Program Overview
The Master of Music in Music Education is ideal for K-12 educators seeking effective methods to encourage and engage their students through music instruction. This program is intended for those who direct a band, chorus, or orchestra, teach music classes or private lessons; the program curriculum will introduce new instructional approaches and allow the development of even stronger connections with students through music.
Degree Requirements
All course requirements must be completed with at least a grade of B-. An overall GPA in the graduate program must be a 3.0.
All candidates for the degree are required to complete a capstone project in the form of a research thesis or professional project.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Concordia College Admission Requirements, students in the MM in Music Education program must meet the following:
- Students must have graduated from an accredited music program, earning either a BA, BM, or BS in Music Education (or alternative licensure) or other music specialization with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Students must have completed at least one year, at the beginning of coursework, of music teaching in a public or private school setting.
- Students must submit a 20-minute teaching video.
- Interview with music education faculty (in-person or online).
Transfer Credit
Transfer credits are allowed to no more than one-third of the total number of graduate hours required.
Thirty five credits are required, so no more than 11.66 credits can be transferred in to count towards the program.
Program Requirements
The requirements for a Master of Music in music education are listed below. 34 credits are required, but may be more if Thesis/Professional Project takes longer than one semester to complete.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Music Education Courses | ||
| MUS 610 | Research in Music Education | 4 |
| MUS 611 | History and Philosophy of Music Education | 4 |
| MUS 612 | Music and Learning | 4 |
| Core Music Courses | ||
| MUS 613 | (Ethno)musicology | 4 |
| MUS 614 | Creative and Analytical Applications | 4 |
| Electives | 10 | |
| The following are among the possible electives that students can take. Additional electives will be available. | ||
| Music Technology for Educators | ||
| Repertoire | ||
| Applied Lessons | ||
| Conducting and Ensemble | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Thesis or Professional Project | ||
| MUS 698 | Continuing Registration 1 | 1 |
| MUS 699 | Thesis or Professional Project | 4 |
| Total Hours | 35 | |
- 1
This option is used for registration after completion of all course requirements or when not otherwise actively enrolled. This course may not be used to meet any program or graduation requirements.
Course Descriptions
Examine and perform research in music education: reading data-based research, gaining bibliographical control of a topic, applying basic research materials and procedures, developing an understanding of quantitative (descriptive, behavioral, experimental) and qualitative methodologies in music education, and demonstrating the ability to discriminate between speculation and data-based information.
Explores the history of American music education and the philosophies that inform current practice. Emphasis is on the relationship between historical/philosophical thought and current music education issues.
Explore psychology of the human response to music including: the psychological, physiological, sociological and cultural effects of music and the other arts, factors that affect practice, performance and learning, artistic preference and abilities, acoustical and psycho-acoustical aspects of the brain related to music, and the ability to discriminate between databased information and speculation.
This course explores new directions in the fields of ethnomusicology and musicology as they relate to music education and the contemporary study of music. Topics include music and sustainability, music as social life, community-based music, and the use of early and global music in the music classroom.
This course explores compositional and analytical approaches as they relate to teaching and learning in music. While including a review of fundamental analytical methodology and creative processes in music, the courses contextualizes analysis and creativity within the practice of the K-12 music educator. Topics include songwriting, creating and analyzing multi-part music, strategies of arranging existing material for voices and instruments, and approaches to spontaneous music-making.
This course studies various technologies useful to music educators. Students will use these softwares to create musical projects and explore ways to incorporate these technologies into their classrooms/teaching.
This course deepens the professional educator's music literature study, analysis, and critical listening skills. They will choose which educational levels into which they choose to delve. As a course in educational methodology, topics will include definitions of quality repertoire, how to incorporate repertoire into curriculum design, scope/sequence of a yearly repertoire, pedagogical considerations, student assessment strategies, and educational resources for further study. This course can be repeated.
This course will engage the student in the study of solo and chamber literature through the research, rehearsal and performance of assigned musical selections. The student will broaden their knowledge of performance and pedagogical techniques. This course can be repeated.
This course is designed to provide students with the advanced skills for successfully conducting an ensemble. The materials presented and concepts explored during this course cover advanced physical, scholarly, musical, and psychological aspects of conducting. Most classes will require active participation through conducting and performing together. Students will collectively form an ensemble to serve as the laboratory ensemble for individual conducting experiences in class. This course can be repeated.
This course will explore and investigate special topics in the field of music education. This course can be repeated.
Continuing enrollment in Graduate Programs. This option is used for registration after completion of all course requirements or when not otherwise actively enrolled. This course may not be used to meet any program or graduation requirement.
The thesis or professional project will be a written work of publishable quality and will include documentation of literature review and evidence of extensive research to inform the work.