Music Education, BA

Purpose

The Bachelor of Music Education will equip students with the skills and background knowledge needed to become effective music educators while fulfilling the mission of CIU.  Program content includes the historical background of music education along with current trends, courses in music history, a foundation in music theory, music technology, composition/arranging, conducting, and performance. Methods courses will include classroom observation and fieldwork, as well as clinical practice during the senior year. Students will develop their own philosophy of music education based on a Christian worldview. Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible for recommendation for licensure to teach PK-Grade12 Choral music.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the requirements of the University and the music education program, students will be able to:

• perform competently on primary instruments as ensemble members, as conductors, and as soloists.
• demonstrate knowledge of current methodologies and the ability to deliver instruction successfully to diverse groups of students.
• design effective lesson plans and assessments using appropriate methods, materials, and technologies.
• demonstrate knowledge of the history and literature of western and non-western music, with an appreciation of the social, political, and cultural role in shaping history.
• apply one’s own musicianship, content knowledge, and pedagogical skill to the teaching of music in an effective and engaging manner.

Admittance and Continuation Requirements

• Meet the university undergraduate admission requirements.

• Each prospective music education student must audition on his/her primary instrument prior to entrance into the CIU music program.
• Music Convocation (MUS 1000) is optional, but attendance is encouraged of all music education students and is offered every semester.
• Private Lessons and Ensembles: Students are required to take seven semesters of private lessons in their applied instrument. Students are required to take six credit hours of ensembles, at least four of those credits must be Ambassador Choir.
• Piano Proficiency Exam: Students must take and pass the Piano Proficiency Exam in which they will learn and demonstrate the skill appropriate for a college-level music major.
• Senior Recital: In their final semester, students will register for and perform a 35-minute recital of level appropriate literature in which they will demonstrate the skills befitting a graduating college senior.
• Students must earn a cumulative average of 2.3 (C+) in Music Theory.  Any private lesson grade lower than a 2.7 (B-) will not count toward graduation requirements. 

• Music Education Teacher candidacy will be determined at the Mid-Program Review by the music faculty’s evaluation of the student’s course work and the passing of the student’s private lesson jury in his or her principal instrument.