Music Education
The Mansfield and Bloomsburg campuses of Commonwealth University have a rich tradition of training and preparing music educators and comprehensive musicians for leadership positions in diverse educational communities in the belief that educators lead the field through inquiry, musicianship and scholarship.
- Degrees & Offerings
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- B.M.
- Location
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- Bloomsburg
- Mansfield
- Department
- Program Contact
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Music Education Coordinator - Mansfield, Professor
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Music Education Coordinator - Bloomsburg, Assistant Professor
As you pursue a degree in Music Education, you will participate in a vast array of coursework and experiences designed to prepare you to be the best musician and music teacher you can be. In addition to the range of music courses, ensembles and applied private lessons required of all undergraduate music majors, you will work with music education faculty members every semester. As you become a stronger musician, you will also develop into a stronger teacher through teaching PreK–12 aged students on campus and in the field.
Our undergraduate music education program is fun, rigorous and will prepare you to enter the teaching profession with a diverse arsenal of knowledge and skills.
Find your rhythm in the classroom
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is designed to develop public school music teachers with a passion for the arts. Our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be reflective teachers who believe all students can learn and help them to do so.
Completion of the Music Education Program prepares students to teach both vocal and instrumental music at the kindergarten through high school levels, and is designed to meet the certification requirements set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Music Education Program is accredited by NASM, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, The National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Course Delivery Format
Bloomsburg
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Lock Haven
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Mansfield
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Clearfield
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Courses and Curriculum
Our program provides a balance between a broad general education, the intensive training necessary to develop as a professional musician, and the background of professional study and experience necessary for entering the field of education in today's society.
Degree Requirements Degree Works
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.
Degree Requirements Degree Works
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.
All music majors complete coursework in music theory and aural skills, music history (including the study of music from a variety of cultures), class piano, music ensembles, and applied study on primary and secondary instruments, including voice.
Music education majors choose either the instrumental or vocal track, which determine areas of emphasis with regards to applied music study, required participation in ensembles, instrument techniques, advanced conducting, and performance-based teaching methods coursework.
Music education majors also complete coursework in orchestration, general psychology, child or adolescent development, and teaching methods for a variety of PreK-12 musical settings, including methods for teaching students with a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional, and cultural exceptionalities.
In all teaching techniques and methods settings, emphasis is placed on providing students with ample opportunities to observe experienced teachers in field settings, and provide practice teaching experiences in appropriate settings. Additionally, music education majors complete a series of pre-professional observation requirements that account for 40+ hours of pre-student teaching classroom observation.
The degree culminates with a semester of student teaching in two seven-week placements, one at the elementary level, the other at the secondary level.
- Standardized Tests and Placements: Commonwealth University Music Education students will pass and compare favorably to students from other institutions on standardized music tests, graduate, and secure professional positions.
- Professional Evaluation: Students who have completed their student teaching will be perceived as prepared for teaching and an asset to the profession by their cooperating teachers.
- Conducting: Students will be able to demonstrate basic conducting skills in a variety of classroom and ensemble settings.
- Secondary Instrument/Vocal Proficiency: Students will be able to demonstrate vocal proficiency and the ability to play a variety of classroom instruments, and also demonstrate proper playing techniques on varied band and orchestral instruments.
- Planning and Preparation: Students will be able to plan and prepare effective music instruction leading to student learning.
- Teaching Ability: Students will be able to deliver effective and appropriate music instruction leading to student learning.
Music Education
Our dedicated practice spaces, performance venues, and cutting-edge technology empower you to refine your skills, collaborate with peers, and share your musical talents.
Auditions
Passionate and talented musicians are invited to audition for a place in our esteemed music programs.
We are excited to hear from talented musicians like you! Auditions are a vital part of our application process for incoming music students. A successful audition showcases your musical skills and helps us determine your fit within our vibrant music community.
Spend-A-Day
Any high school junior and senior who wishes to be a music major, music minor, or just wants to continue to be involved in music during college, Spend-A-Day is a great way to imagine your future at CU-Mansfield!
Spend-A-Day gives you a first-hand experience of the exciting world of music at CU-Mansfield. You'll meet current students and faculty, attend classes and rehearsals, and get a feel for what CU-Mansfield Music has to offer.
Scholarships
We understand the importance of financial aid in pursuing your passion for music and are proud to offer a variety of scholarships to talented and dedicated music students.
We encourage you to visit our scholarship webpage for detailed information on available scholarships and eligibility requirements.
Facilities
Music facilities at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg and Mansfield provide the perfect space to practice, collaborate, and perform, empowering you to reach your full musical potential.
Explore our music facilities and resources available to support your academic and musical success.
Practical Learning
Enriching Curriculum
The Commonwealth University of PA (CU) Department of Music, Theatre & Dance provides an environment that promotes academic, artistic, and personal growth as well as intellectual, professional, ethical, and aesthetic values across campuses in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. The department serves the regional, national, and international communities by developing human and material resources. The department is committed to stimulating a continuous pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and skills by students and faculty.
Field Experiences
Music education majors choose either the instrumental or vocal track, which determine areas of emphasis with regards to applied music study, required participation in ensembles, instrument techniques, advanced conducting, and performance-based teaching methods coursework. Music education majors also complete coursework in orchestration, general psychology, child or adolescent development, and teaching methods for a variety of PreK-12 musical settings, including methods for teaching students with a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional, and cultural exceptionalities. In all teaching techniques and methods settings, emphasis is placed on providing students with ample opportunities to observe experienced teachers in field settings, and provide practice teaching experiences in appropriate settings. Additionally, music education majors complete a series of pre-professional observation requirements that account for 40+ hours of pre-student teaching classroom observation. The degree culminates with a semester of student teaching in two seven-week placements, one at the elementary level, the other at the secondary level.
The Commonwealth Music Difference
Applying to This Program
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Scholarships
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