Music Education, B.M.E.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree is a professional program that helps prepare students for teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Students are expected to meet all requirements for Entrance to Teacher Certification Program in Music, and complete all music courses, SPLED 400 and SPLED 403A or SPLED 403B, prior to student teaching. Graduates of this program are prepared to receive the Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate for teaching music PK-12. (See also Teacher Education Programs.)

The goal of the Penn State Music Teacher Education Program is to prepare exemplary music teachers for PK-12 music programs. Such individuals can provide outstanding personal and musical models for children and youth and have a firm foundation in pedagogy on which to build music teaching skills. Penn State B.M.E. graduates exhibit excellence in music teaching as personal and musical models as well as emerging pedagogues.

What is Music Education?

It’s sharing both your knowledge of music and your passion for it with others. Music education fosters the continuation of the art of music through the development of new musicians and new audiences. Music educators share their musical skills with widely diverse populations. Teaching early childhood music classes, elementary school music, middle and high school band, orchestra and choir, and adult community ensembles are just some of the ways music educators ply their trade.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You have a good level of musical skill and are passionate about sharing your musical knowledge with others, particularly in a school environment.
• You possess an outgoing personality, good social skills, and leadership qualities that will inspire students to achieve success.

Entrance to Major

All candidates seeking entrance to the Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) must meet the following entrance to major criteria:

1. Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA by the end of the semester prior to ETM semester and at least 48 credits completed by the end of the semester prior to ETM semester.
2. Complete 6 credits in quantification (GQ) (Require a grade of C or better).
3. Complete 3 credits in literature (GH) (Require a grade of C or better). See: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate/advising-certification/certification-process.
4. Complete ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H (Require a grade of C or better).
5. Complete early field experience (Require a grade of C or better).
   1. Course List: MUSIC 295A.
6. Complete 3 credits from EDPSY 10, EDPSY 11, or EDPSY 14 (Require a grade of C or better).
7. Complete 3 credits of the education core (Require a grade of C or better).
   1. Course List: PSYCH 100, HDFS 229, HDFS 239.
8. Complete 12.5 credits of required courses in teaching area (Require a grade of C or better).
   1. Course List: MUSIC 112, MUSIC 151, MUSIC 153, MUSIC 154, MUSIC 162, MUSIC 222, MUSIC 261, MUSIC 262.
9. Complete primary level IV on applied instrument (Require a grade of C or better).
10. Complete and document a minimum of 40 hours of paid or volunteer work with age-appropriate population. At least 20 hours of these age-appropriate 40 hours would be satisfied by working with "under-represented learners."
11. Complete additional requirements: Voice Requirement (MUSIC 116 or VOICE 270), Piano Requirement (MUSIC 270 or KEYBD 270), and Percussion Requirement (MUSIC 152 or PERCN 270) (Require a grade of C or better).
12. Approval from the professional education adviser or the head of the pertinent certification program.

Entrance Procedures

Students interested in pursuing Music Education (B.M.E.) should follow the appropriate first year, change of major, or transfer application instructions found under Music Admission Information at https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Music Education degree, a minimum of 136.5 credits is required:

9 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3 credits of GH courses; 6 credits of GS courses.

18 of the 45 credits for General Education are required for Entrance to Teacher Certification.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CI 280	Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners	3
MUSIC 40	First-Year Seminar in Music	1
MUSIC 101	Music Common Hour	1
MUSIC 112	Guitar Techniques I	0.5
MUSIC 121	Basic Musicianship I	1
MUSIC 122	Basic Musicianship II	1
MUSIC 131	Music Theory I	2
MUSIC 132	Music Theory II	2
MUSIC 151	Brass Techniques I	1
MUSIC 153	String Techniques I	1
MUSIC 154	Woodwind Techniques I	1
MUSIC 162	Introduction to Music History	2
MUSIC 221	Basic Musicianship III	1
MUSIC 222	Basic Musicianship IV	1
MUSIC 231	Music Theory III	2
MUSIC 240	Introduction to Music Education	2
MUSIC 261	Survey of Music History I	3
MUSIC 262	Survey of Music History II	3
MUSIC 266	Basic Conducting	1
MUSIC 295A	Early Field Experience in Music Education	1
MUSIC 332	Analysis of Twentieth Century Music	2
MUSIC 341	Instructional Materials in Music	2
MUSIC 345	Instructional Practices in Music	2
MUSIC 366	Intermediate Conducting	1
MUSIC 395A	Cohort Practicum I	1
MUSIC 395B	Cohort Practicum II	1
SPLED 400	Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management	4
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
EDPSY 10	Individual Differences and Education	3
or EDPSY 11	Educational Implications of Individual Differences in Childhood
or EDPSY 14	Learning and Instruction
MUSIC 181	Jazz Improvisation I	2-3
or MUSIC 267	Techniques of Composition
or MUSIC 420	Song Writing and Recording
SPLED 403A	Evidence-Based Instruction for Elementary Students with Disabilities in Reading, Math, and Writin	3
or SPLED 403B	Evidence-Based Methods for Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings
Select 7 credits of ensembles from the following:		7
MUSIC 76	Chamber Orchestra
MUSIC 77	Philharmonic Orchestra
MUSIC 78	Symphonic Wind Ensemble
MUSIC 80	Symphonic Band
MUSIC 81	Marching Blue Band
MUSIC 82	Concert Band
MUSIC 84	Jazz Ensemble
MUSIC 86	Percussion Ensemble
MUSIC 87	Mallet Ensemble
MUSIC 89	University Choir
MUSIC 90	Glee Club
MUSIC 91	Oriana Singers
MUSIC 92	Chamber Music for Voices
MUSIC 93	Essence of Joy
MUSIC 94	Women's Chorale
MUSIC 100	Campus Orchestra
MUSIC 103	Concert Choir
MUSIC 104	Chamber Singers
MUSIC 189	Studio Ensemble
MUSIC 190	Chamber Music for Strings
MUSIC 191	Chamber Music for Woodwinds
MUSIC 192	Chamber Music for Brass
MUSIC 193	Sonata Duos
MUSIC 194	Studio and Recital Accompanying
Select 14 credits in applied music through Primary Level VII		14
Select 3 credits from the following:		3
HDFS 229	Infant and Child Development
HDFS 239	Adolescent Development
PSYCH 100	Introductory Psychology
Select 3 credits from the following:		3
MUSIC 441W	Emphasis in Elementary General Music
MUSIC 442W	Emphasis in Secondary General Music
MUSIC 443W	Choral Emphasis in Secondary Music Education
MUSIC 444W	Emphasis in Elementary and Intermediate Band
MUSIC 445W	Emphasis in High School Band
MUSIC 446W	Emphasis in Strings and Orchestra
Select 12 credits from MUSIC 495A, MUSIC 495B, MUSIC 495C, as follows:		12
5 or 7 credits of MUSIC 495A
5 or 7 credits of MUSIC 495B or MUSIC 495C
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 10 credits for the Individualized Emphasis, an individualized cluster of courses approved in advance by the Music Education Faculty, from an approved department list		10

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

• Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
• Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

• Arts (GA): 3 credits
• Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
• Humanities (GH): 3 credits
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
• Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

• Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

• GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
• GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

• United States Cultures: 3 credits
• International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Learning Outcomes

• Competence as a conductor with the ability to create accurate and musically expressive performances with various types of performing groups and in general classroom.
• Ability to arrange and adapt music from a variety of sources to meet the needs and ability levels of individuals, school performing groups, and in classroom situations.  
• Functional performance abilities in keyboard and the voice.
• Ability to apply analytical and historical knowledge to curriculum development, lesson planning, and daily classroom and performance activities.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Margaret Higgins
Academic Adviser
104 Borland Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-9523
mah68@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Music Education, B.M.E. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

¹

ADDITIONAL COURSES (45-47 credits)
-Select 1-3 credits from INART 258A GA(3) or INART 258B GA(1) (Sem: 1-2)
-Select 7 credits of ensembles as follows: MUSIC 76(1), MUSIC 77 GA(1), MUSIC 78 GA(1), MUSIC 80 GA(1), MUSIC 81 GA(1), MUSIC 82 GA(1), MUSIC 84 GA(1), MUSIC 86 GA(1), MUSIC 87 GA(1), MUSIC 89 GA(1), MUSIC 90 GA(1), MUSIC 91 GA(1), MUSIC 92 GA(1), MUSIC 93 GA;US;IL(1), MUSIC 94 GA(1), MUSIC 103 GA(1), MUSIC 104 GA(1), MUSIC 190 GA(1), MUSIC 191 GA (1), MUSIC 192 GA(1), MUSIC 193(1), MUSIC 194(1) (Sem: 1-7)
-Select 14 credits in applied music through Primary Level VII (Sem: 1-7)
-Select 3 credits from HDFS 229 GS(3), HDFS 239 GS(3) or PSYCH 100 GS(3) (Sem: 1-4)
-Select 3 credits from SPLED 403A(3) or SPLED 403B(3) (Sem: 6-7)
-Select 2 credits from MUSIC 181(2), MUSIC 267(2) (Sem: 5-6)
-Select 3 credits from MUSIC 441W(3), MUSIC 444W(3), MUSIC 445W(3), MUSIC 446W(3) (Sem: 7)
-Select 12 credits from MUSIC 495A, MUSIC 495B, MUSIC 495C, as follows:
----- 5 or 7 credits of MUSIC 495A (Sem: 8)
----- 5 or 7 credits of MUSIC 495B or MUSIC 495C (Sem: 8)

²

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (10 credits)
Select 10 credits for the Individualized Emphasis, an individualized cluster of courses approved in advance by the Music Education Faculty, from an approved department list.

³

Entrance to Major Requirements
All candidates seeking entrance to the Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) must meet the following entrance to major criteria:

-Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA by the end of the semester prior to ETM semester and at least 48 credits completed by the end of the semester prior to ETM semester.

-Either qualifying scores from the PECT PAPA for Reading, Writing and Mathematics; qualifying Scholastic Achievement Test scores for the combined and individual Critical Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections; or qualifying American College Test Plus Writing composite and individual English/Writing score and Math score as specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

-Complete 6 credits in quantification (GQ) ("C" or higher required).

-Complete 3 credits in literature (GH) ("C" or higher required).

-Complete ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H ("C" or higher required).

-Complete early field experience ("C" or higher required).
Course List: MUSIC 295A

-Complete EDPSY 10 and 3 additional credits of the education core ("C" or higher required).
Course List: EDPSY 10, PSYCH 100, HDFS 229, HDFS 239

-Complete 15 credits of required courses in teaching area ("C" or higher required).
Course List: MUSIC 112, 151, 153, 154, 162, 216, 222, 261, 262, 331.

-Complete primary level IV on applied instrument ("C" or higher required)

-Complete and document a minimum of 80 hours of paid or volunteer work with age-appropriate population. At least 40 hours of these age-appropriate 80 hours would be satisfied by working with "under-represented learners."

-Complete additional requirements: Voice Requirement (MUSIC 116 or VOICE 270), Piano Requirement (MUSIC 270 or KEYBD 270), and Percussion Requirement (MUSIC 152 or PERCN 270) ("C" or higher required).

Approval from the professional education adviser or the head of the pertinent certification program.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Career Paths

A degree in music education prepares students in teach music in a variety of school settings to children in grades K-12.  A degree in music education may serve as the basis for graduate study not only in music education, but also in performance, composition, conducting, music theory, music history and others.

Careers

Graduates of the B.M.E. program receive Pennsylvania certification to teach K-12 instrumental, vocal and general music. Additionally, the degree includes an “individualized emphasis” based on the student's strengths and interests. B.M.E. graduates are prepared to enter the classroom and have successful careers as an elementary, middle, or high school music teachers.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Because the music education degree program develops a complete, well-rounded musician, graduates are prepared to pursue graduate study in not only music education, but all other areas of music as well. Graduate study in performance, conducting, theory and composition, musicology, and more are all possible with a B.M.E. degree.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Accreditation

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Music. NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 650 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF MUSIC

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

University Park

SCHOOL OF MUSIC
233 Music Building I
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0431
music-ug-adm@psu.edu

https://arts.psu.edu/academics/school-of-music/