91²Ö¿â

GENERAL MUSIC FAQS

 
What music degrees are offered at the Stark Campus?

91²Ö¿â at Stark offers a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology, which includes concentrations in Audio Engineering, Music Production, and Performance. Additionally, students can complete four music minors entirely at the Stark Campus: Audio Recording, Music, Music Technology, and World Music.

What instruments can I study?

Private applied lessons are given in the following areas:

• Voice
• Piano
• Classical Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Percussion
• Drum-set
• Double Bass
• Electric Bass
• Flute/Piccolo
• Clarinet
• Oboe/English Horn
• Bassoon
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Horn
• Euphonium
• Tuba

What do I do first if I just want to take some music classes?

The answer depends on what classes you are interested in taking. Some music classes require an audition or a placement test. First try to register for the class on your own. If your registration is blocked, then you should email Dr. Michelle Bagwell at dbagwel1@kent.edu for further information.

What are the requirements for admission to the music program at 91²Ö¿â Stark?

Students should first apply for admission to 91²Ö¿â at Stark. You must have a completed application and a completed FAFSA in order to be considered for admission to the music program.

What do I do first if I want to be a music major or minor?

After you have been admitted to 91²Ö¿â at Stark, you will need to contact Dr. Michelle Bagwell at dbagwel1@kent.edu.  Dr. Bagwell will walk you through the steps of the process and help you determine what concentration you would be best for your interests. Once you meet with Dr. Michelle Bagwell, you will need register for First Step advising appointment (new freshmen) or meet with an academic advisor on the Stark Campus about course enrollment.

How do I take the music placement test?

You will only need to take the music placement test if you are seeking a scholarship or if you feel you have music theory experience and you would like to try to test out of the first music theory course. 

What is covered in the music placement test?

The music placement test covers the following areas: reading musical notation of pitches and rhythm, major and minor (natural, harmonic, melodic) scales, key signatures (major and minor), meter and rhythm, intervals and triads.

Can I retake the music placement test?

Yes, but it is not recommended. If you decide to retake the test, you should study theory with a private instructor or self-study using textbooks and online resources before retaking the test.

I want to be placed into Theory I and avoid taking Rudiments of Music. What can I do to prepare for the music placement test?

We recommend that you:

• Take private piano/theory lessons.
• Take AP Music Theory if it is offered at your high school. AP test scores in music do not directly count for credit at 91²Ö¿â Stark, but students who score highly on the AP test generally test into advanced sections of theory.
• Study on your own using a textbook or a web-based course. The same material used to prepare for an AP Music Theory test would prepare you well for our music placement test.

I have little or no experience playing keyboard. Do I need to take a keyboard placement test?

No, you will be placed in beginning Piano Class when you meet with an advisor.

I can't read music or play an instrument. Can I enter the music program?

Yes, many students join the program with little or no prior knowledge of music. 91²Ö¿â Stark provides all the essential preparation courses in music theory and performance to help you get started.

What is a primary instrument?

Your primary instrument is the principal instrument on which you will study and perform while majoring in music. Options include: Voice, Piano/Keyboard, Guitar (Classical or Electric), Bass (Double Bass or Electric), All Brass and Woodwind Instruments, and Percussion (Drum-Set or Concert Instruments).

My primary instrument is violin, viola or cello. Can I take lessons? Can it be my primary instrument?

Maybe. Lessons for string instruments other than the double bass are ONLY offered at the Kent Campus. You will only be allowed to take lessons or to declare it as your primary instrument after a successful audition and acceptance into the music program through the string faculty on the Kent Campus.

What do I need to prepare for my instrumental or voice audition?

Every instrument/voice has different guidelines and requirements for the audition. For specifics, visit  Music Placement & Audition.

How do I choose which music classes to take?

You will meet with Dr. Michelle Bagwell to determine which concentration best suits your needs. You will will meet with advisors to help plan your academic journey.

How do I choose which Kent Core courses to take?

For new freshmen, you'll attend First Step, our freshman advising and registration program. All other students will need to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in the Office of Student Services. Schedule an advising appointment.

What classes will I most likely be taking my first semester?

A typical first semester schedule might look like this:

• Music Production I (if you are a Music Technology major)
• Theory course as determined by the music placement test
• Piano
• Applied lessons on your major instrument or voice
• Ensemble
• Kent Core class
• UC 10097 - Music Specific- Destination 91²Ö¿â: First Year Experience

Can I take some of my music classes at the Kent Campus?

Yes, but it is advisable to meet with your assigned music department advisor and an academic advisor on the Stark Campus prior to registration.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FAQS

 
I have no background in either music or music technology. Can I take Music Production I?

Yes, many of our students start the journey in Music Production I.

Can I start the Music Technology program in the the spring semester?

Yes, but you may not be able to take any theory or piano classes unless you were placed into Rudiments of Music or Theory II. Also, we strongly suggest that students beginning the Music Technology program in the spring plan on enrolling in Audio Recording I and Music Production I in the Spring semester to stay on track for graduation. This will allow the student to get in sync with course sequencing by the following fall semester.

What classes can I take if I start in the spring semester?

• Music Production I
• Audio Recording I
• Applied Instrument
• Ensemble (choir or band)
• Kent Core classes