B.A. in Music Education Total Credit Hours 133
Symbol Key
‡ Grade of “B” or better required.
§ Grade of “B-” or better required.
^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible alternative course or exam option to fulfill this requirement.
π A major course or professional program course that meets General Education requirements.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.
Music Education Learning Outcomes
Music majors will perform a variety of music styles with ensembles and on an individual basis. Students will demonstrate proficiency in performance, composition, conducting and production skills. Students will analyze and articulate an understanding of music literature and theory. Students in the music education major will qualify to be certified to teach K-12 music on a secondary certificate.
Admission Requirements
Students must perform an entrance audition to be formally admitted as a music major.
Transfer Students
Coursework from other institutions is accepted in accordance with SAU’s transfer policies. The placement of students in music programs and courses is subject to verification of skills through an entrance audition and applicable departmental exams. Transfer students must perform an entrance audition to be officially admitted as a music major
Juries, Sophomore Check and Recitals
Progress made by music majors is monitored in semester “juries” in which the students perform selected compositions and technical skills for the music faculty. At the end of the sophomore year, music majors must perform a sophomore check, a more elaborate jury that includes sight reading and technical skills. Successful completion of the sophomore check is required. Music education majors must also perform a junior and professional recital, and faculty approval of the recital satisfies the jury requirement if all performance requirements have been met. (Details of all music department policies are available in the Music Department Handbook.)
Applied Lessons Credit Hours
Students must select a primary instrument and take 8 semesters of this same instrument to complete the requirement. Applied lessons meet for one half-hour (30 minutes) each week for 1 credit hour. To acquire 2 credit hours of applied lessons in one semester, students will meet for one hour (60 minutes) each week. All applied lessons require significant individual practice outside of the meeting time and attendance of all music labs and performance in at least two music labs a semester. Special topics courses may substitute for applied lessons as approved by the music department.
Piano lessons (MUS 310P1) are required and result in the passing of the MUS 487 - Piano Proficiency requirement. If students are able to pass the proficiency in their first semester, the additional credit of MUS 310P1 can be used as a music elective credit. If students are unable to pass MUS 487 by the end of their freshman year, additional credits of MUS 310P1 will be required until the MUS 487 requirement is fulfilled.
Teacher Certification
Students in this program should be aware of the schedule for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). This comprehensive K-12 music education major does not require a certifiable minor.
Program Oversight
The music education major is overseen by the Department of Music in consultation with the School of Education Courses with MUS numbers are administered by the music department. Courses with EDU number are administered by the School of Education. Questions about the music education major should be directed to the department chair.