Music Education (B.M.E.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Reynolds, Director
School of Performing Arts
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center 123B, Box 2830
605-688-5187

Program Information

This program is recommended for students interested in becoming certified to teach elementary and secondary school music. An emphasis in choral or instrumental teaching may be elected, or, by adding appropriate hours, students may prepare in both areas. Those preparing in both areas must complete both choral and instrumental music education sequences, including both sets of pedagogies.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a common body of knowledge and skills including technical mastery for artistic self-expression, an understanding of the repertory in a major performance medium, the ability to perform from a cross-section of repertoire, the ability to read at sight with fluency, knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation, keyboard competency, and growth in artistry.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction, and the ability to employ this understanding in aural, verbal, and visual analyses, and the ability to take aural dictation. 
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of and capability with musical forms, processes, and structures.
• Students will demonstrate a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music.
• Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of current methods, materials, and repertories available in various fields and levels of music education appropriate to the teaching specialization.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to accept, amend, or reject methods and materials based on personal assessment of specific teaching techniques.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of evaluative techniques and ability to apply them in assessing both the musical progress of students and the objectives and procedures of the curriculum.
• Students will demonstrate through a teaching practicum the ability to teach music at various levels to different age groups and in a variety of classroom settings and ensembles.

Music Program Application Requirements

1. Admission as a music major in any of the music degree programs requires the successful completion of an audition in the student’s major area of applied instruction.
2. Music majors in all degree programs must choose one area of applied instruction in which to specialize. Further, students must meet the applied proficiency standards of the program in that area. To that end, students must:
   1. successfully complete a jury examination each semester.
   2. apply for and be granted approval to advance to upper level applied study (300-400 levels).
   3. complete a minimum of 6 hours of upper level (300-400) applied study
3. Piano proficiency is required of all majors. Several approaches to meeting the requirements are available. See the Student Handbook published and available from the program for more specifics. The piano proficiency must be passed before the senior recital may be scheduled.
4. Voice or instrumental proficiency is required of all keyboard majors.
5. Ensemble Requirements:
   1. All music majors must participate in at least one major ensemble each semester they are enrolled as a regular university student (Internship and Student Teaching semesters excepted). See the Student Handbook for more details.
   2. Participation in small ensembles is strongly encouraged for all majors and minors.
6. A minimum of five pedagogy courses is required for students in the B.M.E program, and while the required pedagogies develop proficiencies within the areas of specialization for B.M.E. students, a functional knowledge of instrumental or vocal techniques outside the specialty is also essential. For instrumental B.M.E. majors, this must include one semester each of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogies. Six semesters will assure the broadest preparation through multiple levels of woodwind and brass pedagogy. In addition, instrumental B.M.E. majors must take MUS 270 /MUS 271  general voice for instrument majors. For vocal B.M.E. majors, the four required semesters of vocal pedagogy are augmented by MUS 270 /MUS 271   general instrument for voice majors.
7. Recommendations for enrolling in student teaching will be issued by the Music Education Coordinator following an interview with the student and his/her advisor.
8. Recommendations for music entrepreneurship students wishing to enroll for the Internship experience must be issued by the program Coordinator.
9. A senior recital is required of all music majors.
10. Majors and minors must enroll for Recital Attendance (MUS 185 ) each semester they are enrolled for applied music lessons.

Academic Requirements

• A grade of “C” or better is required in CMST 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 103  or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
• An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

South Dakota State University’s music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (good standing reaffirmed in 2011).

Certification and Licensure

• Completion of an approved bachelor’s K-12 preparation program.
• Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
• Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
• Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
• Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers coursework in classroom, studio, and performance settings. The program allows for internship experiences and independent studies.