Teach Others to Make a Joyful Noise: Get a Master's Degree in Music Education
by Joe Aguilar
If you’re already a music educator, you are probably aware of the dire predictions about the state of music education in America’s public schools. It’s true that arts education in general often takes a back seat to other areas of the curriculum. Thanks to arts education advocacy groups, however, the future is brightening. One way you can remain competitive in a tight job market is to earn your master’s degree in music education.
The Importance of Music
Research by Americans for the Arts, a non-profit advocacy group that supports arts education, has determined that students who study the arts are four times more likely to excel academically. By getting your masters in music education through distance learning, you can help students connect with their artistic sides and make great strides in math, science, and liberal arts.
How to Get In: Distance Learning Master’s in Music Education
Admissions to a master’s program for music education usually requires that you hold an undergraduate degree in music and that you have at least a couple of years experience as a teacher. If your degree is in another field, however, don’t lose hope! Contact the graduate programs department of the online university you wish to attend for additional requirements.
What to Expect from Your Online Degree Program
A master’s degree in music education is surprisingly well suited to distance learning, and your course of study will include: advanced music theory, foundations of music education, music research and courses about musical genres such as, American music and jazz. Most programs will also expect you to write a master’s thesis.
Your online courses will be delivered via a variety of media such as video, audio, animation, chat rooms and bulletin boards. If you’ve never participated in distance learning, don’t worry about not having access to professors; your instructors will make themselves available via email and regular office hour chats.
