Music Education

The Bachelor of Music Education program at Slippery Rock University is designed to prepare students for successful careers as music educators in a variety of settings, including public and private schools. This comprehensive program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical teaching experiences, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and pedagogical techniques to inspire and educate future generations of musicians and music lovers. Students will explore a broad spectrum of musical styles, history, theory, and performance, enhancing their technical proficiency and understanding of diverse musical genres. The curriculum emphasizes the development of effective teaching strategies tailored to students of different ages and skill levels, fostering leadership, communication, and organizational skills essential for the classroom. Through collaborations with experienced faculty and participation in ensembles, students gain valuable opportunities to refine their performance abilities and learn to integrate technology into music instruction. The program also provides training in assessment and curriculum design, preparing students to create engaging lesson plans and evaluate student progress effectively. Field experiences and student teaching placements are integral components, offering real-world teaching practice in a variety of educational settings. Graduates of the program are eligible for Pennsylvania teaching certifications in music, and many go on to successful careers as public school music teachers, private instructors, or pursue advanced degrees in music education or related fields. The department is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity, lifelong learning, and a passion for music education. With a distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant campus community, the Music Education program at Slippery Rock University offers an excellent foundation for students aspiring to make a meaningful impact through music in education.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

• Applied Major (7 credits)
  * see footnote
• Applied Minor (4 credits)
  * see footnote
• Ensemble (7 credits)
  * see footnote

• MUSI 133 - Class Voice Credits: 1

• instrumental majors only

• MUSI 134 - Voice Methods Credits: 1
• MUSI 135 - String Methods Credits: 1
• MUSI 137 - Functional Guitar for Music Therapy I Credits: 1
• MUSI 151 - Music Theory and Analysis I Credits: 2
• MUSI 154 - Musicianship Skills I Credits: 1
• MUSI 245 - Brass Methods Credits: 1
• MUSI 246 - Woodwind Methods Credits: 2 - 1 credit beginning Spring 2015
• MUSI 247 - Percussion Methods Credits: 1
• MUSI 248 - Woodwind Methods Field Experience Credits: 1
• MUSI 253 - Music Theory and Analysis II Credits: 2
• MUSI 254 - Music Theory and Analysis III Credits: 2
• MUSI 255 - Music Theory and Analysis IV Credits: 2
• MUSI 256 - Musicianship Skills II Credits: 1
• MUSI 257 - Musicianship Skills III Credits: 1
• MUSI 258 - Musicianship Skills IV Credits: 1
• MUSI 273 - History of Music I Credits: 3
• MUSI 288 - Music Education for Diverse Learners Credits: 3
• MUSI 299 - Diction for Singers I Credits: 1

• voice majors only

• MUSI 300 - Marching Band Field Charting Credits: 1
• MUSI 332 - Vocal Conducting Credits: 1
• MUSI 333 - Instrumental Conducting Credits: 1
• MUSI 334 - Secondary School Music Credits: 2
• MUSI 335 - Elementary School Music Methods Credits: 2
• MUSI 336 - Instrumental Methods Credits: 2
• MUSI 337 - Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques Credits: 2 - 1 credit in Fall 2015
• MUSI 339 - Rehearsal Techniques Field Experience Credits: 1
• MUSI 350 - Computer Technology in Music Credits: 2
• MUSI 351 - Arranging & Orchestration Credits: 2
• MUSI 353 - Music Methods Block Field Experience Credits: 1
• MUSI 360 - Keyboard Improvisation Credits: 1

or

• MUSI 361 - Instrumental Improvisation Credits: 1
• MUSI 373 - History of Music II Credits: 3
• MUSI 473 - History of Music III Credits: 3

Professional Education - Credits: 24

• CDEV 248 - Human Development and Education Credits: 3
• MUSI 455 - Student Teaching - Music Credits: 12
• SEFE 326 - ELL Strategies and Practice Credits: 3
• SEFE 342 - Educational Psychology for Diverse Learners Credits: 3
• SPED 121 - High Incidence Disabilities Credits: 3

Footnote

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable

• SAT or ACT Scores

• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.

Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

The Music Education program at Slippery Rock University is designed to prepare students for careers as comprehensive music educators, capable of teaching a wide range of musical disciplines from elementary to high school levels. The program emphasizes both performance skills and pedagogical knowledge, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to foster musical development in diverse educational settings. Students in this program have opportunities to engage in extensive practical teaching experiences, including student-teaching placements that are designed to develop their instructional abilities and confidence in classroom environments. The curriculum typically includes coursework in music theory, music history, conducting, ensemble participation, and specialized training in teaching methods for various age groups.

The program also supports the development of leadership and communication skills through various group projects and performance workshops. Faculty members are experienced professionals committed to mentoring students and providing personalized guidance to help them succeed. State-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, and dedicated music labs, provide students with the resources necessary for advanced musical training. Additionally, the university’s active partnerships with local schools and community organizations offer additional avenues for students to gain real-world teaching experience.

Students are encouraged to participate in numerous performance ensembles such as bands, choirs, orchestras, and jazz ensembles, which enhance their teaching repertoire and ensemble leadership skills. The program prepares graduates for certification in music education and ensures they meet all state and national standards for licensure. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to teach music in public and private schools, contribute to music education initiatives, or pursue graduate studies in related fields. The overall goal of the Music Education program is to cultivate knowledgeable, inspiring, and effective educators who can influence their students positively and promote a lifelong appreciation for music.

The program also provides opportunities for students to attend and present at professional conferences, engage in research projects, and participate in community outreach programs. With a strong foundation in both the arts and pedagogy, Slippery Rock University’s Music Education program aims to produce well-rounded music teachers who will make meaningful contributions to the field of music education, fostering musical growth and literacy in their future students.