Music Education, B.Mus.

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General Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Degree

Cornell offers two majors leading to the degree of Bachelor of Music: a major in Performance and a major in Music Education. The first is designed to emphasize the study of music performance within the framework of the liberal arts and is the first step in the extensive professional preparation in performance that leads to a concert career or to teaching applied music in a college, university, conservatory, or private studio. The second generally leads to the profession of pre-collegiate school music teaching. For students interested in fields such as music therapy, music ministry, or community music, a major in Music Education is strongly recommended by some graduate schools and required by others. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music will find these requirements listed under “Music,” in the Courses of Study.

1. A Minimum of 31 Course Credits

No more than two 100-level courses may be taken in the senior year without the permission of the Academic Standing Committee. No more than four All-College Independent Study course credits may be counted toward satisfying the minimum credit requirement for this degree. No more than two full credit in 500-level adjunct courses may be counted toward satisfying the minimum 31 credits.

2. A Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or Higher

3. A Minimum of 10 Courses from Outside the Music Department

To include a First Year Seminar (FYS), a writing-designated course (W) and three humanities courses (not counting the W course) from at least two of the following groupings: (1) English and Foreign Language; (2) History; (3) Philosophy; (4) Religion; (5) Art or Theatre; and (6) Education.

4. Music Theory:

5. Music History:

6. One Elective Course Credit in Music History or Theory

Selected from

MUS 213-MUS 275
MUS 315 - Jazz Arranging (1)
MUS 348 -MUS 363
MUS 370 - Special Topic: Tradition and Innovation (1)

7. Receive a Passing Grade (P) for a Minimum of Five Semesters

(see “Music Performance Seminar ”)

MUS 701 - Music Performance Seminar (Zero Course Credit)

8. A Grade of “Pass” on All Parts of the Piano Proficiency Requirement

All majors are required to pass the Piano Proficiency Requirement by the end of the sophomore year. Music Education majors must pass the Piano Proficiency Requirement before application for Student Teaching placement.

9. A Grade of “Pass” on All Parts of the Aural Skills Proficiency Requirement

Music Education majors must pass the Aural Skills Proficiency requirement before application for Student Teaching Placement.

(Four levels)

10. Music Ensemble

At least one music ensemble each semester for eight semesters, as arranged by the student, the faculty advisor, and the ensemble conductor (see Ensemble Participation ).

11. Completion of a Senior Capstone Experience

There are Three Categories from Which to Choose:

Recital

Student Teaching

Paper/Project

MUS 485 - Music Capstone Project (1)

Note:

Students may choose more than one of these options. Students who plan to complete MUS 485 as their capstone must submit a description of the proposed project for departmental approval by October 1 of their senior year.

Specific Requirements for the Major in Music Education

a. Three Course Credits in a Primary Performance Medium

Either voice or a keyboard, string, percussion, or wind instrument.

b. One-and-One-Half Course Credits in Secondary Performance Media

To include

Note:

The remaining 1/4 credit may be fulfilled by repeating one of these courses, or (with the approval of the department) by taking MUS 761 .

c. The Following Courses, According to Emphasis within the Major:

General Music Education:

Instrumental Music Education:

At least one semester of

MUS 712 - Choir (1/4)

Vocal Music Education:

d. MUS 306, MUS 331, & MUS 431

e. In addition to the foregoing requirements, prospective teachers must also apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program (preferably at the start of their sophomore year) and complete coursework for elementary certification and /or secondary certification as described under Education. Prospective teachers should request a current list of the specific course requirements from the Education Office.

f. Please note: Music Education Majors must pass the Piano Proficiency and Aural Skills Proficency Requirements before applying for Student Teaching placement.