Music Education Major Requirements
Ten courses in theory, aural skills and history
Two courses in conducting
One course in world music
One course in education
Eleven courses in music education†
Five courses in instrumental and vocal methods
Students are required to register for related ½ hour lessons while enrolled in MUED 225, MUED 226, MUED 227, and MUED 228 and MUED 229 (except on primary instrument)
Performance-based requirements (7 semesters)*
Two semesters of chamber ensembles
Major Ensembles (7 semesters)
Instrumental majors
Vocal majors
*No student may double-up on lessons and/or ensembles to graduate early. The BS in Music Education is traditionally an eight-semester program
†Music Education majors cannot fulfill keyboard method requirements via private lessons in keyboard except with Departmental approval.
The Music Education keyboard proficiency must be attained by the end of the sophomore year. The proficiency exam is administered during finals week of spring semester by the keyboard methods professor and at least one full-time faculty member. An audio recording of the exam is sent to all faculty and once the results are compiled, the Chair notifies the student in writing of their results.
Students who do not meet the proficiency standards may sit one more time for the proficiency exam on or around October 15 of the following fall semester. If the student is unsuccessful for a second time, they will not be recommended for student teaching and thus will not be allowed to continue in the Music Education degree program.
Students must also complete the following:
One Capstone experience
End-of-semester performances in primary performance medium
Convocation (Fall)
Departmental Jury (Spring)
Other graduation requirements**
Attendance at weekly Friday Convocations
Attendance at a minimum of 10 concerts each semester. At least 4 must be professional concerts or recitals
**Music Education students are exempt from these requirements during their semester of student teaching but are highly encouraged to take private lessons in preparation for their spring senior recital
Additional requirements
100 hours of documented field practice and observation
Departmental assessment of readiness for student teaching (generally spring of junior year)
Successful completion of the following NYSED workshops: School Violence, Child Abuse and Neglect, DASA (Dignity for All Students)
Grade of C or higher in content and pedagogical core; overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
New York State fingerprinting
Requirements for initial certification through NYSED
Successful completion of New York State Certification Exams: (Educating All Students – EAS, Content Specialty Test – CST (music), edTPA K-12 - Performing Arts
Music Education majors are expected to practice a minimum of 15 hours per week.
NOTE: All students have the opportunity to receive credit through examination for MUSI 140 Music Theory I, MUSI 142 Music Theory II, MUSI 141 Aural Theory I, and MUSI 143 Aural Theory II.
The following cannot be fulfilled by examination: MUSI 242 Music Theory IV or MUSI 243 Aural Theory IV
Music Education Degree Pathway
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year