Music Degree Programs

Majors in music at NSU are offered in music education, performance, jazz studies and commercial music, music (business), and musical arts. 

Bachelor of Music Education (BME) Degree Plans

• For more information about degree requirements, visit the NSU catalog.

Professional Licensure Disclosure:
Programs at Northeastern State University that prepare students for initial licensure as educators are designed to meet the licensure standards set by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Students seeking licensure in another state are advised to contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to determine specific requirements of guidelines for reciprocity. Northeastern State University cannot confirm whether a particular licensure program meets requirements for licensure outside of the State of Oklahoma. For a list of the state departments of education that oversee professional teaching licensure, see the U.S. Department of Education website - State Contacts page.

Bachelor of Music Education

After completing the course of study, a graduate should be able to:

1. Perform successfully on at least one instrument with technical proficiency, and
   with awareness of all musical elements;
2. Perform a twenty-five minute solo recital;
3. Understand and interpret the musical score independently and satisfactorily;
4. Conduct and lead musical ensembles, thus helping the group to understand and to
   respond to the aesthetic content of the music being performed;
5. Read, write, and transcribe music as necessary, including exhibiting appropriate
   ear training skills;
6. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the history and literature of the art,
   including a diversity of cultural sources, historical periods, and media;
7. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of effective pedagogical techniques of the
   art;
8. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and skill level of appropriate technology as
   it applies to music.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (all options)

After completing the course of study, a graduate should be able to:
Program Level Outcomes:

1. 1. Perform successfully on at least one instrument with technical proficiency, and with awareness of all musical elements;
   2. Understand and interpret the musical score independently and satisfactorily;
   3. Read, write, and transcribe music as necessary, including exhibiting appropriate ear
      training skills;
   4. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the history and literature of the art, including
      a diversity of cultural sources, historical periods, and media;
   5. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and skill level of appropriate technology as it
      applies to music.

For questions related to licensure, please contact Lois Buttress (buttress@nsuok.edu).

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Professional Degree Plans

Bachelor of Arts: Performance option-level outcomes:

1. Perform standard, solo and ensemble advanced literature of all musical style-
   periods (and languages, if a voice student) on at least one instrument with
   technical skill, and with awareness of all musical elements;
2. Perform a twenty-five (JR) or fifty-minute (SR) solo recital;
3. Understand the performer’s role in small performance ensembles;
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the literature of the performer’s
   instrument/art, as well as its historical context;
5. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of effective pedagogical techniques of
   the art;
6. If a voice student, demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of three foreign
   languages.

Plan of Study | Course Catalog

Bachelor of Arts: Jazz Studies and Commercial Music option-level
outcomes:

1. Perform a twenty-five (JR) or fifty-minute (SR) solo recital;
2. Improvise in a variety of musical genres, with respect to harmonic, melodic,
   rhythmic, and stylistic concerns;
3. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of jazz and popular music composition
   and arranging abilities;
4. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of audio production skills;
5. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of music business skills to procure
   income as a working musician;
6. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of music theory as it relates to classical
   music, jazz music, and popular music.

Plan of Study | Course Catalog

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Liberal Arts Degree Plans

Bachelor of Arts: Music (Business) option-level outcomes:

1. Utilize concepts of financial accounting;
2. Explain the principles of modern macroeconomics;
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the roles, responsibilities, and skills required of a modern business manager;
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of management functions in music, theatre, art, and dance institutions;
5. Exhibit marketing skills needed to succeed in the music business including
   knowledge of industry trends and needs of music educators/musicians.

Plan of Study | Course Catalog

Bachelor of Arts: Musical Arts option-level outcomes:

1. Will participate in major musical ensembles, thus helping the student to
   understand and respond to the aesthetic content of the music being performed.

Plan of Study | Course Catalog

Course Rotation

In planning your undergraduate degree, it is often helpful to consult the course rotation (pdf) sequence.