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Higher Education News
Kent State University Winter Update
Kent State University Winter Update
Jay Dorfman
We are very excited to have launched a completely revised curriculum for our undergraduate music education students this fall. The new curriculum includes several highlights:
- A new approach in which “everyone takes everything” to best prepare our students for the wide variety of music teaching practices they might encounter in their careers, and for the expectations of Ohio music teacher licensure;
- Class-based responses to feedback about the skills that will help make our alumni flexible and successful music teachers including more emphasis on keyboard skills, aural skills, and leadership of ensembles;
- More opportunities to participate in chamber ensembles, non-Western ensembles, and alternative ensembles to broaden musical experiences;
- Community and cohort building through a new “Music Education Studio Class” featuring local teachers, arts leaders, and music-making experiences that do not happen in other environments.
In October, Kent State University launched the inaugural Kent State Honor Choir Festival. High school directors from across Northeast Ohio nominated quartets of students for this one-day festival. The 200+ participants participated in a full day of music-making and learning from KSU faculty members including Professor Tim Culver, Professor Shawna Hinkle, Dr. Sarah Labovitz, and Dr. Jay White. In addition, directors were able to earn professional development hours by attending faculty-led enrichment sessions and open rehearsals. The day culminated in a performance featuring Kent State Choirs and the festival chorus under the direction of Dr. Matthew Swope, Director of Choral Activities.
Kent State will again be well represented at the upcoming OMEA Conference. Events will include several sessions by faculty, students, and alumni, along with performances of our Wind Ensemble and Flute Ensemble. We look forward to welcoming our friends and alumni to our annual reception on Friday, January 30th at 6:15 in the Hyatt Hotel Hayes Room.
Jay Dorfman is professor and coordinator of music education in the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music at Kent State University.