Music Education Program
The bachelor of science in music education (B.S.), approved by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education and accredited by the National Association of Schools of
Music, is designed for the preparation of public school music teachers, kindergarten
through grade 12, instrumental and vocal. Piano and voice proficiencies for the
music education major prepare the candidate to meet the standards of the Pennsylvania
Department of Education and are administered by competency jury. Students participate
in student teaching in area elementary and secondary schools. In all field experiences,
as well as the student teaching semester, each student is responsible for transportation
arrangements. During the student teaching semester, the candidate is not required
to register for recital attendance, private lessons, or an ensemble.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science in music education
Core courses:
*
MSC 099 Recital Attendance| Designed for music majors and minors and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Music core course. Graded pass/fail. May be repeated. 0 credits. |
| A study of the rudiments of music and their notation. Harmonization of melodies and basses with fundamental triads. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of diatonic tonal harmony, including all triads and seventh chords, nonharmonic material and elementary modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 115 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| The singing and aural recognition of intervals, scales, triads and simple harmonic progressions. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A continuation of MSC 117, emphasizing clef reading, modality, modulation and more complicated rhythmic devices and harmonic patterns. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 117 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of chromatic tonal harmony, including secondary dominants, augmented sixth chords, tertian extensions, altered chords and advanced modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 116 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of 20th-century compositional techniques, including modal and whole-tone materials, quartal harmony, polychords, atonality, serialism and various rhythmic and metric procedures. Aspects of form and analysis. Prerequisite: MSC 215 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A continuation of MSC 118, emphasizing chromatic materials and more complex modulations, chord types, rhythms and meters. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 118 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from early music through the Baroque era. Music core course. 3 credits. |
| A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from the classical period to the present. Music core course. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 5 (Literature and Fine Art). 3 credits. |
| Principles of conducting and baton technique. Students conduct ensembles derived from class personnel. Music core course. 2 credits. |
*
MSC 530 Individual Instruction| Voice, Piano, Orchestral and Band Instruments; Jazz studies; theory; composition. Additional fees apply. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment restricted to music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
*Taken each semester.
Majors will exhibit proficiency at the piano and in voice. To achieve these proficiencies, students must take the following:
MSC 510 Class Piano Instruction I| First course in the sequence designed for music majors with minimal piano skills in preparing for piano proficiency. 1 credit. |
| Second course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 510 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Third course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 511 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Fourth course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 512 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Designed for music majors with minimal vocal skills. Preparation for department voice proficiency requirements. 1 credit. |
One major ensemble taken each semester:
MSC 601 Marching Band| The principal band experience during the fall semester open to all students based on prior experience. Performs for home football games and selected invitationals. Practical lab experience for music education majors. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| The principal band experience during the spring semester, open to all students by audition. The Symphonic Band performs original literature and arrangements of standard repertoire. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Various symphonic literature is studied and performed. In the second semester the orchestra accompanies soloists in a concerto-aria concert and on occasion combines with choral organizations for the performance of a major work. Open to all students by audition. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Open to all students by audition, the Concert Choir performs all types of choral literature. In addition to local concerts, the Choir tours annually. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Open to all students. The College Choir performs all types of choral literature. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
Music education requirements:
MED 110 Foundations of Music Education| This course is a study of foundational matters that shore up an understanding of the music education process in schools, framing philosophical issues cross-culturally and comparatively, so that prospective teachers might grasp a broader and more varied view of music in education across time and place. It will include a balance of the strong traditions of school music programs with the program transitions that are unfolding as society expands into technology and mediates popular culture. One component of the course will be a weekly field experience (two hours per week, minimum) to orient students into practical matters of curriculum and instruction linked to philosophical and theoretical issues. 3 credits. |
| A study of the brass family. Emphasis on pedagogical techniques. Mixed brass ensemble experience. 2 credits. |
| A study of the percussion family. 1 credit. |
| A study of the woodwind family. 2 credits. |
| A study of the string family. 2 credits. |
| A comprehensive study of general music teaching at the elementary school level, the philosophy of music education, varied approaches for developing conceptual learning and music skills, creative applications and analysis of materials. 3 credits. |
| A study of literature, materials and approaches appropriate for choral and general music classes in grades 5-12. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| A study of literature, materials, philosophy and methods applicable to the teaching of instrumental ensembles (including marching band) from elementary through high school levels. 3 credits. |
| This course is designed to introduce theories of learning with application to music education. Topics include stage and phase theories, theories of musical play and socialization, constructivist theory of meaning making, social learning and reinforcement theories, learning style theories, and theories/strategies of instruction. One component of the course is a weekly field experience in the local schools (one hour per week, minimum) to orient students into practical matters of music instruction and curriculum linked to principles of learning. Current and emerging education technology will be infused in the course. 2 credits. |
| This course is designed as the application of learning theories to the teaching of music, with particular focus on elementary/middle (gr. 4-8) and secondary (gr. 9-12) education. Topics include curriculum design, contemporary practices, and instructional materials, with an emphasis on current and emerging technology. One component of the course will be a weekly field experience (one hour per week, minimum) in the local schools. 2 credits. |
| Music education majors spend a semester in the music department of a school district under the supervision of cooperating teachers. 4-8 credits. |
| Same as MED 441. 4-8 credits. |
| Score reading and the realization of figured bass at the keyboard, transposition and improvisation. Prerequisite: The successful completion of a piano proficiency jury is required for admission to the course. 2 credits. |
| A study of instrumentation and the devices and techniques for scoring transcriptions, arrangements and solos for orchestra and band, with special emphasis on practical scoring for mixed ensembles as they occur in public schools. Laboratory analysis and performance. Scoring of original works. 2 credits. |
One of:
MSC 345 Adv. Instrumental Conducting| Emphasis on practical work with instrumental groups. Rehearsal techniques are applied through individual experience. Prerequisite: MSC 246 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| Emphasis is on advanced technique with and without baton, score preparation, interpretation and pedagogy relating to choral organizations. Prerequisite: MSC 246 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
Additional Certification Requirements
Students seeking teacher certification must also complete a number of additional processed and requirements outlined in the Steps to Pennsylvania Teacher Certification document on the Education Department web page. Along with other requirements, these include a minimum GPA and the following coursework:
1. Completion of one English composition course.
2. Completion of one English or American literature course.
3. Completion of two college-level mathematics courses.
4. Completion of required Special Education coursework:
SPE 250 Cog Devel of Diverse Learners| This course is designed to introduce all categories of disability. Specific attention will be given to the potential cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language differences in children with disabilities. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study discussions, and student presentations. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| This course will begin with a historical overview of the field of special education, including key legislation and litigation that drives current practice. Assessment tools for diagnosing disability will be introduced, as well as assessment tools for documenting student progress. In addition, collaboration and communication skills essential for working as a part of the special education team will be practiced and further developed. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, field experiences, and hands-on experience with various assessments. 3 credits. |
The following course is required for music education majors and may also be required for students transfering credits into any certification program from other institutions:
SPE 258 Instruct & Behav. Strategies| The focus of this course content will be on (a) behavioral principles and their application in the classroom, (b) literacy development and literacy interventions for students with disabilities, and (c) evidence-based instructional strategies in other content areas, such as mathematics, social studies, science, and the creative arts. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study applications, field experiences, hands-on experience with various literacy programs, and student presentations. Prerequisite: Restricted to Music majors and transfer students. 3 credits. |
5. Completion of one of the following ESL courses:
For early childhood/special education certification: EDU 240 Lang, Diversity, Achiev.: Pk-8
| This course is designed for the pre-service music, art, language, early childhood education, or middle school educator to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity. 3 credits. |
For secondary education certification: EDU 245 Lang, Diversity, Achieve: 7-12
| This course is designed to allow the pre-service music, art, language, or grade 7 - grade 12 secondary teacher certification candidate to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity. 3 credits. |
K-12 certification (art, languages, and music) candidates may take either course.