Bachelor of Music in Music Education

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education provides for the comprehensive training of music teachers. It allows students to develop a program of study tailored to their interests and needs as teachers. Students are encouraged to develop their musicianship through ensembles, private lessons, conducting classes, the creative musicianship component, and a wide variety of instrumental and voice classes. Students develop their skills as educators in courses that begin in the freshman year and culminate in a student teaching/professional development semester. Graduates of this program will be able to plan, implement, and assess music instruction in a variety of instructional settings and for a variety of student populations.  An admissions audition is required for consideration.

University and Music Supplemental Application

After you create your admissions account, you will be asked to select an application type. You will be creating two applications – the main university application (First-Year or Transfer) and the College of Music Supplemental Application. Follow the advertised deadlines for the main university application. The College of Music Supplemental Application deadline is Dec 1 for Fall applicants, and Oct 1 for Spring applicants. Current MSU students do not file a main university application. Instead, file only the Music Supplemental Application.

Music Education Interview/Aural Skills Test

This interview will take place during your audition day. The purpose of the interview and aural skills test is to provide our admissions committee with a more complete picture of your qualifications as a music education student. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your musical background, your academic record, your teaching or leadership experiences, and your thoughts about becoming a music teacher. You will be evaluated on your background, your interests and attitudes about teaching, and your communication skills.

To help you prepare for the interview, here are some example questions:

• Tell me about your leadership/teaching experiences (in school/out of school, in music and outside music)?
• Why do you want to be a music teacher? What is your dream job? What if that didn’t pan out?
• Choose a teacher you’ve had who stands out in your mind as very effective or very ineffective. What did they do that made them that way?

For the aural skills test, you will be asked to echo simple melodic and rhythmic patterns.  Then, we will ask you to sing a short song of your choice (e.g., My Country ’tis of Thee, Happy Birthday, Amazing Grace).  You do not need to perform this song with words if you do not know the lyrics—you may sing the melody on a neutral syllable instead, such as loo or doo.  You will also be asked to sight sing a one-line melody that uses primarily stepwise motion and quarter notes. You will be evaluated on melodic and rhythmic accuracy, your ability to maintain tonal center and tempo, and your sight-singing ability.

Personal Statement

In your personal statement, please describe your educational and musical background, goals and objectives, and future career plans. Include any information that you feel would be helpful to the College of Music in making our admission decision. Limit your statement to 300-500 words.

Letters of Recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from two individuals familiar with your musical abilities.

Audition Materials

This major requires a successful admissions audition on one of the below-listed disciplines.

Instruments

• Bassoon
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Double Bass
• Euphonium
• Flute
• Harp
• Horn
• Oboe
• Percussion
• Piano
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Tuba
• Viola
• Violin
• Voice

Jazz Instruments

• Double Bass
• Drums
• Guitar
• Piano
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Voice