Education: Music Education K-12 (BME)

Degree: Bachelor of Music Education
Major: Music Education K-12
Program Code: 3282

About This Major . . .

The Music Education K-12 degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and musicianship to become successful music educators in their intended career path (instrumental, vocal/choral, elementary music). Based on area of specialization, a student will choose Option 1: Instrumental and Keyboard Focus, or Option 2: Vocal Focus. Within these options, students take specific courses appropriate to their specialization in literature, instrumental techniques, advanced conducting, and teaching special ensembles. In addition to instrumental methods and two instrumental techniques courses, vocal majors take two courses in diction and vocal pedagogy to strengthen their knowledge and skill in the vocal/choral area of specialization.

Studies in music theory, history, literature, ensemble performance, and applied study give students a strong foundation on which to build a successful teaching career. Regardless of the student’s area of specialization, all music education majors take classes in beginning conducting and instrumental, choral, and elementary techniques to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career as a K-12 music educator.  The combined skills and knowledge from these courses, in addition to the courses in the area of specialization, are applied during field experiences and the student teaching internship.

As a student, you will gradually accumulate over 200 hours of classroom experience before beginning student teaching. School districts throughout western Colorado provide opportunities to gain experience with children of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of school settings.

A minimum of 75 credit hours of Essential Learning and content area coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.80 before a candidate may apply for admission to the Center for Teacher Education secondary licensure program.  Please see the Teacher Education Admission Packet for further information on admissions criteria.

For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource.

All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:

  1. Music Education Outcome 1: Develop and express music judgments through solo performances. (Critical Thinking)
    2.
  2. Music Education Outcome 2: Identify current national and state music education standards. (Specialized Knowledge)
  3. Music Education Outcome 3: Demonstrate strategies associated with teaching general music curricula. (Specialized Knowledge)
    4.
  4. Music Education Outcome 4: Conduct research on a specialized topic in music that results in a well-organized document or oral presentation. (Communication Fluency)
    5.
  5. Music Education Outcome 5: Demonstrate teaching techniques in an instrumental or vocal setting. (Specialized Knowledge)
    6.
  6. Teacher Education Outcome 1: Demonstrate mastery of major area’s content knowledge and pedagogical strategies through fieldwork with learners in professional settings. (Specialized Knowledge/Applied Learning)
    7.
  7. Teacher Education Outcome 2: Design and establish a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students. (Specialized Knowledge/Applied Learning)
    8.
  8. Teacher Education Outcome 3: Plan and deliver effective instruction to students, based on research-based pedagogical practices. (Communication Literacy/Information Literacy)
    9.
  9. Teacher Education Outcome 4: Collect and analyze student assessment data and use results to inform planning and instruction. (Quantitative Fluency)
    10.
  10. Teacher Education Outcome 5: Demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership. (Personal and Social Responsibility)

Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements. 

To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity. 

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)

See the current catalog for a list of courses that fulfill the requirements below.  If a course is an Essential Learning option and a requirement for your major, you must use it to fulfill the major requirement and make a different selection for the Essential Learning requirement.

For this program, some Essential Learning credits will have to be completed in the junior year. See suggested course sequencing for more details.

English 1
ENGL 111English Composition I-GTCO13
ENGL 112English Composition II-GTCO23
Mathematics 2
MATH 110Mathematical Investigations-GTMA13
History
Select one History course3
Humanities
Select one Humanities course3
Social and Behavioral Sciences
PSYC 233Human Growth and Development-GTSS3 33
Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course3
Fine Arts
Select one Fine Arts course3
Natural Sciences 4
Select one Natural Sciences course3
Select one Natural Sciences course with a lab4
Total Semester Credit Hours31
1

Must receive a grade of “B” or better and must be completed by the time the student has 60 semester hours.

2

Must receive a grade of “C” or better, must be completed by the time the student has 60 semester hours.

3

Must receive a grade of “B” or better.

4

One course must include a lab.

Other Lower Division Requirements

Wellness Requirement
KINE 100Health and Wellness1
Select one Activity Course1
Essential Learning Capstone 1
ESSL 290Maverick Milestone3
ESSL 200Essential Speech1
Total Semester Credit Hours6
1

Essential Learning Capstone must be taken after completion of the Essential Learning English and Mathematics requirements, and when a student has earned between 45 and 75 hours.

Foundation Courses

(23 semester hours, must pass all courses with a “C” or better)

MUSA 111Music Technology1
MUSA 114Theory I-Introduction3
MUSA 115Theory II-Diatonic Concepts3
MUSA 116Ear Training and Sightsinging I2
MUSA 117Ear Training and Sightsinging II2
MUSA 214Theory III - Chromatic Concepts3
MUSA 215Theory IV - Twentieth Century Form and Analysis3
MUSL 1__Music Lesson1
MUSL 1__Music Lesson1
MUSL 2__Music Lesson1
MUSP 1__Music Performance1
MUSP 1__Music Performance1
MUSP 2__Music Performance1
Total Semester Credit Hours23

Program Specific Degree Requirements

(66 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.)

  • Students must meet departmental recital/concert attendance requirements.
  • Students deficient in piano skills will be required to complete MUSA 130 (2), MUSA 131 (2), MUSA 230 (2), MUSA 231 (2), in the first two years.
Music Core 1
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 101Concert Attendance0
MUSA 250Beginning Conducting2
MUSA 268Beginning Jazz Improvisation (This 1 hour requirement is for Instrumental and Keyboard students only.)0-1
Select one of the following:3
MUSA 302
Keyboard Literature I
MUSA 303
Symphonic Literature
MUSA 304
Keyboard Literature II
MUSA 319
Choral Literature
MUSA 317Applied Orchestration and Arranging2
MUSA 326Music History and Literature I3
MUSA 327Music History and Literature II3
MUSA 426The Music of World Cultures2
MUSP 365Vocal Performance Workshop (This 1 credit hour requirement is for vocal students only.)0-1
MUSL 2__Music Lesson1
MUSL 3__Music Lesson1
MUSL 3__Music Lesson1
MUSL 4__Music Lesson1
MUSP 2__Music Performance1
MUSP 3__Music Performance1
MUSP 3__Music Performance1
MUSP 4__Music Performance1
MUSP 420Senior Recital/Presentation1
Total Semester Credit Hours24-26
Music Education K-12 Requirements Option 1: Instrumental and Keyboard Focus 2
MUSA 137Class Voice1
MUSA 232String Techniques and Materials2
MUSA 233Woodwind Techniques and Materials2
MUSA 234Brass Techniques and Materials2
MUSA 235Percussion Techniques and Materials2
MUSA 240Introduction to Music Education (30 field experience hours)2
MUSA 340Teaching Elementary and General Music: Methods, Principles, and Materials (30 field experience hours)3
Select one of the following: 2
MUSA 350A
Advanced Conducting: Choral
MUSA 350B
Advanced Conducting: Instrumental
MUSA 440Teaching Vocal Music K-12: Methods, Principles, and Materials (35 field experience hours)3
MUSA 441Teaching Instrumental Music K-12: Methods, Principles and Materials (35 field experience hours)3
Select one of the following:2
MUSA 442A
Teaching Special Ensembles: Choral (30 field experience hours)
MUSA 442B
Teaching Special Ensembles: Instrumental (30 field experience hours)
Total Semester Credit Hours24
Music Education K-12 Requirements Option 2: Vocal Focus 2
Select two of the following:4
MUSA 232
String Techniques and Materials
MUSA 233
Woodwind Techniques and Materials
MUSA 234
Brass Techniques and Materials
MUSA 235
Percussion Techniques and Materials
MUSA 129Singer's Diction I: English and Italian1
MUSA 229Singer's Diction II: German and French1
MUSA 240Introduction to Music Education (30 field experience hours)2
MUSA 340Teaching Elementary and General Music: Methods, Principles, and Materials (30 field experience hours)3
Select one of the following:2
MUSA 350A
Advanced Conducting: Choral
MUSA 350B
Advanced Conducting: Instrumental
MUSA 410Vocal Pedagogy3
MUSA 440Teaching Vocal Music K-12: Methods, Principles, and Materials (35 field experience hours)3
MUSA 441Teaching Instrumental Music K-12: Methods, Principles and Materials (35 field experience hours)3
Select one of the following:2
MUSA 442A
Teaching Special Ensembles: Choral (30 field experience hours)
MUSA 442B
Teaching Special Ensembles: Instrumental (30 field experience hours)
Total Semester Credit Hours24
K-12 Licensure Requirements 3,4
EDUC 115What It Means To Be An Educator (8 field experience hours)1
EDUC 215Teaching as a Profession (12 field experience hours)1
EDUC 343Teaching to Diversity (20 field experience hours)3
EDUC 499DTeaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary for K-12 (300 field experience hours)6
EDUC 499HTeaching Internship and Colloquia: Secondary for K-12 (300 field experience hours)6
Praxis II Exam Passed
Total Semester Credit Hours17
1

While the total for this section reads 24-26, students must complete 25 hours. The variation is due to courses that differ for vocal versus instrumental and keyboard students.

2

 Students must select the option that aligns with their area of focus.

3

Must be completed with a grade of “B” or better.

4

Program Requirements:  ENGL 111, ENGL 112, PSYC 233, EDUC 115 and EDUC 215 (all with a grade of “B” or better) and formal acceptance to the Teacher Education Program

All EDUC prefix courses listed above must be completed with a grade of "B" or better to progress through the program sequence. Students must pass the PRAXIS II exam in the content area prior to commencing the internship.  Also, ALL other coursework toward the degree must be successfully completed prior to the internship.

Suggested 8-semester course sequencing

It is highly suggested to take summer and J-term courses to finish the degree in this time frame.  Most students require remedial piano courses to meet their piano proficiency requirement as well.

While the total semester hours below reads 124-133, students in this program (both vocal and keyboard/instrumental) actually complete a minimum of 126 hours. This variation in the total hours count is due to differences in requirements for vocal versus instrumental and keyboard students and how specific course ranges reflect in the total count.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterSemester Credit Hours
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 1__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 1__Music Performance 1
MUSA 114 Theory I-Introduction 3
MUSA 116 Ear Training and Sightsinging I 2
MUSA 111 Music Technology 1
ENGL 111 English Composition I-GTCO1 3
KINE 100 Health and Wellness 1
PSYC 233 Human Growth and Development-GTSS3 3
Essential Learning - Natural Science 3
 Semester Credit Hours18
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 1__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 1__Music Performance 1
MUSA 115 Theory II-Diatonic Concepts 3
MUSA 117 Ear Training and Sightsinging II 2
ENGL 112 English Composition II-GTCO2 3
KINA Activity 1
Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
 Semester Credit Hours14
Second Year
Fall Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 2__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 2__Music Performance 1
MUSA 214 Theory III - Chromatic Concepts 3
MUSA 240 Introduction to Music Education 2
MUSA 232
or MUSA 233
 String Techniques and Materials
or Woodwind Techniques and Materials
 2
MUSA 268 Beginning Jazz Improvisation (for instrumental and keyboard students only) 0-1
MATH 110 Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 3
Essential Learning - Natural Science with Lab 4
Essential Learning - Fine Arts 3
 Semester Credit Hours19-20
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 2__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 2__Music Performance 1
MUSA 215 Theory IV - Twentieth Century Form and Analysis 3
Essential Learning - Humanities 3
MUSA 234
or MUSA 235
 Brass Techniques and Materials
or Percussion Techniques and Materials
 2
MUSA 250 Beginning Conducting 2
MUSA 3__Symphonic, Keyboard, OR Choral Literature 3
MUSA 4__Instrumental or Vocal Methods K-12 3
EDUC 115 What It Means To Be An Educator 1
EDUC 215 Teaching as a Profession 1
 Semester Credit Hours20
Third Year
Fall Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSA 129 Singer's Diction I: English and Italian (for vocal students only) 1
MUSL 3__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 3__Music Performance 1
MUSA 233
or MUSA 232
 Woodwind Techniques and Materials (Instrumental and Keyboard students only)
or String Techniques and Materials
 0-2
Select one of the following: 2-3
MUSA 340
 Teaching Elementary and General Music: Methods, Principles, and Materials
MUSA 442A
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Choral
MUSA 442B
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Instrumental
MUSA 350A
or MUSA 350B
 Advanced Conducting: Choral
or Advanced Conducting: Instrumental
 2
MUSA 326 Music History and Literature I 3
ESSL 290 Maverick Milestone 3
ESSL 200 Essential Speech 1
 Semester Credit Hours14-17
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSA 229 Singer's Diction II: German and French (for vocal students only) 1
MUSL 3__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 3__Music Performance 1
MUSA 235
or MUSA 234
 Percussion Techniques and Materials (Instrumental and Keyboard students only)
or Brass Techniques and Materials
 0-2
MUSA 426 The Music of World Cultures 2
MUSA 327 Music History and Literature II 3
MUSA 4__Instrumental OR Vocal Methods 3
MUSA 410 Vocal Pedagogy 3
EDUC 343 Teaching to Diversity 3
 Semester Credit Hours17-19
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 4__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 4__Music Performance 1
Essential Learning - History 3
MUSA 317 Applied Orchestration and Arranging 2
MUSA 137 Class Voice (Instrumental and Keyboard students only) 0-1
Select one of the following: (may only earn credit for 340 once and for 442A or 442B once) 2-3
MUSA 442A
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Choral
MUSA 442B
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Instrumental
MUSA 340
 Teaching Elementary and General Music: Methods, Principles, and Materials
MUSP 420 Senior Recital/Presentation 1
MUSP 365
or MUSP 465
 Vocal Performance Workshop (Vocal students only)
or Opera Scenes
 0-1
 Semester Credit Hours10-13
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
EDUC 499D Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary for K-12 6
EDUC 499H Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Secondary for K-12 6
 Semester Credit Hours12
 Total Semester Credit Hours124-133

Suggested 9-semester course sequencing

It is highly suggested to take summer and J-term courses to finish the degree in this time frame.  Most students require remedial piano courses to meet their piano proficiency requirement as well.

While the total semester hours below reads 123-135, students in this program (both vocal and keyboard/instrumental) actually complete a minimum of 126 hours. This variation in the total hours count is due to differences in requirements for vocal versus instrumental and keyboard students and how specific course ranges reflect in the total count.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterSemester Credit Hours
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 1__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 1__Music Performance 1
MUSA 114 Theory I-Introduction 3
MUSA 116 Ear Training and Sightsinging I 2
MUSA 111 Music Technology 1
ENGL 111 English Composition I-GTCO1 3
KINE 100 Health and Wellness 1
Essential Learning - Natural Science 3
 Semester Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 1__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 1__Music Performance 1
MUSA 115 Theory II-Diatonic Concepts 3
MUSA 117 Ear Training and Sightsinging II 2
ENGL 112 English Composition II-GTCO2 3
PSYC 233 Human Growth and Development-GTSS3 3
KINA Activity 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Second Year
Fall Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 2__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 2__Music Performance 1
MUSA 214 Theory III - Chromatic Concepts 3
MUSA 240 Introduction to Music Education 2
MUSA 232
or MUSA 233
 String Techniques and Materials
or Woodwind Techniques and Materials
 2
MUSA 268 Beginning Jazz Improvisation (for instrumental and keyboard students only) 0-1
MATH 110 Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 3
Essential Learning - Natural Science with Lab 4
Essential Learning - Fine Arts 3
 Semester Credit Hours19-20
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 2__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 2__Music Performance 1
MUSA 215 Theory IV - Twentieth Century Form and Analysis 3
Essential Learning - Humanities 3
MUSA 234
or MUSA 235
 Brass Techniques and Materials
or Percussion Techniques and Materials
 2
MUSA 250 Beginning Conducting 2
EDUC 115 What It Means To Be An Educator 1
EDUC 215 Teaching as a Profession 1
 Semester Credit Hours14
Third Year
Fall Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 3__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 3__Music Performance 1
MUSA 233
or MUSA 232
 Woodwind Techniques and Materials (Instrumental and Keyboard students only)
or String Techniques and Materials
 0-2
Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
MUSA 350A
or MUSA 350B
 Advanced Conducting: Choral
or Advanced Conducting: Instrumental
 2
MUSA 326 Music History and Literature I 3
ESSL 290 Maverick Milestone 3
ESSL 200 Essential Speech 1
 Semester Credit Hours14-16
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSL 3__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 3__Music Performance 1
MUSA 235
or MUSA 234
 Percussion Techniques and Materials (Instrumental and Keyboard students only)
or Brass Techniques and Materials
 0-2
MUSA 426 The Music of World Cultures 2
MUSA 327 Music History and Literature II 3
MUSA 4__Instrumental OR Vocal Methods 3
EDUC 343 Teaching to Diversity 3
 Semester Credit Hours13-15
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSA 129 Singer's Diction I: English and Italian (for vocal students only) 1
MUSL 4__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 4__Music Performance 1
Essential Learning - History 3
MUSA 317 Applied Orchestration and Arranging 2
MUSA 137 Class Voice (Instrumental and Keyboard students only) 0-1
Select one of the following: (may only earn credit for 340 once and for 442A or 442B once) 2-3
MUSA 340
 Teaching Elementary and General Music: Methods, Principles, and Materials
MUSA 442A
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Choral
MUSA 442B
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Instrumental
Select one of the following: (may only earn credit for 340 once and for 442A or 442B once) 2-3
MUSA 340
 Teaching Elementary and General Music: Methods, Principles, and Materials
MUSA 442A
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Choral
MUSA 442B
 Teaching Special Ensembles: Instrumental
MUSP 365
or MUSP 465
 Vocal Performance Workshop (Vocal students only)
or Opera Scenes
 0-1
 Semester Credit Hours12-16
Spring Semester
MUSA 101 Concert Attendance 0
MUSA 229 Singer's Diction II: German and French (for vocal students only) 1
MUSL 4__Music Lesson 1
MUSP 4__Music Performance 1
MUSA 3__Symphonic, Keyboard, OR Choral Literature 3
MUSA 4__Instrumental or Vocal Methods K-12 3
MUSA 410 Vocal Pedagogy (Vocal students only) 0-3
MUSP 420 Senior Recital/Presentation 1
 Semester Credit Hours10-13
Fifth Year
Fall Semester
EDUC 499D Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary for K-12 6
EDUC 499H Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Secondary for K-12 6
 Semester Credit Hours12
 Total Semester Credit Hours123-135

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).

DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a degree and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.

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.

Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found at http://www.coloradomesa.edu/registrar/graduation.html.

If a student’s petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to consult the Registrar’s Office regarding next steps.