Advance Your Career as an Educator With a Master's Degree in Music
Music enhances communication, bridges differences, and improves our well-being. It can make us more empathetic, increase cultural experiences, and strengthen our connections.
The master's degree in music education at West Chester University provides an inclusive, world-class education. The program engages students, furthers artistic excellence, and builds pathways for students as valuable contributors to a greater society.
Our Master of Music (M.M.) degree offers five concentration tracks:
- Music Technology
- Orff-Schulwerk
- Kodaly Methodology
- Research
- Performance
You can earn your music education master's full-time or part-time in as few as two years. While required courses are in person, many electives can be completed remotely. With some restrictions, all five tracks are also available in a "summers-only" plan, ideal for current teachers.
At WCU, your Master of Music degree can be customized to fit your interests and career goals.
Options in the Master of Music Program
Music Technology
The music technology concentration prepares you to operate the latest equipment in recording, production, performance, and composition. It includes technologies for: acoustic, electric, and electronic instruments; sound recording and playback, and broadcasting.
Orff-Schulwerk Method
This concentration focuses on fostering the natural instincts of children to play instruments by imitation and experimentation. This method helps children build confidence and become creative problem-solvers. Completion of this concentration also awards you National Certification from AOSA.
Kodaly Methodology in the Master of Music Program
The Kodaly track of the M.M. degree approaches music education through social and cultural roots. This method asserts that musical concepts are best taught in groups, especially for young children. Completion of this concentration also awards you National Certification from OAKE.
Research Methodologies
This track provides an understanding of various research methodologies applied in music education classrooms and allows students to create an applicable final project built on research foundations. This concentration provides the most flexibility for students looking to create in-person on online pathways around a variety of topics.
Performance Track of the Music Master's Degree
Choosing the performance focus for your Master of Music Education means developing the skills to support students in learning—and sharing—music in creative, diverse, and inclusive ways. From songwriting to practicing as part of an orchestra, you'll help young musicians explore their talents and build their confidence.
Benefits of Earning Your Music Master's Degree at West Chester University
Accreditation for the Music Education Master's
WCU's M.M. in music education is fully accredited by the:
- National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation
- Organization of American Kodaly Educators
- American Orff-Schulwerk Association
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Graduate Assistantships
The music education master's program awards two graduate assistantships per semester. These paid assistantships provide research, administrative, and community partnership opportunities for our students on and off campus.
Outstanding Facilities
The arts are a priority at West Chester University, and we have the facilities to prove it. All our M.M. programs are housed within the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center. Just steps from the heart of campus, Swope offers:
- Private instructional spaces
- Three large rehearsal halls
- Music education computer lab
- State-of-the-art classrooms
- 56 practice rooms
- Instrumental rental office
- Center for Music and Technology
- Presser Music Library
- Partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra
- Hundreds of performances each year
- Apple Training Center for music education
Major performances at University take place in the 125-seat Ware Family Recital Hall, the 385-seat Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre (both housed in the Center) or the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall—a stalwart on campus since its opening in 1927 with a capacity of over 1,200.
Exceptional Faculty
Our faculty members bring their diverse experiences into each and every class to help you excel as a music educator. You'll be training with musician educators at the top of their field with expertise in instrumental, chorale, and band conducting, pediatric through elder care music therapy, nonprofit leadership, public school education, and trauma-informed music education. Many faculty members are also active musicians with their own bands. With an average class size of just 11 students, you'll receive plenty of individualized guidance in WCU's Master of Music program.
Community
The Wells School of Music is a welcoming, tight-knit community full of talented musicians at every level. You'll build relationships with your classmates and faculty as you move through your program and will have opportunities for field placements and travel abroad. Our faculty will bring out your best so that you can do the same for your students.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Music Education?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a salary range for a music teacher in the U.S. between $40,181 and $80,132. Salary varies depending on factors such as education level, additional certificates, and experience. Many teachers who earned their M.M. degree from WCU report salary increases.
With your master's in music education, you can teach in public or private schools, community colleges, and some universities. Other roles include music director, director of bands, composer, and private instructor. WCU's Master of Music program also prepares you to pursue a doctor in musical arts (D.M.A.).
What Will You Study as a Master's in Music Education Student?
Get Started on YourMusic Education Master's
Reach out today to expand your skills and advance your career as a music educator. West Chester University's music master's degree is the next step.
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