The Bachelor of Music Education degree program, leading to Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification, helps prepare students to teach music in a variety of school settings to children in grades K-12. Application to the teacher certification program usually occurs at the end of the student's fourth semester.

Entrance to the Program

Students typically submit an application for entrance to the teacher certification program during their fourth semester of study as a music major. General information regarding teacher certification may be found on pages 49-50 of the 2004-2006 Undergraduate Bulletin. Specific information regarding entrance requirements and procedures for music education is included below.

1. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00, which will be computed at the end of the semester prior to entrance, usually at the end of the fourth semester.

2. A grade of C or better in all specified courses:

   MUS 331	2
   MUS 222	1
   MUS 162, 261, 262	8
   MUS 270	1
   Primary Level IV on instrument	2
   Vocal musicianship proficiency passed

3. Passing scores from the PRAXIS I PPST for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics

4. Documentation of at least 80 hours of volunteer or paid education work experience with learners of the age group the candidate plans to teach (PreK-12). At least 40 of these age-appropriate 80 hours must be with learners whose cultural, social, or ethnic backgrounds differ from the candidate's own. For more specific information about this requirement see "80-Hour Work Opportunities" on the Music Education Web page: http://www.music.psu.edu/musiced/index.html.

5. Completion of an early field experience specified by the certification program, with a grade of "C" or better:

       MUS 295A - 1 credit

6. Completion of a core of Education courses specified by the certification program, with a grade of "C" or better:

   PSYCH 100 or HDFS 229 - 3 credits
   PSYCH 212 or HDFS 239 - 3 credits
   

7. Completion of additional credits as specified by the certification program, with a grade of "C" or better:

      MUS 112 - .5 credit
      MUS 151 - 1 credit
      MUS 152 - 1 credit
      MUS 153 - 1 credit
      MUS 154 - 1 credit
      MUS 216 - .5 credit
   

8. Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours, including English 015 or 030, 3 credits of literature (GH), and 6 credits of quantification (GQ) which must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

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

   A preliminary application must be submitted to the music education program by March 15 prior to the fall semester in which entrance is requested. An interview with the music education faculty must be completed during the semester of application to the program. The interview is scheduled by the Music Education Office, 233A Music Building I. A completed formal application must be on file in the Music Education Office by July 1 prior to the fall semester in which entrance is requested. Notification of acceptance will be mailed in July.

The B.M.E. degree program culminates in a student teaching experience, which represents a student's full academic load for one semester (12 credits). Student teaching is typically the spring semester of the student's senior year. Experiences are scheduled in each of two settings (general music and performance): 7 credits are taken in the emphasis setting and 5 credits are taken in the non-emphasis setting. In addition, students enroll in Music 495D (1 credit). Application for student teaching is made during the fall semester in the year prior to the year in which a student plans to complete student teaching. Applications are available in the Music Education Office, 233A Music Building I.

Student teachers are placed in a public school district within 125 miles of University Park and are responsible for procuring housing and obtaining transportation. Students will not be placed in their home school districts. At minimum, student teachers are to begin and end their student teaching experience with the University Park semester schedule. The school district schedule of the student teaching site is to be followed during the semester.

The student teaching experience fulfills many purposes, providing opportunities for the student to:

1. Make the transition from the role of a student to that of a professional music educator
2. Become aware of the role and responsibility of the professional music educator as a member of a school and a community

It is therefore unacceptable for a student to participate in any other university-related activity during the student teaching semester. Student teachers may not (1) register for correspondence and independent study courses, (2) have incomplete courses from prior semesters, (3) participate in ensembles and studio classes whether for credit or non-credit, and (4) register for coursework at other institutions. Employment and personal activities that significantly impinge on a student's time are strongly discouraged during the student teaching semester.

Petitions requesting variance from this policy will be considered only in unusual circumstances and must be submitted to the Music Education faculty through the student's advisor by the first day of scheduled university classes in the student teaching semester. Students found to be in violation of this policy at any time during the semester will be withdrawn from the student teaching assignment.

GENERAL EDUCATION: 45 credits
(12 of these credits are included in REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR. 18 of these credits are required for Entrance to Teacher Certification)
(See Description of General Education)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR (included in REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)

WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM (included in REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 102 credits [1]
(This included 12 credits of General Education - 6 credits of GS, 3 credits of GA and 3 credits of GN)

• PRESCRIBED COURSES (49 credits)
  • MUSIC 040S (1), MUSIC 121 (1), MUSIC 122 (1), MUSIC 131 (2), MUSIC 132 (2), MUSIC 162 (2), INART 258 (GA) (3) (Sem: 1-2)
  • MUSIC 112 (.5), MUSIC 151 (1), MUSIC 152 (1), MUSIC 153 (1), MUSIC 154 (1), MUSIC 216 (.5) MUSIC 221 (1), MUSIC 222 (1), MUSIC 231 (2), MUSIC 261 (3), MUSIC 262 (3), MUSIC 266 (1), MUSIC 295A (1), MUSIC 331 (2), MUSIC 366 (1) (Sem: 3-4)
  • MUSIC 332 (2), MUSIC 340 (2), MUSIC 341 (2), MUSIC 345 (2), MUSIC 395A (1), MUSIC 395B (1), SPLED 400 (3), INART 050 (GS) (3) (Sem: 5-6)
  • MUS 101 (1) (Sem 7)

• ADDITIONAL COURSES (44 credits)
  • Select 7 credits of ensembles
  • Select 14 credits in applied music through Primary Level VII (Sem: 1-7)
  • Select 6 credits from PSYCH 100 (GS) (3) and PSYCH 212 (GS) (3) or HDFS 229 (GS) (3) and HDFS 239 (GS) (3) (Sem: 1-4)
  • Select 2 credits from MUS 181 (2), MUS 267 (2) (Sem: 5-6)
  • Select 3 credits from MUSIC 441W (3), MUSIC 442W (3), MUSIC 443W (3), MUSIC 444W (3), MUSIC 445W (3), MUSIC 446W (3) (Sem: 7)
  • Select 12 credits from MUSIC 495A, 495B, 495C, as follows:
    
    • 5 or 7 credits of MUSIC 495A (Sem: 8)
    • 5 or 7 credits of MUSIC 495B or MUSIC 495C (Sem: 8)

• SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (9 credits)
  • Select 9 credits for the Individualized Emphasis, an individualized cluster of courses approved in advance by the Music Education Faculty, from MUSIC 115 (1), MUSIC 170 (1), MUSIC 181 (2), MUSIC 182 (2), MUSIC 210 (1), MUSIC 212 (1), MUSIC 251A (.5), MUSIC 251B (.5), MUSIC 251C (.5), MUSIC 251D (.5), MUSIC 252 (.5), MUSIC 253A (.5), MUSIC 253B (.5), MUSIC 253C (.5), MUSIC 253D (.5), MUSIC 254A (.5), MUSIC 254B (.5), MUSIC 254C (.5), MUSIC 254D (.5), MUSIC 254E (.5), MUSIC 267 (2), MUSIC 270 (1), MUSIC 312 (1), MUSIC 336 (2), MUSIC 387 (1), MUSIC 388 (1), MUSIC 389 (1), MUSIC 412 (2), MUSIC 418 (2), MUSIC 419 (2), MUSIC 422 (3), MUSIC 435 (1), MUSIC 450 (2), MUSIC 460 (2), MUSIC 466 (2), KEYBD 100J (1), VOICE 100J (1). (Sem: 2-7)

* These courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher to be admitted to the BME degree and Teacher Certification in Music Education.

1. The student must be enrolled in an ensemble every semester he/she is in the program (except during student teaching). This is true even if the 7-credit minimum has been met.

2. The 7-credit minimum must be earned from participation in at least two different ensembles.

3. Five of the 7 credits must be earned by participation with the major instrument/voice, except keyboard emphasis majors. (See item 5 below.)

4. 1. At least 5 of the 7 credits must be distributed, with the consent of the applied instructor and the adviser, among these ensembles:

      Instrumental Concert Band Jazz Ensemble: Centre Dimensions Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Band Symphonic Wind Ensemble

      Vocal Chamber Singers Concert Choir Glee Club Opera Theatre Oriana Singers University Choir

   2. A total of 2 credits from among these ensembles may be applied toward the 7-credit requirement of the B.S. degree. However, these ensembles may be elected throughout the program for additional credits beyond the required minimum.

      Instrumental Brass/String/Woodwind Chamber Music Campus Band Chamber Orchestra Jazz Ensemble II & III Mallet Ensemble/Percussion Ensemble Marching Blue Band

      Vocal Chamber Music for Voices Essence of Joy Women's Chorale

5. 1. Keyboard emphasis majors must earn 2 credits in accompanying from among following (organ majors should consult the applied instructor regarding accompanying credits):
         Accompanying vocal ensembles listed below
         Sonata Duos
         Studio/Recital Accompanying

   2. A maximum of 2 accompanying credits may be applied toward the 7-credit minimum degree requirement from among these ensembles:
      • Chamber Singers
      • Essence of Joy
      • Opera Theatre
      • University Choir
      • Concert Choir
      • Glee Club
      • Oriana Singers

   3. Of the remaining 5 credits, at least 3 must be from ensembles listed in Item 4a.

6. A student in academic difficulty must obtain the adviser's consent to register in more than two ensembles per semester. Academic difficulty is defined as a GPA below 2.5 and/or any music course not passed (grade of D or F).

BME students must complete seven semesters of applied study on an instrument at the PRIMARY (2-credit) level. The student's performance area is determined through the student's audition. The audition also typically determines the level at which the student will study in his or her respective program. Successful completion of each level is prerequisite for enrollment in the next higher level. Juries are held every semester to ensure that students qualify for study at the next level.

Please note that students who have received a scholarship must earn grades of "B" or higher in their applied study each semester.

Applied Music Lesson Policy
Students are to contact applied professors before or at the beginning of each semester to schedule regular lesson times. Lessons cancelled by faculty will be rescheduled. Lessons missed by students may be made up (see applied syllabus for specifics).

Please be aware that unexcused absences may be a contributing factor in determining the final grade.

Re-audition Procedures
Students must study in the appropriate course in the applied sequence with continuous (every semester) enrollment until the required applied credits are completed. Students who do not enroll for required applied instruction for any reason other than an official leave of absence must re-audition. Students who earn grades of D or F in two of the first three semesters of enrollment in applied study must re-audition for admission to the applied studio. Beginning with the fourth semester of study, students earning a grade of D or F in any semester must re-audition for admission to the applied studio. At any stage in the degree program, students who fail to advance to the next course in two consecutive juries cannot continue their applied studies in the major studio without re-audition. Re-auditions will be adjudicated by the established faculty jury including the major applied instructor and other members of the applied area faculty.

An acceptance to the BME program following a successful audition is valid for one academic year. If a student delays entrance into the School of Music for more than this period, he/she must re-audition. Contact the auditions secretary, Irene Kohute, in 234 Music Building I concerning the re-audition.

Jury Examinations
Because performance ability is an essential part of all School of Music degree programs, all students are required to demonstrate performance ability in their major applied area before a faculty jury at the end of each semester of applied instruction. The purposes of these examinations are (1) to assess the student's progress in his or her major performance area, and (2) to serve as the prerequisite for advancing to the next level of applied instruction.

Juries typically comprise three faculty members (at least two from the applied division). The jurors will submit to the music office their written evaluations and a composite grade (which is advisory to the student's instructor). These items will be included with the student's records. Copies of the evaluations and the grade will be available to the student from the music office. Repertory sheets previously filled out by the student will also be included in the student's file.

Recital Performance Requirements
Two solo performances on the student's major instrument or voice are required of all music education majors as a prerequisite to graduation. Typically, this requirement is met through two solo performances during Common Hour, Bach's Lunch, and/or area/studio recitals. However, the requirement may also be met by presenting one solo recital (half or full recital) on the University Park campus. All appearances must have faculty sponsorship. Other performance options must be presented as a petition to the music education faculty, via the coordinator, with written support from the applied teacher at least one month prior to the event. Each student must furnish the School of Music office with a copy of the program from each solo performance for his/her permanent file.

General Instructions

The vocal musicianship proficiency must be taken at the end of the semester in which a student completes MUSIC 116. Students cannot take the exam without successfully completing MUSIC 115 unless he/she is a voice major or he/she is invited by the voice class instructor to take the exam at an earlier date. This proficiency must be passed for acceptance into the BME program. Exams are given during finals week at the end of each academic semester. Students must sign up before the eighth week of the semester in which they are to take the proficiency exam. Individually scheduled times will be posted the last two weeks of each semester. All vocal musicianship proficiency information will be posted in the Music Education Office (233A Music Building I).

Students are invited to take the piano proficiency exam the semester in which they satisfactorily complete MUSIC 270 (C or better). No student may take the piano proficiency unless MUSIC 270 has been passed. Students will be notified of their status during the last week of classes; exams will be given during finals week. Piano majors do not take MUSIC 270, but must take the piano proficiency prior to entrance in the BME degree program in music education. Please see Dr. Shafer regarding independent study work to prepare for the proficiency exam. The piano proficiency must be taken prior to entrance in the BME degree program in music education and must be passed before enrollment in MUSIC 345 and 395B.

Students should study in the area of the examination through private or class instruction during the semester in which the examination is scheduled. Your adviser and/or Dr. Shafer (piano) and Dr. Spivey (voice) are available to assist you in scheduling appropriate study.

1. Vocal Musicianship Proficiency

   Students shall be prepared to demonstrate acceptable vocal performance by singing through their ranges with accurate pitch, intonation, and rhythm, and appropriate expression, phrasing, tempo, diction, and tone quality. Good posture is expected. Prepare three songs from the standard vocal repertoire suited to your voice. Provide your own accompanist. For students with a choral/general emphasis, one selection must be in German, Italian, or French. Students should bring one copy of: (a) a list of all prepared compositions, including title, source, and page number, and (b) music.

2. Keyboard Proficiency

   All items described below consist of assignments of a general nature. Specific assignments will be made available through Music 270 two weeks before the exam is offered in the Spring Semester, and through Lisa Stamm at other times of the year. The specific items heard on the exam change from one proficiency to the next. Any student who does not pass a portion or portions of the proficiency must retake those portions the following semester. Only portions of the exam not previously passed must be attempted at each exam. Exams that are not completely prepared will not be heard.

   1. Be prepared to play a representative group of major and harmonic minor scales.

   2. Prepare an expanded hand position accompaniment for an assigned melody using I, IV, V7, V7/V, and V7/IV chords. Accompaniment style must be representative of the implied melodic style. Transpose the melody with blocked chord accompaniment in basic hand positions with good voice leading to the following keys: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb and Eb.

   3. Sight-read a melody (major or minor mode), then apply blocked harmonic accompaniment using I, IV, and V7 chords in basic positions, hands together.

   4. Be prepared to improvise an example of music for movement with second grade students. Movements represented are marching, running, skipping, and swaying. Examples are to be composed of a double period and must expand beyond a closed hand position. Stylistic variety must be in evidence. For example, musical devices such as syncopation, parallel major-minor relationships, and contrasts in register may be employed.

   5. Prepare one of the following:
      1. four-part arrangement of "America" in the key of D
      2. A three-part arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in B-flat
      3. A four-part arrangement of "America the Beautiful" in D
      4. A four-part arrangement of the "Penn State Alma Mater" in F

   6. Prepare an excerpt of one to two pages in length from one elementary or junior high school instrumental arrangement. Students should be able to play all staves in concert pitch.

   7. Prepare one vocal or instrumental accompaniment.

   8. Prepare any two-part combination of a four-part open vocal score, which does not contain a piano reduction of the vocal parts. Piano majors should be prepared to play all three and four-part combinations in addition to the two-part combinations.

   9. Prepare a chromatic series of vocal warm-ups using five-finger positions.

Developing familiarity with a broad repertory of music and acquiring skills of critical listening are important aspects in the training of a musician. Therefore, students are expected to take advantage of every opportunity to attend performances of music, both on and off campus. More than 100 performances are scheduled each year on the University Park campus. These include Center for the Performing Arts programs, faculty and student recitals, concerts by School of Music ensembles, and special School of Music-sponsored programs. In addition, there is a Common Hour each Friday (2:30-3:20 p.m.) in the Esber Recital Hall. These programs include student and faculty performances, as well as demonstrations and lectures by faculty and guests of the School of Music. Students are expected to attend Common Hour each week and a reasonable number of the many events sponsored by the School of Music each year. (See Attendance Requirement below.)

Attendance Requirement (Music 101: Common Hour)

Music 101: Common Hour is required of all students pursuing undergraduate degrees in music. This course is designed as a vehicle for monitoring student attendance at concerts, recitals, master classes, lectures, and Common Hours in the School of Music. Attendance at 150 events will constitute satisfactory completion of the course. At least 40 of these events must be Common Hours. Attendance at Common Hours will be monitored by Sigma Alpha Iota. Records of attendance are maintained by the School of Music office.

It is the student's responsibility to provide signed programs as verification of attendance at concerts, recitals, master classes, lectures, and Common Hours. Verification of attendance at all Common Hours and all School of Music-sponsored Esber Recital Hall events will be collected immediately at the conclusion of those events at the ticket counter outside the recital hall. All other program attendance verifications are to be deposited in the designated folder located in the mail room (235) on the second floor of Music Building I.

Students register for this course the semester in which their total attendance will reach 150 events.