MusM with a Major in Music Education

Applicants must meet the general prerequisite requirements for the MusM program. In addition, applicants for the MusM in Music Education are required to submit:

  • A curriculum vitae
  • An audition in the applicant’s major area of performance. Applicants should schedule an audition or send an audition tape. Music Education Audition Requirements are the same as auditions for Performance applicants.
  • Applicants to the Professional Track are not required to audition but must send a videotape of their teaching in the classroom.
  • Two letters of recommendation

By arrangement with the School of Education, students can undertake the EdM (Master of Education) and EdD (Doctor of Education) degrees specializing in music education.

Students taking fewer than 12 credits are charged at half the normal tuition rate for music education graduate courses and School of Education graduate courses that meet after 4 p.m. or on weekends.

Professional Licensure Sequence—Applied Track

For applicants who are unable to come to Boston, the MusM degree in music education/professional development track is offered online.

To enroll in this program, the applicant must have completed a Massachusetts Provisional Certificate with Advanced Standing or have Initial License as a Teacher of Music or be eligible for this certificate under a reciprocal arrangement with another state. Upon completion of three full years of employment in the role of the license, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, the student may apply for Professional Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This sequence provides an opportunity to those who wish to add to their knowledge, reflect upon their work, and benefit from further study.

Applied Track Program of Study

Initial Licensure Sequence

Teacher of Music (Grades K–12)
This degree program is for students with undergraduate degrees in music with majors other than Music Education.

Prerequisite Baccalaureate Degree

The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a major in music with a minimum of 32 credits in the music major. The content of these courses will be matched against the Massachusetts State Licensure requirements; additional work will be completed to cover any deficiencies, as required. At least 20 credits of prepracticum study are required before proceeding to the practicum.

Initial Licensure Program of Study

Professional Licensure Sequence—Professional Development Track

This program is designed for applicants already in the teaching profession who wish to complete a master’s program in Music Education focusing on professional development.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MusM in Music Education must meet the general admission requirements for the MusM program but are not required to audition. Applicants for the Professional Development Track are required to submit a professional portfolio consisting of a) a term paper in music education from undergraduate work or a special paper prepared on a music education topic; b) three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues who are familiar with the applicant’s professional work; c) a video tape of the applicant’s teaching with at least two 20-minute examples of each; d) a detailed professional curriculm vitae with evidence of the applicant’s continuing professional development through participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences; e) a personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.

Professional Development Program of Study