Music Education Degree

A Master of Education in Music Education Degree prepares musicians for careers in music education and other music-related fields. Emphasizing skills such as curriculum design, music theory, music history, conducting, and performance, a Master’s is a valuable tool for teaching vocal or instrumental music at the K-12 level, or teaching some university courses. A Masters in Music Education usually takes 17-24 months to complete, and is also the stepping-stone for earning a Doctorate in Music Education. Online courses also provide working music professionals with a flexible way to earn their degree.

Benefits of a Online Music Education Degree

A Music Degree is a valuable piece of education that allows you to:

  • Raise your current position and salary teaching music to K-12 students – a requirement for most programs.
  • Gain access to doctorate programs in music education.
  • Enhance your performance, conducting, or composition career with continued studies in music history, theory, etc.
  • Create career opportunities in a music performance by learning extra information about arranging, composing, conducting, and directing.

Music Education Degree Courses & Curriculum

Courses included in Music Degree will vary depending on the individual institution. The courses listed below are a sample of common courses; consult your institution for a detailed list of courses and credit hours.

  • Music Theory
  • Music History
  • Performance Ensemble
  • Composition
  • Performance-Pedagogy
  • Music Curriculum Design
  • Methods of Music Research
  • Conducting
  • Music Technology
  • Musicology

Music Teacher Career Opportunities

Opportunities for a Music Degree range from performance to directing to teaching. This does not represent a complete list, but instead serves as a guide to potential careers.

  • Music Teacher K-12
  • Music Teacher – University Setting
  • Music Historian
  • Music Director
  • Music Therapist
  • Music Performer/Entertainer
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Music Conductor
  • Musicologist

Music Degree Education & Admissions Requirements

While many programs do not necessarily require a BA in Music to advance to a Master’s program, the most distinguished ones do. Check with the specific institution to determine if you are properly qualified to apply for a Master’s Degree. Also, many Music Education graduate programs can be specialized for church music, instrumental music, vocal music, or conducting, so check with the institutions for specifics.

While graduate Music Education programs require Bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions, some require you to hold a Bachelor’s in music, while others do not, so check on the specific institution you’re interested in for more information. Some schools require a minimum GPA, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Other requirements can include a professional portfolio including performances and professional papers written on music or music education.

Music Degree Accreditation

A number of accrediting bodies exist for both teachers and music teachers. Consult with your individual program to learn more about its’ accreditation.

NASM – National Association of Schools of Music
www.nasm.arts-accredit.org

NCATE – National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education
www.ncate.org

Professional Organizations for Music Degrees

Below is a partial list of music education and musicians’ advocacy groups.

AFM – American Federation of Musicians
www.afm.org

CMS – The College Music Society
www.music.org

MENC – National Association for Music Education
www.menc.org

MTNA – Music Teachers National Association
www.mtna.org

Education Masters Programs:

There are many options to choose from when selecting a  masters degree in education.  It is critically important as a prospective student that you review each aspect of the degree program you are selecting from tuition, to accreditation, majors offered and more to certain that you have chosen the one that is right for your career. Below is a listing of options:

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