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Music Education Degree
If your dream is to help children and young adults develop their musical talents, you’re probably a natural music teacher. From teaching little children to sing and keep time to directing the high school band, orchestra or choir, few life paths are more rewarding.
Your very first year at Susquehanna University, you’ll gain active, working experience in real pre-kindergarten through high school music classrooms. Get supervised experience teaching one-on-one and small groups of children and teenagers. Develop your own music skills and conduct and perform in bands, choirs, orchestras and chamber music ensembles.
Study music theory, history, composition and the music of the world’s cultures while mastering the art of training young musicians. Get even more hands-on experience in our community music program, which has its own dedicated teaching lab space right here on campus. Build confidence working alongside caring professors who are master musicians themselves. With their help, you’ll delve into what makes the combination of teaching and music such a vital part of your life.
The music education program at Susquehanna is designed so that students are able to earn their teacher certification within 4 years and begin their career in the classroom. We have such a high placement success rate; you are virtually guaranteed a job within months of graduating. Or you may choose to further your studies in graduate school programs following the many different performance opportunities you will have while at Susquehanna including the same hour-long private lessons as all other music majors in the program.
Performance Opportunities
Choral ensembles perform on and off campus and contribute to major university events, including the annual Candlelight Service. There are four distinct ensembles. Any student, regardless of major, may audition.
Choir
The celebrated University Choir represents Susquehanna’s great musical heritage on annual tours in Pennsylvania and throughout the Eastern United States.
Amy Voorhees, conductor
Chorale
The University Chorale performs mainly on campus in music ranging from the Renaissance to the present.
Amy Caron, conductor
Chamber Singers
The highly select University Chamber Singers are chosen from members of the University Choir.
Amy Voorhees, conductor
Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir provides musical leadership at weekly University Chapel services and is open to all students without an audition.
Marcos Krieger, conductor
Opera Studio
The Opera Studio performs a wide repertoire ranging from opera scenes to full productions of complete operas with orchestra. The casts are made up entirely of students who audition for the Opera Studio at the beginning of each year.
In the past dozen years, the full productions with orchestra have included:
- Krása: Brundibár
- Monteverdi: L’Orfeo
- Mozart: The Magic Flute
- Puccini: Gianni Schicchi (in Italian)
- Puccini: Suor Angelica (in Itallian)
- Sondheim: Passion
- J. Strauss: Die Fledermaus
- Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
- Ullmann: The Emperor of Atlantis
- Weill: Street Scene
- Weill: The Threepenny Opera
Scenes programs have included the complete third act of Puccini’s La Bohème, sung in Italian, and complete acts of Britten’s Albert Herring and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other recent programs have featured scenes from the following operas:
- Adamo: Little Women
- Gounod: Romeo and Juliet
- Handel: Julius Caesar
- Massenet: Manon
- Menotti: The Medium
- Mozart: Così fan tutte and Don Giovanni
- Poulenc: Dialogues of the Carmelites
- Rossini: La Cenerentola and The Barber of Seville
- R. Strauss: Arabella
- Thomas: Hamlet
- Verdi: Falstaff
- Ward: The Crucible
Opera Studio performances are held in the 320-seat Stretansky Concert Hall or in the 450-seat Degenstein Center Theater. David Steinau, director
The instrumental area provides extensive performance opportunities for players of string, wind and percussion instruments. Any student, regardless of major, is welcome to audition.
Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra performs the great music of the Western canon along with lesser-known works and premieres. The ensemble accompanies an annual concerto competition winner and regularly collaborates on opera productions and oratorios.
Zachary Levi, conductor
Wind Ensemble
The highly select University Wind Ensemble is composed of 45 to 50 of our most experienced players and performs the finest wind band repertoire.
Eric Hinton, conductor
Symphonic Band
The University Symphonic Band performs three annual concerts of a broad spectrum of concert band literature.
Eric Hinton, conductor
Stadium Band
At all home football games, the Stadium Band performs fight songs, popular songs of the 50s and 60s, patriotic songs, R&B and funk. Audition not required.
Brett Hosterman, director
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble explores traditional big band tunes, as well as modern music reflecting jazz, rock and world music influences. Small combos are regularly formed to emphasize improvisation.
Gail Levinsky, director
Pit Orchestra
This ensemble provides full orchestral accompaniment for the annual fall musical.
The chamber music program provides diverse opportunities for students to study significant works for small ensembles, each of which is coached weekly by a faculty member. Each semester there may be string quartets, piano trios and brass or woodwind quintets, for example, along with Percussion Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble and similar groupings.
Keyboard students have the opportunity to study with outstanding faculty and to perform in a variety of settings as soloists and collaborators. Our instrument inventory includes Steinway and Baldwin concert grand pianos and priority practice rooms outfitted with well-maintained Steinway, Yamaha and Baldwin grands.
Weber Chapel is home to beautifully refurbished Dobson and Moeller organs, on which students may practice and perform. Two additional practice organs are located in the Cunningham Center for Music and Art. We also maintain historic instruments including three harpsichords and a clavinova.
Piano students may also study organ, and vice versa, and any keyboard player may also study harpsichord.
MUSIC at SUSQUEHANNA
The music community at Susquehanna University resonates throughout the entire Susquehanna Valley.

SUsquehanna By the Numbers
More Than Metrics
100%
of students receive lessons in their primary instrument or voice each semester and perform in top ensembles
100%
of students can attend and participate in professional music education conferences
95%
of students seeking teaching jobs are employed within six months of graduation
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Straight from the Nest

“When I walked onto campus and into the music department, I felt like I was home. I felt safe and that I had a place to belong. In my first interactions with faculty, they offered support and guidance, making sure I knew they were going to guide me through my four years and that I could still reach out to them after graduation. That was something unique to Susquehanna in my experience.”
— Seth Rockovich ’26
Explore Your Studies
Program Resources
Music Courses
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Emphasizes acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard recital literature and worship service literature chosen to meet individual needs. 1 SH.
Emphasizes acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard recital literature and worship service literature chosen to meet individual needs. 1 SH.
The study of Western concert music for the piano. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
The study of Western concert music for the piano. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Development of tone and technical facility and mastery of solo literature. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Development of tone and technical facility and mastery of solo literature. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Focuses on teaching the student to sing freely and musically. Develops breath control and resonance, range quality and clear diction through exercises and selected vocal literature. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Focuses on teaching the student to sing freely and musically. Develops breath control and resonance, range quality and clear diction through exercises and selected vocal literature. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 1 SH.
Development of good tonal quality, technical facility and interpretation of solo and chamber literature. 2 SH.
Development of technical facility on all areas of percussion: timpani, drum set, mallets, auxiliary percussion, ethnic percussion and snare drum. Includes interpretation and musical training, emphasizing well-rounded ability. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Development of technical facility on all areas of percussion: timpani, drum set, mallets, auxiliary percussion, ethnic percussion and snare drum. Includes interpretation and musical training, emphasizing well-rounded ability. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Emphasizes the acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard literature selected to meet individual needs and continuous playing. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Emphasizes the acquisition of a sound technique. Includes standard literature selected to meet individual needs and continuous playing. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Private instruction in classical and jazz guitar. Includes extensive exploration of basic musical repertoire, such as Pujol, Guiliani, Carcassi and Sor and the works of other jazz composers; scales, arpeggios, triads and other technical matters. Investigates folk, popular and electric guitar techniques. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Private instruction in classical and jazz guitar. Includes extensive exploration of basic musical repertoire, such as Pujol, Guiliani, Carcassi and Sor and the works of other jazz composers; scales, arpeggios, triads and other technical matters. Investigates folk, popular and electric guitar techniques. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
MUSC-019 is the study of repertoire for piano and another instrument(s). As the repertoire is vast and varied, one can expect to study from a variety of time periods and genres, including but not limited to vocal and chamber music. Repertoire assigned will be based on the student’s skill level, experience and the individual’s educational goals. 1 SH.
Private instruction in crafting and notating musical works. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1 SH.
Private instruction in crafting and notating musical works. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 2 SH.
Develop the sight-reading ability and specific piano technique needed by collaborative pianists. Among the emphasized topics covered include quick and efficient sight reading, eye placement in multi-layered scores, score embellishment, breathing, hand-eye coordination, core and arm weight, and finger work. Prerequisite: Permission from the Director of the Minor in Collaborative Piano. 1 SH.
A functional approach for beginning students. Emphasis on harmonization, transportation, development of technique, sight-reading and improvisation. Non-music majors are able to enroll in this course only if there are spaces available after all of the music majors have been accommodated. 1 SH.
Continued emphasis on harmonization, transposition, development of technique, sight reading and improvisation. Non-music majors are able to enroll in this course only if there are spaces available after all of the music majors have been accommodated. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-034 or appropriate placement. 1 SH.
A functional approach for intermediate-level and advanced students. Further emphasis on harmonization, transposition, development of technique, sight-reading and improvisation. Non-music majors are able to enroll in this course only if there are spaces available after all of the music majors have been accommodated. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-035 or appropriate placement by department. 1 SH.
An in-depth look at piano technique through the analysis and discussion of physical movements that can either implement or prohibit good technique, and the analysis of the basic building blocks of piano playing. Emphasis on preventing injury, learning how to expend minimal energy in playing and the creation of good tone. Open to piano majors; secondary pianists by instructor consent. 1 SH. Offered every other year.
Study of the fundamental keyboard skills needed to rehearse choral ensembles and/or teach singing, including the ability to play open score and provide choral and solo vocal accompaniments. Those not required to take the course may enroll only if there are spaces available. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-037 or appropriate placement by department. 1 SH.
Support Skills for Collaborative Pianists aims to introduce and broadly develop a vast range of skills needed by collaborative pianists, including: “quick study” skills used to prepare scores of all types in a short amount of time; rehearsal and coaching techniques; organization and communication skills; and other specialized skills relevant to collaborative piano. Prerequisite: MUSC-033. 1 SH.
Designed to instruct pianists in the essential aspects of performing chamber music and accompaniments. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission. May be repeated. 1 SH.
A select instrumental performing group that rehearses and performs the finest traditional and contemporary repertoire for the medium. 1 SH.
An instrumental performing group that rehearses and performs during the football season only. 1 SH.
A performing ensemble specializing in standard symphonic repertoire, concerti, opera and oratorio. 1 SH.
Accompanies the annual student musical production. Fall semester only. 1 SH.
Chamber music of various styles and periods studied and performed in smaller string, woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles, including piano and organ. 1 SH.
A practicum in which students perform on a broad range of band and orchestral instruments and in choral ensembles. 1 SH.
The rehearsal and performance of 20th century and modern music reflecting jazz, rock and world music influences. Emphasizes individual student involvement through improvisation. 1 SH.
Exploration and development of improvisation through listening, analysis and performance skills practice. Prerequisites: ability to read music; vocal or instrumental proficiency, both at a level commensurate with admission to a university ensemble. May be repeated for credit. 1 SH.
A major performing ensemble dedicated to high standards of choral performance. A training laboratory, the choir also explores extensive choral literature and techniques of developing choral singing for future music educators. In addition to campus and area concerts, the group tours regularly. Auditions are held each August and are open to any student. 1 SH.
A mixed-voice campus-centered ensemble, the University Chorale rehearses and performs a wide variety of sacred and secular choral literature in campus and area concerts. Auditions are held each August and are open to any student. 1 SH.
Introduces the international phonetic alphabet and the principles of making phonetic transcriptions of Italian, French and German texts. Basic pronunciation skills are also practiced. 1 SH.
An extension of the principles introduced in Diction I with particular emphasis on singing in foreign languages and in English. Prerequisite: MUSC-084 or instructor’s permission. 1 SH. Offered every three years.
This ensemble provides singers with a more intimate choral setting while exploring diverse repertoire appropriate for chamber performance. Auditions are held each fall and are open to any member of the University Choir. 1 SH.
An ensemble emphasizing the rehearsal and performance of opera and musical theatre. 1 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Development of appreciation and understanding for music, its underlying elements, and aspects of style and historical setting. Not open to music majors. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression.
Historical overview of the development and evolution of jazz styles through listening, analysis and performance. Open to all music majors and non-majors. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity Intensive. 4 SH.
A study of American popular music from the 1950s to the present, with a particular focus on the societal trends that influenced the evolution of this music. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression.
An introduction to concepts of musical style from historical and global perspectives. World music and contemporary music will inform this overview of musical genres and practices. Special attention will be given to issues of cultural diversity that arise through the study of non-Western music. Students will explore and develop learning strategies for approaching this material and college-level work in general. Prerequisite: Must be an accepted music major or minor or have the permission of the instructor. 2 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive.
A study of 18th- and 19th-century harmonic practice, including intervals, scales and diatonic triads in all positions. Analysis of standard literature. Prerequisite: Department-approved proficiency. 2 SH.
Continuation of Theory I: Diatonic Harmony, including diatonic seventh chords in all inversions and modulation. Analysis of standard literature. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-161. 2 SH.
Prepared and sight-singing of simple diatonic melodies in the major and minor modes. Includes simple rhythmic and melodic dictation. Prerequisite: Department-approved proficiency. 2 SH. This course requires instructor permission to enroll.
Continuation of Ear Training I, including chromaticism and modulation. Includes two-part and four-part dictation. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-163. 2 SH.
Public performances between piano and another instrument(s) in a forum or student recital setting. Prerequisite: Approval by the student’s collaborative piano teacher. 0 SH.
Examines the theological and musicological aspects of artistic contributions to Christian worship as recognized in cultural settings. Same as RELI-215. Prerequisite: junior standing and ability to read music. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity Intensive, Interdisciplinary. Offered every three years.
This course explores issues of diversity and ethics surrounding race, gender, religion, and culture in the Western classical music world — both historically and in the present — and how privilege, and particularly power in this discipline, perpetuate these issues. Students must possess the ability to read musical notation to be successful in this course. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity, Ethics Intensive.
A multi-faceted examination of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ground-breaking and influential musical “Hamilton,” with continued reflection as to its cultural significance. 4SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity Intensive.
Music history and literature from the beginning of Western civilization until 1750. Prerequisite: MUSC-101 or MUSC-152, and MUSC-161. 4 SH. CC: Historical Perspectives, Interdisciplinary.
Music history and literature from 1750 until 1900. Prerequisite: MUSC-245. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Writing Intensive.
Exploration of the art, technique and history of music developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accompany silent movies. 4SH.
Continuation of Theory II: study of advanced tonal and post-tonal harmony. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-162. 2 SH.
The examination of musical works through analysis of harmonic, motivic and formal structures, with a special emphasis on post-tonal music. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-261. 2 SH.
Advanced sight singing and dictation in all diatonic modes, including two-part and four-part dictation. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-164. 2 SH.
Advanced sight singing and dictation including distant modulation, fragmented tonality and non-diatonic pitch collections. Prerequisite: C- or better in MUSC-263. 2 SH.
Examines selected topics which are not covered in the regular curriculum but which are of interest to faculty and students. 1-4 SH.
This course offers a foundational understanding of the challenges and skills relevant to performing arts leadership. Topics will include the establishment and functioning of arts organizations, organizational structures, arts managers, governing board dynamics, marketing and audience development, philanthropy and fundraising, basics of hiring and personnel relative to the arts, and strategies for successful arts programming. 4 SH.
Music history and literature from 1900 until the present. Prerequisite: Ability to read music. 2 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive.
A practical course designed to introduce the student to the work of the church musician as planner, administrator, leader and resource person. Incorporates the examination of material for use with soloists, instrumentalists, handbells and choral groups of all ages and in various denominations. Same as RELI-353. Prerequisites: MUSC-161 and MUSC-163. CC: Diversity Intensive. 4 SH. Offered every three years.
An in-depth study of fundamentals of sound. Topics covered include wiring and electronics as well as ear training and the building blocks of the modern recording studio. 4 SH. Offered every other year.
An introduction to techniques and practices employed by music producers in the recording studio. Issues of session organization, recording techniques, mixing and mastering techniques, and musical aesthetics will be explored. 4 SH. Offered every other year.
The analysis and writing of two- and three-voice counterpoint in 16th-century style, with an introduction to the contrapuntal techniques of the Baroque period. Prerequisite: MUSC-261. 2 SH. Offered every other year.
Designed to enhance the teaching of working music educators through a survey of eight different music technology topics, including live sound, recording, composition/notation, musical skills-acquisition, lab and studio design, computer-aided performance, and live/recorded multi-media and interactive lighting. 3 SH.
A survey of the electronic music hardware and software available in the computer music studio. The techniques used by both popular and classical electronic composers will be studied. Students will create original works of music or sound art using non-realtime processes. 4 SH. Offered every other year.
A study of real-time, interactive techniques for electronic music, and, to a lesser extent, video. Students will become familiar with the MAX/MSP/JITTER object-oriented programming language, as well as the collection of MIDI controllers in the Susquehanna computer music studio. Student work will result in a final concert. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary. Offered every other year.
Designed to introduce students to the technique of conducting and to develop their ability to lead an ensemble with confidence. Prerequisites: MUSC-035, MUSC-162 and MUSC-164. 2 SH.
Technical aspects of composing or arranging music for instrumental ensembles of varying size and ability. 2 SH. Offered every other year.
Study of advanced gestural technique as applied to instrumental rehearsal and performance. Additional attention is given to rehearsal techniques, score study, performance practice and philosophical thought with regard to the art and craft of conducting. Prerequisite: MUSC-369. 2 SH.
Designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of choral conducting and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSC-369. 2 SH.
Examines materials and methodology in the various areas and levels of applied studio teaching. 2 SH. Offered at least once annually with rotating topics.
Various topics in music literature, including piano, voice, organ, string, brass, percussion and woodwind literature. 2 SH. Offered at least once annually with rotating topics.
This course aims to introduce and broadly develop a working knowledge of the vast amount of repertoire that collaborative pianists experience, including vocal art songs, opera arias and oratorios, musical theatre pieces, instrumental character pieces, sonatas, and concerti. Prerequisite: At least 1 semester of MUSC-019. 1 SH.
Public recital performance for credit. Prerequisite: Approval by the music faculty on recommendation of the major teacher. 2 SH. Capstone.
In-depth study of a selected topic under faculty guidance. Includes a research paper or presentation or performance for students and faculty. Prerequisites: Securing a faculty sponsor, approval of topic by a music faculty committee and junior or senior standing. May be repeated for credit. 2-4 SH.
Public recital performance for credit. Prerequisite: Approval by the music faculty on recommendation of the major teacher. 0 SH.
Supervised work experience in fields such as recording, music merchandising, church music, music therapy, instrument repair and concert management. Prerequisites: Department head’s permission and a 2.75 or higher GPA. 0-12 SH.
In-depth study of a selected topic under faculty guidance. Includes a research paper or presentation or performance for students and faculty. Prerequisites: Securing a faculty sponsor, approval of topic by a music faculty committee and junior or senior standing. May be repeated for credit. 2 SH. Capstone.
Solo and ensemble performance in a semi-formal setting. Includes programs by visiting organizations, guest artists and lecturers. 0 SH.
Music Education
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching classroom instruments to prepare students to teach general music in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Prerequisites: MUED-200. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
Basic knowledge of playing and teaching the band and orchestra instruments to prepare for instrumental teaching in the public schools. Includes historical development, literature, performance techniques and pedagogy. Music majors only. 1 SH.
An overview of the role of education and particularly music education in American society, as well as the historical, cultural and philosophical forces that have influenced public schooling. Incorporates topics related to current educational policy and practice and classroom observations at elementary and secondary levels of music instruction. 2 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials needed for teaching general music at all levels. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials needed for teaching instrumental music at all levels. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials needed for teaching choral music at all levels. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH.
Study of the instructional methods and materials, including legal, ethical and pedagogical competencies needed for teaching music to exceptional children. Includes practicum. Prerequisites: junior standing, MUED-200. 4 SH. CC: Ethics Intensive, Interdisciplinary.
Full-time, supervised teaching in public school music classrooms. Course credit represents preparation and planning, classroom performance, and classroom management. Students may not register for ensembles or lessons during the semester in which they student teach. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all first-year-, sophomore- and junior-level music education courses; music education coordinator’s permission; and acceptance into the education program. 12 SH. Capstone.
The course is required to be taken during the student teaching semester and is part of the culminating experience in the music education degree program. From a practitioner’s perspective, this course “emphasizes thorough insight into issues relevant to public school music teaching, reflection on current teaching trends, and methodology and development of skills for future teaching and professionalism.” This course fulfills portions of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for professionalism. 2 SH.
Independent research in music education under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s).
Learning Goals
- Performance—Students integrate technical skills and knowledge to be able to complete a successful performance in a particular area of concentration.
- Aural skills and analysis.
- Music history—Students can place music in historical, cultural and stylistic contexts.
- Composition and improvisation.
- Technology—Students identify and employ appropriate technology applicable to their area of specialization.
- Synthesis—Students integrate their music studies through a means appropriate to their curriculum.
Students in the music department may, with department head approval, complete a music technology minor in addition to a major in music.
Double-counting restriction
Students pursuing a major in the music department may double-count a maximum of 8 semester hours toward another major or minor.
Music Opportunities for Non-Music Majors
The department provides a variety of music opportunities for all students, regardless of their majors and career goals. Nonmajors may take upper-level music courses with permission of the instructor. The department also welcomes nonmajors in performing groups and private study upon a successful audition or permission from the instructor.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Susquehanna University believes that educators need to demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in the following four domains of teaching: (1) preparation and planning, (2) instruction and assessment, (3) creating a classroom environment of respect and rapport, and (4) professional responsibility. Collaborative programs between the university and area schools afford a variety of opportunities to develop and demonstrate professional knowledge and teaching skills. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Music in music education degree requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Piano and organ concentrates must choose to follow the vocal emphasis or instrumental emphasis requirements. The major lesson is in piano or organ, with the major ensemble corresponding to the emphasis selected.
Application to the Teacher Education Program
Students seeking admission to Susquehanna University’s teacher education program must meet requirements of both the teacher education program and the Pennsylvania Department of Education and formally apply to the university’s Department of Education. Application forms are available in the university’s Department of Education office. Acceptance into the program is determined by the teacher education program. The Department of Education reserves the right to determine eligibility on a case-by- case basis. Students may apply for admission to the teacher education program as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year. Students must apply and be admitted no later than the first semester of their junior year.
Requirements for admission to the teacher education program include the following:
- Completion of at least 48 semester hours of coursework, including:
- Three semester hours of English composition
- Three semester hours of English/American literature
- Six semester hours of college-level mathematics;
- Successful completion of MUED-200 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Music Education;
- A cumulative GPA of 3.00;
- Passing PAPA or CORE examinations scores or being exempt through sufficient SAT or ACT scores;
- Completion of one 40-hour externship (see below), with completed forms returned to the Department of Education;
- Current Act 24, Act 34, Act 114, Act 126, and Act 151 clearances, and negative Tuberculosis (TB) results;
- Two letters of reference from university faculty; and
- Submission of a completed Department of Education application form.
Externship
An externship consists of 40 hours in a school for observing and aiding in classrooms and other areas of the school, conducting staff interviews, etc. Applicants must complete an externship prior to admission to the education program. Externship information and forms can be obtained from the education department office or the education department website.
Students who have not been formally admitted into the teacher education program may not take more than 12 semester hours of education courses (including music education courses) without written permission from the coordinator of music education. Transfer students who wish to enter the program are evaluated on an individual basis by the coordinator of music education in consultation with the music education committee and the head of the department.
Professional Conduct
The Department of Music faculty, in consultation with faculty of the Department of Education, reserves the right to make a judgment on the suitability of students for professional teaching practice. Practicum students (those in the schools observing and/or aiding a teacher) and student teachers must follow the policies of the host school district. Practicum students and student teachers are held to a professional standard of behavior as specified by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators and will be removed from a school site by a building administrator for unprofessional conduct. A student asked to leave a school site may be assigned academic work outside of student teaching to complete the credits needed for graduation. Grades will be assigned by the education department faculty based on the work completed and evaluations from Susquehanna faculty and the cooperating teachers.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Each course below must be completed with a minimum grade of C-.
12 Music Literature
- 2 MUSC-152 Survey of World Music
- 4 MUSC-245 The Music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Eras
- 4 MUSC-250 The Music of the Classic and Romantic Eras
- 2 MUSC-350 20th-Century Music
14 Music Theory
- 2 MUSC-161 Theory I: Diatonic Harmony
- 2 MUSC-162 Theory II: Chromatic Harmony
- 2 MUSC-163 Ear Training I
- 2 MUSC-164 Ear Training II
- 2 MUSC-261 Theory III: Advanced Harmony
- 2 MUSC-262 Theory IV: Form and Analysis
- 2 MUSC-263 Ear Training III
40 Education
- 4 EDUC-250 Educational Psychology
- 4 EDUC-350 English Language Learners: Theory and Instruction
- 2 MUED-200 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Public School Education and Music Education
- 4 MUED-339 General Music Education Methods and Practicum
- 4 MUED-345 Instrumental Music Education Methods and Practicum
- 4 MUED-351 Choral Music Education Methods and Practicum
- 4 MUED-355 Music for Exceptional Children and Practicum
- 0* MUED-400:01 Student Teaching
- 4* MUED-400:02 Classroom Performance
- 4* MUED-400:03 Classroom Management
- 4* MUED-400:04 Preparation and Planning
- 2* MUED-405 Student Teaching Seminar
- (*indicates capstone)
4 Conducting
- 2 MUSC-369 Beginning Conducting
- 2 MUSC-371 Instrumental Conducting (instrumental emphasis)
- 2 MUSC-372 Choral Conducting (vocal emphasis)
31-32 Applied Music and Other Courses
- Vocal emphasis 31 SH; Instrumental emphasis 32 SH; Keyboard-Vocal Emphasis 32, Keyboard-Instrumental Emphasis 34
- 14 Major Lesson (seven semesters)
- 1 MUSC-034 Piano Class I (not required of keyboard concentrates)
- 1 MUSC-035 Piano Class II (not required of keyboard concentrates)
- 1 MUSC-037 Piano Class III
- 1 MUSC-038 Piano Technique (for piano concentrates only)
- 1 MUSC-082 University Choir OR MUSC-083 University Chorale (instrumental emphasis)
- 1 MUED-039 Classroom Instruments
- 1 MUED-040 Brass Class I
- 1 MUED-041 Woodwind Class I
- 1 MUED-042 String Class I
- 1 MUED-043 Percussion Class
- 1 MUED-046 Brass Class II (instrumental emphasis)
- 1 MUED-047 Woodwind Class II (instrumental emphasis)
- 1 MUED-048 String Class II (instrumental emphasis)
- 1 MUSC-049 Piano Class IV (vocal emphasis)
- 2-3 MUSC-066 Collaborative Piano (keyboard concentrates only) (third semester for keyboard concentrates who are exempt from MUSC-037)
- 1 MUSC-077 Training Ensemble
- 1 MUSC-084 Diction I (vocal emphasis)
- 7 Large Ensemble (seven semesters)
- 0 MUSC-503 Half Recital
- 0 MUSC-555 Forum (seven semesters)
Applied Music Lessons
Lessons carry one or two semester hours of credit. Students earn credit of one semester hour for a weekly half-hour lesson. Bachelor of Arts majors take a one-semester-hour lesson on their major instrument. Music education majors and performance majors take a weekly one-hour lesson on their major instrument and receive two semester hours of credit.
A fee is charged per semester for individual lessons that are not stated specifically as curricular requirements (nonmajors or extra lessons for majors). Such lessons are contingent upon faculty availability within the normal teaching load.
- General music educator
- Choral music educator
- Instrumental music educator
- Private music instructor
- Professional musician
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