Bachelor of Music Education

Music Education

The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) develops students' skills in planning and delivering instruction in instrumental, vocal and general music education classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes both the theoretical and practical elements of human behavior, musical and otherwise, and integrates with this core a variety of learning experiences that prepare the pre-service teacher for the classroom medium. Among these is a broad spectrum of learning experiences both at KU and in area classrooms. These include planning and delivering instruction, classroom management, conducting, assessment, and curriculum design. Within the curriculum, individual emphases are reflected in the choice of major performance medium and performance ensembles. The goal of the music education curriculum is to prepare the student for success in the profession.

Advising

Students admitted to the music education program will be assigned an appropriate academic faculty mentor to work with the student throughout their academic career. Students are expected to consult with their faculty mentor each semester to plan enrollment for the next semester. The faculty mentor is available to help, to suggest ways to avoid course conflicts, to recommend courses particularly beneficial for various emphases, and to offer career guidance. The responsibility for taking appropriate courses and for meeting other requirements rests upon the student. Information regarding all requirements is in writing and available to students. Lack of knowledge of any requirement does not free the student from meeting that requirement. All students must sign up for a graduation check with the School of Music Student Services Office in 450 Murphy Hall one year prior to their graduation date.

Regardless of applied performance medium, each entering student should be able to sing independently, in tune, and with acceptable tone quality. Functional keyboard skills (accompanying, playing by ear, improvising, and transposing) are helpful. Experience working with others is also beneficial as well. Well-developed interpersonal skills are an asset.

Students are strongly encouraged to read the B.M.E. handbook, which is available on the School of Music website and from the Student Services Office, 450 Murphy Hall, and provides detailed procedures, suggestions, and specifications.

Music Education Program

This program provides full preparation for entry into the profession. It leads to the Bachelor of Music Education and eligibility for licensure to teach vocal, instrumental, and general music in grades pre-K through 12 in the state of Kansas. The program typically requires eight semesters of full-time work, which includes a semester of student teaching and internship in the public schools.

Music Teacher Licensure Program

Teacher licensure in Kansas is a function of the Kansas State Board of Education. Individuals who complete an approved music teacher licensure program are recommended to the state for licensure in music for grades pre-K through 12. Students must meet additional state requirements, such as passing specified standardized tests, before licenses are granted. Contact the Student Services Office, 450 Murphy Hall, for information.

Admission

Students must meet or exceed the School of Music academic admission requirements and successfully complete a major performance medium audition to be admitted. Students should declare the B.M.E. as their major on the KU application for admission. Music education majors are in plan BME in the School of Music.

Students pursuing the B.M.E. must apply for admission to the professional sequence by the first Monday in February of the sophomore year. Transfer students with more than 45 hours of transfer credit must complete this application the first semester of classes at KU. Students may not enroll in courses in the professional sequence before formal approval from the area coordinator of music education. Music education majors who have been admitted to the professional sequence are in plan MEPS-BME in the School of Music.

Students must be admitted to the music education professional sequence to enroll in upper-division music education courses. See the Music Education Undergraduate Program Handbook for details.

No student may be admitted to the music education professional sequence for a semester during which he or she is on academic probation. The application form for music education professional sequence admission is distributed to students prior to their time to apply. Information about the application process may be found on the KU School of Music website.

Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble Policy

In order to remain enrolled in studio instruction (lessons), all undergraduate (B.A., B.M., and B.M.E.) and M.M. students who enroll in any level of studio instruction (including nonmajor levels) in band, orchestral, or vocal instruments must audition for and perform as assigned in a major instrumental ensemble1 each semester in which they are enrolled. For music majors, 1 ensemble taken for credit each semester is required for graduation. Exceptions to this policy are allowed on a case-by-case basis and only by the ensemble conductor in consultation with the faculty member in the studio area or the faculty advisor in music therapy as appropriate.

1

Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, or Jazz Ensemble I. University Band or University Orchestra if placed by audition.