Degree Programs
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Undergraduate Degree Programs
Bachelor of Music Education — Vocal or Instrumental
The Bachelor of Music Education program, with vocal or instrumental focus, prepares students for teaching music in the public schools. The curriculum offers a practical, hands-on approach to the many facets of teaching music, i.e., primary and secondary instrument expertise, methodology courses, conducting, ensemble work and field experiences. A full semester of student teaching is required. Graduates of the program who pass the subject matter test receive State of Michigan certification for teaching in the public schools.
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Bachelor of Music — Performance
The Bachelor of Music in performance program develops the skills, concepts and sensitivities essential to the life of a professional musician. Students in this program acquire and demonstrate advanced musical skills, supplemented by a broad knowledge of music, music literature, analysis and historical style. They gain insight into the value of music and the arts in the intellectual and cultural life of society. Students in the performance program present public solo recitals in the junior and senior years. Graduates of the program become members of professional symphony orchestras, bands, and choirs, or they perform as soloists and chamber musicians in a variety of other settings. Some choose to begin teaching in a private music studio or to continue their educational studies.
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Bachelor of Music Therapy
The Bachelor of Music Therapy program prepares students to work with a variety of people with special needs using music-centered therapy goals. Music therapy is used with infants, children, adults, and older adults to improve their developmental, physical, social, and psychological needs. To graduate with certification, students must complete course requirements, 1200 hours of pre-internship and internship clinical training, and successfully complete the music therapists’ certification examination given by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. The program is fully approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
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Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs are designed for students who wish to pursue a broad, liberal arts education with a major in music as preparation for a music-related career or graduate study in music. The curriculum is designed to promote the development of critical thinking skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and the acquirement of a solid musicianship in order to provide a broad context for work in music. Attaining these goals leads to capabilities in the use of principles and procedures that lead to an intellectual grasp of the art, and the ability to perform. Graduates often find success in a wide variety of positions requiring musical expertise and/or the ability to analyze, synthesize and manage complex ideas and issues. The BA and BS degrees allow the student to earn a minor (or double major) outside of the Department of Music and Dance.
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General Music Minor
The music minor educates students in the areas of history/literature, music theory, performance, and ensemble work. It is intended for students with a background in music study who wish to expand knowledge in these areas.
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Graduate Degree Programs
Master of Music in Composition
The Master of Music in Composition program prepares students for a career as a professional composer. The curriculum includes private composition lessons, supportive courses, opportunities for the performance of student works, and residencies by distinguished composers, such as John Corigliano and Joan Tower, as part of the biannual EMU Music Now Fest. The program provides a strong foundation for doctoral study.
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Master of Music in Music Education
The Master of Music in Music Education program provides music education professionals with an opportunity to enhance pedagogic and musical skills as well as relate current research and topical issues in music education to practice. Graduates from this program teach general, vocal, or instrumental music in the public or private schools or proceed to a doctoral program.
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Master of Music in Performance with specializations in Collaborative Keyboard/Harpsichord or Organ/Piano/Voice/Wind, String, or Percussion Instrument
The Master of Music in Music Performance program prepares students for a career in performance, teaching, and/or continued graduate studies toward a doctoral degree. In addition to developing a high level of musicianship, it provides broad intellectual development through the advanced study of music theory, history, pedagogy and literature. Graduates of this degree program often pursue careers as solo and ensemble performers, college teachers, or private lesson instructors.
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Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy
The Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy program prepares students for a career in piano teaching. Specific goals of the program include developing an understanding of the learning process and its application to teaching and performing, obtaining knowledge of current methods and materials for teaching, learning how to operate and manage a successful teaching studio, and demonstrating expertise in performance. Graduates may choose to pursue advanced studies or to serve as teachers in local, national, and international communities.
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Post-Baccalaureate Certifications
Students with undergraduate degrees in music who seek to become certified music teachers may select this option. Program requirements vary; students should contact both the College of Education and the Department of Music for an analysis of their specific situation. Click here for more information.
Music Therapy Equivalency
This option is for students with a music degree from an National Association of Schools of Music accredited institution (or an equivalent institution outside of the United States) who wish to complete specialized studies that will lead to meeting the eligibility requirements to take the certification examination in music therapy administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Click here for more information.
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