Music Education Master's Degree Programs
Are you a musician who wants to teach music in elementary or secondary schools? Are you already a music teacher and want to further your knowledge while enhancing your job prospects? Music education master's degree programs are available both online and on campus. Read more to learn how you can become a well-qualified music teacher. Schools offering Teaching & Learning degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Music Education Master's Degree Programs Are There?
Music education master's degree programs are offered by 4-year universities around the country. If you've already earned your teaching certificate, you may be able to earn your master's degree through online study. Most of these music education programs grant the Master of Music in Music Education, but some programs award a Master of Arts in Music Teaching or similar degrees. You may be able to choose a concentration, such as music theory, instrumental music or choral music teaching.
In most cases, you must already have a bachelor's degree in a music-related area in order to enroll in a master's degree program in music education. You can find programs that offer an initial teaching certification, but other programs are designed for those who have some teaching experience. Often, online programs are geared towards music teachers. If you need to qualify for teacher certification, you usually have to complete a student teaching experience.
What Courses Will I Take?
If you're already a music teacher, the courses you take in a music education master's degree program typically give you a deeper understanding of music, music theory, performance and music education. You learn music teaching theory, music learning theory and how to evaluate your music students. Curriculum development is also discussed, and some programs offer courses in music technology. Often, you must take a research-based course that will help you conduct and analyze research for your thesis.
If you're seeking a teaching certificate along with your music education master's degree, you take more foundational courses in teaching concepts. You learn about human development and learning methods, in addition to the music education courses that are required for the degree. You must also complete a student teaching experience as a requirement for teaching certification in every state.
Why Should I Earn a Master's Degree?
If you earned a bachelor's degree in an area of music, you often need to earn a master's degree in music education in order to receive a teaching certificate. If you're already a music teacher, earning your master's degree in music education can give you an advantage in career advancement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you usually need at least a master's degree to teach music at community colleges and universities (www.bls.gov). Additionally, some states require new teachers to earn a master's degree within a certain time period after beginning their career, the BLS reported. The BLS also wrote that a master's degree can get you a bigger paycheck in elementary and secondary schools.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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