Music Education

CSU offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Education that leads to eligibility for teacher licensure in the State of Ohio.

Students in our rigorous degree program study both music and education with our renowned applied (performance) and music education faculty. There are many opportunities to perform in large and small ensembles, and every year of study includes field experiences observing and teaching music, culminating in a semester of full-time student teaching working alongside carefully selected mentor teachers. All music education majors study all areas of K-12 music education (general, vocal, and instrumental; elementary and secondary), so they are prepared to pursue any employment opportunity that arises. Our graduates teach in many excellent public and private schools in Northeast Ohio.

CSU Music Education Faculty:

• Heather A. Russell, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Director – School of Music; Coordinator of Music Education
• Birch Browning, Ph.D.; Professor, Music Education; Conductor of Cleveland Winds
• William G. Zurkey, MM; Instructor Music Education/Choral Methods

Bachelor of Music in Music Education Application Requirements: 

• A composite ACT* score of 20 or higher OR 
• Demonstrate proficiency in writing by earning a grade of B- or higher in a college-level English course or an English and Reading ACT* sub- score of 18 (or higher) 
• Demonstrate proficiency in mathematics by earning a grade of B- or higher in a college-level mathematics course or a mathematics ACT* sub-score of 18 (or higher)

Preferred Application Materials (not required, but recommended):

• CSU Music Education Recommendation Form (completed by a school music teacher)
  School Music Teacher Confidential Report
• Writing Sample (a paper from a High School course that represents an applicant's best writing)

Preferred Interview Preparation (not required, but recommended):

Read a suggested journal article to discuss during the Entrance Interview (available by request)

• Differentiation in the Music Classroom by Stephanie L. Standerfer
• Don't Watch Me! by John P. Graulty
• Teaching for Transfer - Matthew L. Garrett

Sing a folk song of your choosing (Evaluated on preparation, not on the quality of singing, suggestions, and resources available upon request)

• Optional/Preferred Requirement: Sing a Folk Song

K-12 Multi-age License in Music Education Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Program.

• The K-12 is a 2-year program intended for students who have earned a Bachelor of Music and wish to pursue a State of Ohio Teaching License.
• See ESSC requirements for Teacher Licensure for details.

*All prospective candidates wishing to pursue a K-12 Multi-age License in Music Education Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Program please refer to undergraduate application requirements.

Mailing Address:
Cleveland State University
School of Music
2121 Euclid Avenue, MU 333
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

Campus Location:
Music and Communication - Building, Room 333

Contact:
Kate Bill - Student Recruiter/Admissions Administrator
Email: m.c.bill@csuohio.edu or Music@csuohio.edu
Phone: 216.687.5039
Fax: 216.687.9279