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Academic Programs

Music Education - Master of Arts in Education
Music Education K-12 - Bachelor of Music
Music Performance - Bachelor of Music
Musical Theatre - Bachelor of Music
Music Business Emphasis - Bachelor of Music - Music Comprehensive
Music - Bachelor of Arts
Piano Pedagogy Certificate
Music Minor for Elementary Education Majors
Music Minor 

Music Education - Master of Arts in Education
The Master of Arts in Education - Music Specialization degree is a 36 credit hour degree designed for K-12 or community college teachers, those who want to continue graduate education toward a doctorate, and those seeking personal development or enhancement of professional needs. Music courses are available each fall and spring semester with multiple courses offered during the summer. Admission to the degree requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree with a major in music from a fully accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and the satisfactory completion of departmental entrance requirements. Catalog & Information Links.

Music Education K-12 - Bachelor of Music
The music education program leading to a Bachelor of Music - Music Education- K-12 prepares the future music teacher. From an initial core program, through the variety provided by specialization, students develop functional, realistic music teaching skills. Upon graduation, the State of Nebraska certifies students of the degree to teach music K-12. This certificate is valid, through reciprocity agreements, in many other states. The music education degree culminates in the student teaching experience where the student teaches music in the classrooms of the public schools under the guidance of a successful music educator. Catalog.

Music Performance - Bachelor of Music
The music performance program (areas of emphasis: Composition, Instrumental, Piano, Piano with Pedagogy Emphasis, Vocal) is designed to permit the student to develop a high level of skill in at least one area of performance and leads to the degree of Bachelor of Music in Performance. Because of the nature of this professional objective, the student entering this program must demonstrate outstanding musical abilities in composition, voice, a woodwind, brass, percussion or string instrument, or keyboard. Students enrolled in this program will not only enjoy an opportunity to study performance with outstanding musicians, but they will also have an opportunity to broaden their understanding through a strong liberal arts curriculum, which includes music courses and general studies. The performance major will present two full-length (junior and senior) recitals. Catalog.

Musical Theatre - Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre is a professional undergraduate degree that provides training for singer-actors who wish to pursue careers as performers in musical theatre. Offered as a music emphasis program through the Department of Music and Performing Arts, the student's training is divided among courses in music, musical theatre, theater and dance. Students aspiring to a career in musical theatre must demonstrate a high level of talent and proficiency as a singer, actor and dancer. The intensity of studio training and its comprehensive nature require that students be able to excel in several areas of this multi-faceted program that embraces all the performing arts. The music theatre curriculum provides a broad-based education in the performing arts, which includes general studies, along with music, theatre and dance curriculum. As such, students enjoy the opportunity to participate in programs of scenes from musical theater, as well as fully mounted productions. Performances in dance productions, recital, and participation in ensembles add another dimension to the student's program. Catalog.

Music Business Emphasis - Bachelor of Music - Music Comprehensive
The Music Business Program is a course of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Music – Music Business Emphasis, which prepares students for a career in the music industry. Music business is an important aspect of the music industry that involves sales, managing, marketing, publishing, manufacturing, reporting, recording and producing, software, arts administration, the entertainment industry, and music in telecommunications. Music classes include music theory and harmony, performance, conducting, music history, arranging, music business, music technology, sound recording and reinforcement, and advanced sound production. In the area of business, the courses include marketing, professional selling, accounting, management, and software productivity. The program is affiliated with the National Association of Music Merchants, the International Music Products Association. A highlight of the student’s coursework is the internship experience. The internship affords the student an opportunity to observe and work in the music industry under actual business conditions. Students have interned in fourteen states and Japan. Additional Information. Catalog. Dr. Jim Payne: Coordinator (e-mail: paynej@unk.edu)

Music - Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in music is a liberal arts degree with an emphasis on music--a course of study leading to a non-professional degree in music. This degree gives the student a strong foundation in the humanities discipline. Students pursue a program combining academic studies with training in the musical areas of their choice. In addition to the General Studies courses, the courses required by the student's chosen minor area, and language component, the music courses for this degree include music history, music theory, applied music, and performance. Graduates of this program emerge with a varied and well-rounded education, because of the essentially academic discipline in a performance-oriented setting. Catalog.

Piano Pedagogy Certificate
The Certificate in Piano Pedagogy is a course of study designed to provide pianists with specialized training for a career in piano teaching and provide courses and resources for professional teachers who may want to enhance their skills. The curriculum is organized to cover all major topics necessary for a solid foundation in music, with an emphasis on methods, materials, skills, and techniques for successful piano teaching of various age groups and levels (15 hours for piano majors, 23 hours for non-piano majors, 38 hours for non-degree seeking students). In addition, the certificate program offers a practical and viable means for achieving National Certification by the Music Teachers National Association and for teachers seeking re-certification points. The Certificate in Piano Pedagogy is available to all UNK students who have demonstrated proficiency at the piano. This not only includes piano majors, but extends to Music Education, Music Business, and Liberal Arts music majors; non-music majors, and students pursuing a music minor. All piano pedagogy courses, including a teaching internship, are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels; credits may be applied to upper division electives for all music majors. Dr. Valerie Cisler: Coordinator (e-mail: cislerv@unk.edu)

Music Minors
The 24-credit Music Minors can serve as the required minor for the student earning the Bachelor of Arts degree who is majoring in a field other than music. The music minor is also a favorite of the student who wishes to participate in lessons, ensembles, and music classes, but who does not wish to pursue music as a primary field. Requirements include private instruction, music ensembles, core music classes, and music electives. Freshman requirements for the Music Minor are similar to those for the music major degrees. The Elementary Education Music Minor places a greater emphasis on conducting and piano skills; the B.A. Music Minor stresses a broader historical command having Music History requirements. Catalog.