The BS in Music Education degree program provides the basis for certification to teach in the public schools of Pennsylvania and other states. Its mission is the professional preparation of music students as teachers, performers, composers, and scholars. The Department of Music is committed to providing the highest level of creative, intellectual, and cultural experiences through recitals, concerts, productions, workshops, and curricular offerings. We recognize our responsibility to serve a local and global community, to present aspects of diversity, and to encourage lifelong advocacy for the musical arts.

Objectives for Professional Preparation as a Musician:

To provide all music majors the opportunity to explore all aspects of the art, including performance, teaching, composition, and research;

To promote the ability to articulate ideas, both orally and in writing.

To provide private applied instruction for all majors by members of the faculty;

To promote quality ensemble participation and performance;

To maintain an environment conducive to learning;

To expand the concept of faculty advising to include individual mentoring and preparation for postgraduate study and careers;

To provide a broad knowledge of music history and theory that promotes a fundamental understanding of its value to the professional musician, and the manner in which this area provides insights into the larger realms of social experience;

To assure competency through live performances that are submitted to critical review before faculty;

To integrate current technology with traditional pedagogical approaches to music teaching, learning, and performing;

To expand the knowledge base of the students through clinics, workshops, performances, master classes, and lectures by visiting artists of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds;

To educate beyond narrow professional boundaries and encourage synthesis among all learnings.

Objectives for Professional Preparation as a Music Educator:

To develop students' ability to understand, appreciate, and articulate their role in the educational enterprise;

To foster substantive scholarly and creative inquiry in the domains of music education, including performance, music history, music theory, composition/improvisation and conducting;

To motivate and inspire students to explore creative avenues in the performing arts and to guide their educational progress;

To promote an understanding of child development and educational psychology, and a commitment to nurturing the artistic development of every student;

To offer the opportunity to acquire professional behavior and leadership skills in diverse pedagogical settings;

To inspire all citizens at the local, state, and national levels of education to value and support music education;

To develop the effective use of basic music teaching tools including a knowledge of pedagogy, current technology, assessment, learning strategies, and curriculum as these relate to the delivery of effective music education in the schools.