Music Education K-12 (BME) Program

The Music Education K-12 degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and musicianship needed to become successful music educators. After completion of core coursework, students will specialize in either an instrumental and vocal/choral track.

Overview

The program is designed to equip students with comprehensive and well-rounded skills for teaching music for grades K-12. The foundational coursework includes applied lessons, class piano, ear training and sightsinging, performance ensembles, music history, music literature, music theory, music technology, vocal techniques, and world music.

Requirements

• Core Coursework for Music Education Majors: Music education majors complete a core coursework designed to provide comprehensive and well-rounded skills for teaching music for grades K-12.
• Specialized Coursework for Music Education Majors: Students choose one of the following options based on their area of music specialization:
  • Instrumental and Keyboard Focus: Students with an instrumental or keyboard specialization take technique courses for woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings, as well as symphonic literature, advanced conducting for instrumentalists, and a course for special instrumental ensembles.
  • Vocal Focus: Students with a vocal specialization take two courses in diction, a course in vocal pedagogy, advanced conducting for choral ensembles, and a course for special vocal ensembles.

Professional Education

• Professional Education Coursework: Along with demonstrating a strong musical foundation, students progress to the Center for Teacher Education, where they delve into the fundamentals of the teaching profession. This phase covers educational theories, as well as the social, historical, and legal contexts of education, with a focus on diversity in student development.
• Field Experience: As a recognition of the importance of observation and modeling, two hundred hours of classroom experience are spiraled in the music education curriculum pre-service teachers begin student teaching. This practical experience, gained through partnerships with school districts across western Colorado, affords CMU pre-service teachers ample opportunity to work with children of all ages and diverse backgrounds in various educational settings.
• Student Teaching Internship: As a culmination of their preparation, pre-service teachers apply the skills gained during their coursework through the student teaching internship. During this semester, students immerse themselves in both elementary and secondary classrooms, gaining hands-on experience as they transition into their roles to in-service music educators.

Admission Requirements for the Center for Teacher Education

To apply for admission to the Center for Teacher Education licensure program:

• Complete a minimum of 75 credit hours of Essential Learning and content area coursework.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80.
• For more information, refer to the Teacher Education Admission Packet for specific admissions criteria.

Institutional Degree Requirements

The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU baccalaureate degrees. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.

• 120 semester hours minimum.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
• 40 upper-division credits (an alternative credit limit applies to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree).
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of 15 of the 30 credits may be for cooperative education, internships, and practica.
• Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
• Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.
• The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
• See "Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates" in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.

Specific to this Program

• 126 semester hours required for the BME in Music Education K-12.
• 2.80 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.

Essential Learning Requirements

(31 semester hours)

• English 1: ENGL 111 English Composition I-GTCO1, ENGL 112 English Composition II-GTCO2
• Mathematics 2: MATH 110 Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1
• History: Select one History course
• Humanities: Select one Humanities course
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: PSYC 233 Human Growth and Development-GTSS3, Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course
• Fine Arts: Select one Fine Arts course
• Natural Sciences 4: Select one Natural Sciences course, Select one Natural Sciences course with a lab

Other Lower Division Requirements

(6 semester hours)

• Wellness Requirement: KINE 100 Health and Wellness, Select one Activity Course
• Essential Learning Capstone 2: ESSL 290 Maverick Milestone, ESSL 200 Essential Speech

Foundation Courses

(26 semester hours, must pass all courses with a "C" or better)

• MUSA 111 Music Technology
• MUSA 114 Theory I-Introduction
• MUSA 115 Theory II-Diatonic Concepts
• MUSA 116 Ear Training and Sightsinging I
• MUSA 117 Ear Training and Sightsinging II
• MUSA 130 Class Piano I
• MUSA 131 Class Piano II
• MUSA 214 Theory III - Chromatic Concepts
• MUSA 215 Theory IV - Twentieth Century Form and Analysis
• MUSA 230 Class Piano III
• MUSL 1__ Music Lesson
• MUSL 1__ Music Lesson
• MUSL 2__ Music Lesson
• MUSL 2__ Music Lesson
• MUSP 1__ Music Performance
• MUSP 1__ Music Performance
• MUSP 2__ Music Performance
• MUSP 2__ Music Performance

Program Specific Degree Requirements

(63 semester hours, must pass all courses with a "C" or better and maintain a 2.80 cumulative GPA or higher in coursework in this area.)

• Music Core 1: MUSA 101 Concert Attendance, MUSA 240 Introduction to Music Education, MUSA 250 Beginning Conducting, Select one of the following: MUSA 303 Symphonic Literature, MUSA 305 Keyboard Literature, MUSA 319 Choral Literature
• Music Education K-12 Requirements 1:
  • Option 1: Instrumental and Keyboard Focus
  • Option 2: Vocal Focus
• Professional Education: EDUC 115 What It Means To Be An Educator, EDUC 215 Teaching as a Profession, EDUC 343 Teaching to Diversity, EDUC 499D Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary for K-12, EDUC 499H Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Secondary for K-12

Suggested 8-semester Course Sequencing

Students are strongly encouraged to use the 9-semester sequence unless they have incoming credits or plan to take some Essential Learning courses during the summer or J-term.

Suggested 9-semester Course Sequencing

A 9-semester course sequence is a standard option for most music education students, as it allows students the necessary time to achieve the competencies required for certification and career readiness while maintaining a manageable course load.

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree(s).

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.