Master of Arts in Music Education: Program Structure

The Master of Arts in Music Education curriculum requires 33 semester hours and consists of three essential elements:

• core courses that embody issues of teaching and learning, historical and philosophical foundations of music education, musicianship and ensemble, perspectives in music theory, and music education research methods;
• a specialized field of cocentration that offers opportunities to develop specific skills in required and elective courses; and
• a master's thesis that allows students to conduct applied research in music education.

Core Courses

Core courses provide opportunities for students to place their specific skills within a broader musical and educational context. Areas of study include: an examination of conditions that affect the learning process and ways they can be mediated to influence student development (GMUS 601); a survey of ideas, forces, philosophies, and values that have shaped American music education (GMUS 608); an examination and application of traditional and contemporary music theory scholarship (GMUS 611); in-depth consideration of music history, literature, and theory devoted to a particular historical period (GMUS 612); systematic study of applied musicianship skills in tonic solfa and choral ensemble (GMUS 750); an introduction to applied research in music education (GMUS 875); and the application of music education research to thesis writing (GMUS 890).

Fields of Concentration

Six fields of concentration are available in the Master of Arts program. Each is designed to develop teaching expertise in an area of specialty in music education: Choral, Dalcroze, Instrumental, Kodály, Orff Schulwerk, or Piano Pedagogy.

Thesis

The thesis is an independent research project involving the acquisition of new knowledge through systematic, objective examination of questions in music teaching and learning. Thesis work may be formulated in the traditional models of descriptive, experimental, quasi-experimental, theoretical, or historical modes of educational research. In addition, students may focus on real-life problems in their classrooms by completing a thesis in applied pedagogy. Regardless of the design, the thesis is a written document adhering to an accepted, formal style guide that is submitted for review by a thesis supervisor and committee, and subjected to a public oral defense.

Scheduling

The Master of Arts in Music Education degree program is designed for working music teachers who wish to pursue graduate study without interrupting their professional lives. All courses required for the degree are available during the summer term in an interlocking arrangement of day and evening courses. Field of concentration courses are offered in notations of even- and odd-numbered years. For the convenience of those teachers who live in the Twin Cities' metropolitan area, most core courses are offered also during the fall and spring semesters.

Advising

The program director serves as academic advisor for all students until course work is completed. Degree plans are prepared during the admissions interview.