Musicianship courses. Students must meet the Senior ASM Proficiency Threshold and complete one full senior recital and register for applied music courses during a degree recital semester.

²

Students who choose to complete more than one concentration may apply Applied Studio Musicianship hours toward all concentrations.

³

Integrated study and special topic courses may be applied toward concentration electives with approval.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade required in all music (MUS) courses
• Minimum eight semesters of major ensemble courses and six semesters of applied studio musicianship and applied music courses. Applied music courses are available during the summer on selected instruments. Composition may also be taken during the summer.
• Attendance at minimum 84 concerts or recitals for students who begin the program as first-semester freshmen (students who transferred from a non-music program or university must attend an average of 10 music concerts or recitals for semesters of full-time enrollment)
• Students pursuing the Audio Recording and Music Production concentration simultaneously can take the Audio Recording and Music Production III, IV, V, and VI classes concurrently.

Roadmaps

Audio Recording 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.

Music Production 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.

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.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Stark Campus

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

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.

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).

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 Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Successfully meet all requirements for state licensure.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

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

²

B.M. in Music Education students are restricted to taking 2-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson. 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.

³

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 the Instrumental concentration should choose instrument-based courses. Guitar principals may elect MUS 45231 or MUS 45312 for a total of two semesters to replace major ensembles.

⁴

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

Choral General Concentration Requirements

¹

B.M. in Music Education students are restricted to taking 2-credit hour applied music sections, which include a 60-minute group practice and 60-minute private lesson. 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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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