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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:

  1. Music Technology
  2. Orff-Schulwerk
  3. Kodaly Methodology
  4. Research
  5. 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.).

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as a Master's in Music Education Student?

M.M. in Music Education - Kodaly Concentration

Code Title Credits
Major Requirements
MUE 500Methods & Materials Of Research3
MUE 503Philosophical Foundations Of Music Educ3
MUE 510Current Trends In Music Education3
Music History course 500 level of higher 13
Concentration Requirements 2, 3
MUE 560Kodaly Level I Musicianship Training 22
MUE 561Kodaly: Level I Methodology 22
MUE 562Kodaly: Level ll Musicianship Training 42
MUE 563Kodaly: Level ll Methodology 42
MUE 564Kodaly: Level lll Musicianship Training 52
MUE 565Kodaly: Level lll Methodology 52
MUE 566Kodaly Conducting2
MUE 567Kodaly: Folk Music2
MUE 568Kodaly: Games And Materials2
Supportive Electives 500 level or higher. 33
MUE 569Kodaly Final Project1
Comprehensive Exit Exam 6
Total Minimum Credits Required 34
1

If a student fails the Graduate Music History Assessment Test, they must take MHL 501 prior to satisfying this requirement.

2

If a student fails the Graduate Music Theory Assessment Test, they must take MTC 591 prior to taking MUE 560 or MUE 561.

3

Selected under advisement.

4

Requires prerequisite of MUE 560 or MUE 561.

5

Requires prerequisite of MUE 562 or MUE 563.

6

All students in M.M. programs in music education also must complete a comprehensive exit examination. Students not holding Level I Certification in music education must complete prerequisite undergraduate work prior to admission into a graduate program that requires Level I Certification.

M.M. in Music Education - Music Technology Concentration

Code Title Credits
Major Requirements
MUE 500Methods & Materials Of Research3
MUE 503Philosophical Foundations Of Music Educ3
MUE 510Current Trends In Music Education3
Music History course 500 level of higher 13
Concentration Requirements 2
Music Theory course 500 level or higher 33
MUE 591Introduction to Notation, Sequencing, and Electronic Instruments3
MUE 592Intro CAI, Multimedia and Internet3
MUE 598Integrating Music Tech in Classroom 43
Select 3 credits from the following:3
MUE 593
Notation for Music Educators 4
MUE 594
Sequencing for Music Educators
Select 3 credit from the following: 3
MUE 596
Multimedia Authoring Mus Ed 4
MUE 597
Digital Media for Music Educators 4
Supportive Electives 500 level or higher. 23
MUE 693Music Technology Final Project1
Comprehensive Exit Exam 5
Tota Minimuml Credits Required34
1

If a student fails the Graduate Music History Assessment Test, they must take MHL 501 prior to satisfying this requirement.

2

Selected under advisement.  

3

If a student fails the Graduate Music Theory Assessment Test, they must take MTC 591 prior to satisfying this requirement.

4

Requires prerequisites of MUE 591 and MUE 592

5

All students in M.M. programs in music education also must complete a comprehensive exit examination. Students not holding Level I Certification in music education must complete prerequisite undergraduate work prior to admission into a graduate program that requires Level I Certification.

M.M. in Music Education - Orff-Schulwerk Concentration

Code Title Credits
Major Requirements
MUE 500Methods & Materials Of Research3
MUE 503Philosophical Foundations Of Music Educ3
MUE 510Current Trends In Music Education3
Music History course 500 level or higher 13
Concentration Requirements 2
Select 15 credits from the following:15
MUE 570
Orff-Schulwerk: Lev I Basic Musicianship 3
MUE 571
Orff Schulwerk: Level I Recorder
MUE 572
Orff Schulwerk: Level I Movement
MUE 573
Orff Schulwerk: Level II Basic Musicianship 3, 4
MUE 574
Orff Schulwerk: Level II Recorder 4
MUE 575
Orff Schulwerk: Level II Movement 4
MUE 576
Orff Schulwerk: Level III Basic Musicianship 5
MUE 577
Orff Schulwerk: Level III Recorder 5
MUE 578
Orff Schulwerk: Level III Movement 5
MUE 579
Orff Schulwert: Recorder Ensemble 5
MUE 580
Orff Schulwerk: Movement 5
MUE 581
Orff Schulwerk: Instrumentarium Practicum 5
Supportive Electives 500 level or higher. 26
MUE 582Orff-Schulwerk Final Project1
Comprehensive Exit Exam 6
Total Minimum Credits Required34
1

If a student fails the Graduate Music History Assessment Test, they must take MHL 501 prior to satisfying this requirement.

2

Selected under advisement.  

3

If a student fails the Graduate Music Theory Assessment Test, they must take MTC 591 prior to taking MUE 570 or MUE 573.

4

Requires prerequisites of MUE 571 and MUE 572.

5

Requires prerequisites of MUE 574 and MUE 575.

6

All students in M.M. programs in music education also must complete a comprehensive exit examination. Students not holding Level I Certification in music education must complete prerequisite undergraduate work prior to admission into a graduate program that requires Level I Certification.

M.M. in Music Education - Performance Concentration

Code Title Credits
Majors Requirements
MUE 500Methods & Materials Of Research3
MUE 503Philosophical Foundations Of Music Educ3
MUE 510Current Trends In Music Education3
Music History course 500 level or higher 13
Concentration Requirements 2
Music Theory course 500 level or higher 33
Music Education courses 500 level or higher 26
INM 511Graduate Applied Lesson1
or VOK 511 Graduate Applied Lesson
INM 512Graduate Applied Lesson1
or VOK 512 Graduate Applied Lesson
INM 513Graduate Applied Lesson1
or VOK 513 Graduate Applied Lesson
INM 514Graduate Applied Lesson 41
or VOK 514 Graduate Applied Lesson
Supportive Electives 500 level or higher. 27
MUE 698Recital Research 41
Select one of the following. 1
VOI 696
Recital 4, 5
AIM 696
Recital Instrument 4, 5
PIA 696
Recital 4, 5
Comprehensive Exit Exam 6
Total Minimum Credits Required34
1

If a student fails the Graduate Music History Assessment Test, they must take MHL 501 prior to satisfying this requirement.

2

Selected under advisement.  

3

If a student fails the Graduate Music Theory Assessment Test, they must take MTC 591 prior to satisfying this requirement.

4

Students must complete MUE 698, INM 514 or VOK 514, and VOI 696 or AIM 696 or PIA 696 all during the same semester.

5

Candidates desiring to pursue the recital option in voice must audition before the voice jury and receive permission to pursue that option before earning 15 graduate credits or after completing VOK 513, whichever comes first.

6

All students in M.M. programs in music education also must complete a comprehensive exit examination. Students not holding Level I Certification in music education must complete prerequisite undergraduate work prior to admission into a graduate program that requires Level I Certification.

M.M. in Music Education - Research Report Concentration

Code Title Credits
Major Requirements
MUE 500Methods & Materials Of Research3
MUE 503Philosophical Foundations Of Music Educ3
MUE 510Current Trends In Music Education3
Music History course 500 level or higher 13
Concentration Requirements 2
Music Education courses 500 level or higher 26
Applied Music courses 500 level or higher 23
Music Theory course 500 level or higher 2, 33
Supportive Electives 500 level or higher. 26
MUE 691Research Seminar In Music2
MUE 692Research Report2
Comprehensive Exit Exam 4
Total Minimum Credits Required34
1

If a student fails the Graduate Music History Assessment Test, they must take MHL 501 prior to satisfying this requirement.

2

Selected under advisement.  

3

If a student fails the Graduate Music Theory Assessment Test, they must take MTC 591 prior to satisfying this requirement.

4

All students in M.M. programs in music education also must complete a comprehensive exit examination. Students not holding Level I Certification in music education must complete prerequisite undergraduate work prior to admission into a graduate program that requires Level I Certification.