How to Get a Master's Degree in Music
Whether you're a seasoned musician or a lifelong music lover, you have a place in a master's degree program in music. Take the first steps toward an enriching degree by learning about potential master's degree programs in music theory, performance, education, therapy, and more.
How to Get a Master's Degree in Music
Students in master's degree programs in music come from a range of educational and work experience backgrounds. From the lifelong learner who has been away from formal education for a while, to the student who has just completed a bachelor's degree, it's easy to find an environment that suits you in a master's degree in music program.
No matter which degree path you choose, it's important to make an educated decision about your music master's degree future. Follow these simple steps and you may be on your way to earning a degree that can mean the beginning of a career in music performance, education, composition, music therapy, and more.
Step 1: Learn Music Master's Degree Distinctions
Your options for a master's degree in music may seem like a world of acronyms, and it's important to know the distinctions between each option. Take a look at the possible distinctions for master's degrees in music:
Considered for music performance, composition, teaching, or research, the MM is ideal for both those who plan to seek certification and teach, and those who choose to pursue a performance career. A recital is generally required for graduation.
Designed for students looking for a broad discussion of music history, theory, performance, and education, the MA in music offers a general degree. The degree often includes a required research portion. The music therapy MA degree prepares students to treat people of all ages using music.
Some MS degrees may include a larger technology component. A research portion is generally required. An MS in Secondary Education in Music is perfect for high school and middle school music teachers.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA):
Considered an artistic degree, the MFA in Music is dedicated to fostering a student's artistic ability on his or her chosen instrument. Some MFA music programs distinguish between genres, educating students in either composed or improvisational music, for example.
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How to Get a Master's Degree in Music
Whether you're a seasoned musician or a lifelong music lover, you have a place in a master's degree program in music. Take the first steps toward an enriching degree by learning about potential master's degree programs in music theory, performance, education, therapy, and more.
How to Get a Master's Degree in Music
Students in master's degree programs in music come from a range of educational and work experience backgrounds. From the lifelong learner who has been away from formal education for a while, to the student who has just completed a bachelor's degree, it's easy to find an environment that suits you in a master's degree in music program.
No matter which degree path you choose, it's important to make an educated decision about your music master's degree future. Follow these simple steps and you may be on your way to earning a degree that can mean the beginning of a career in music performance, education, composition, music therapy, and more.
Step 1: Learn Music Master's Degree Distinctions
Your options for a master's degree in music may seem like a world of acronyms, and it's important to know the distinctions between each option. Take a look at the possible distinctions for master's degrees in music:
Considered for music performance, composition, teaching, or research, the MM is ideal for both those who plan to seek certification and teach, and those who choose to pursue a performance career. A recital is generally required for graduation.
Designed for students looking for a broad discussion of music history, theory, performance, and education, the MA in music offers a general degree. The degree often includes a required research portion. The music therapy MA degree prepares students to treat people of all ages using music.
Some MS degrees may include a larger technology component. A research portion is generally required. An MS in Secondary Education in Music is perfect for high school and middle school music teachers.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA):
Considered an artistic degree, the MFA in Music is dedicated to fostering a student's artistic ability on his or her chosen instrument. Some MFA music programs distinguish between genres, educating students in either composed or improvisational music, for example.
In short, your career goals help determine the type of program you choose, but the degree distinctions above are flexible. A high school music teacher can hold any degree plus certification, for example, but an aspiring performer might find an MFA degree the most useful. If you're looking for personal development courses in music, check out WorldWideLearn.com's page on online music courses.
Step 2: Pick a Specialty in Your Music Major
No two music master's degree programs are alike. Even within programs, you can choose from a number of potential specialties. Potential specialties for your master's degree in music can include:
- Music Education
- Music, Science, and Technology
- Music Performance
- Secondary Music Education
- Composition
- Music Therapy
- Electronic Music
Coursework in Different Music Master's Degree Programs
Any music master's degree program you choose comes with a set amount of required coursework. The type of music major you choose has an effect on the type of coursework you must complete. Take a look at some sample coursework found in different master's degree programs in music:
Music Education Master's Degree
- Foundations of Music Education
- Psychology of Music
- Music in Special Education
- Children's Chorus
Music Performance Master's Degree
- Ensemble
- Academic Theory
- Musicology
- Music History
While master's degrees programs are somewhat customizable in terms of electives, each school includes a list of required coursework, research, and thesis education for their students. Programs generally require 1 to 3 years of full-time study.
Step 3: Choose Between Campus and Online Master's Degree Music Programs
While some music master's degrees must be completed on campus, online education is possible for some concentrations. A music education master's degree, for example, can be completed online. Students who choose to earn a master's degree online appreciate the benefits.
Take a look at some of the challenges and benefits of campus and online master's degrees in music:
- Online Master's Degree in Music:
For music education degrees, students appreciate the flexibility and accessibility of an online master's degree. Earn a master's degree online without reducing your hours at work or moving to be closer to a particular campus. Self-paced students excel at this learning style, which requires motivation and the ability to work independently.
- Campus Master's Degree in Music:
Students at campus programs appreciate the hands-on training and access to musical equipment. Courses like music theory benefit from face-to-face instruction, and students who work best in teams or larger groups prefer the environment of a campus degree.
Your degree choice, learning style, and needs as a student help determine the learning style you choose. Whether you choose a campus or online master's degree in music, it's important to determine the credibility of potential programs through accreditation and other tools. For more information on online education, take a look at Who Uses Online Learning, an article on online education offered by WorldWideLearn.com.
Step 4: Compile a List of Music Master's Degree Programs
Once you've determined your degree, specialization, and learning style preferences, it's time to create an initial list of potential programs. Use these tips and tools to create an initial list of master's degree programs in music:
- Find campus music master's degree programs using WorldWideLearn.com's campus-based master's degree page.
- Find online master's degrees in music with WorldWideLearn.com's online master's degree page for fine arts degrees.
- Consider your favorite living composers and performers and find out if they teach in one of the conservatories or universities nationwide.
- Check out the list of programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. Listings are organized by name, city, or state.
Your initial list of potential music master's degree programs should include schools that meet your basic criteria. From there, you can begin to narrow programs down, starting with determining school accreditation.
Step 5: Determine Degree Program Accreditation
Third-party accrediting agencies examine educational programs and make their findings public in a process known as accreditation. Earning a degree from an accredited school is essential for credit transfers, financial aid, and employment. Follow these simple steps to learn more about accreditation and determine the status of potential schools:
- Learn more about accreditation by visiting WorldWideLearn.com's Accreditation Answers page.
- Determine that the institution holds current accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited schools. The database can be searched by city, state, or institution name.
- Make sure the accrediting agency for the institution is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Avoid institutions "accredited" by the Better Business Bureau. While this accreditation sounds legitimate, the BBB is not recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education.
Help ensure the quality of your music master's degree by making sure that the school you earned it from holds current accreditation. The accreditation process helps give you the peace of mind that your degree holds a standard level of value with other master's degree programs.
Step 6: Narrow Down Potential Master's Degree Programs
By this step, you should have a long list of potential programs that match your educational needs and career future. From here, apply a few simple criteria to each potential program and zero in on the best master's degree programs in music. Consider the following categories:
Are you willing to move in order to be closer to a campus music program? Consider cost of living, environment, and networking opportunities in your potential locations. Performance majors should consider different orchestras and choirs, while education majors should research school districts.
Schools may try to attract potential students by offering specific program perks designed to enrich the degree experience. Look for schools that interact with local music groups or festivals, or programs with internship programs or other unique qualities.
A particular faculty member may provide a draw for you as a student, but be careful not to base your entire application on the strength of one person. Faculty often change schools or take time off; avoid disappointment by choosing a well-rounded school with a number of promising faculty members.
All accredited universities have access to federal grants and loans. Beyond federal aid, consider the scholarships and grants offered by individual music degree programs. Scholarships may be merit or performance based, and are designed to help make your college experience affordable.
The most exclusive schools have the most application requirements. Contact individual programs to learn more about the average undergraduate GPA for accepted students, audition requirements, and other specifics of the application process.
This research and elimination process does require time and patience, but the rewards begin when you start the application process. Save money on application fees and time as you can easily customize each application to the school you've chosen. What's more, you attend school with the confidence that you're choosing a program that truly meets your needs.
Begin the Music Master's Degree Application Process
Whether you're applying for an MA, MS, MM, or MFA in music, you need to complete a specific set of steps at each potential school. Instead of applying to one school, send your application to a small handful of potential schools--you are more likely to have a range of financial aid packages and other perks from which to choose.
Keep these tips in mind as you begin the process of applying for a master's degree in music:
Music master's degrees are different from other graduate degree programs because an audition is often required. Different schools have vastly different audition requirements; be sure you know the rules and regulations of each and give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Most schools expect applicants to have majored or minored in music as undergraduates, although this may not be a requirement, and work experience may also be a consideration.
Letters of recommendation may be required from professional and academic sources. Consider conductors, private teachers, undergraduate instructors, and other professional sources for your recommendations.And give your recommenders plenty of advance notice.
Some schools require qualifying exams before or during the master's degree program. In addition, international students may be required to complete TOEFL exams to prove their fluency in English.
Remember that applying to a handful of music master's degree program increases your chances of being accepted at a program that is a good fit for you as a student. Your individual qualifications should be an asset to the music programs you choose, and you should strive to find a program with the funding and resources to meet your needs as a student and as a musician.
Ready to learn more? Begin your journey toward becoming an educator, performer, therapist, or theorist with an MS, MA, MM, or MFA in music. Use WorldWideLearn.com and other guides to help familiarize yourself with the school research and application process. Whether you've been away from school for years or you're moving directly to a master's degree from your undergraduate career, you can make the transition back to school with relative ease..
Sources
- Ball State University, School of Music
- Boston University, Music Education
- Indiana University, Secondary Education Graduate Programs
- Stanford University, The Master's Degree in Music, Science, and Technology
- University of Colorado, College of Music
- U.S. Department of Education, Accrediting Agencies
How to Pay for Your Master's Degree
Find out about how various sources of financing can help pay for your master's degree, and how online grad schools might help lower the cost.
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