Master of Music in Music Education
Program Description
Berklee's Master of Music in music education provides advanced instruction in contemporary teaching pedagogies and practices. Students will explore innovative, advanced methodologies, educational best practices, teaching strategies, technologies, and research. Together with other dedicated and experienced educators, they will gain knowledge and skills related to topics that address issues in urban education, teaching students with disabilities, employing cutting-edge technology in music classrooms and ensembles, and engaging the increasingly diverse student populations in American schools.
There are several key features of Berklee’s Master of Music in music education that distinguish it from other master’s degree programs in music education. Its contemporary approach and content give unique attention to culturally responsive pedagogy, critical theory (including critical race theory, critical gender theory, and critical disability studies), cutting-edge technology, independent research and pedagogical projects, and multiple dimensions of assessment in music education. It is also designed with a working teacher's schedule in mind, allowing maximum flexibility in class times, remote work, and starting semesters. As a result, the program is attractive to working professionals seeking to add actionable and adaptable techniques to their teaching practice.
- A bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or music pedagogy
- An audition on a musical instrument or voice
- An admissions interview with Music Education Department representatives
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to
- analyze issues in the field of music education from multiple perspectives;
- evaluate teaching practices in music education from multiple perspectives;
- assess their teaching practice from a culturally responsive perspective;
- employ technology to promote student learning in music education settings;
- design assessments that provide valuable information about student learning and progress in music education settings;
- execute original research in the field of music education; and
- develop educational materials that promote student learning in music education settings.
Current and entering students, please review detailed semester registration information (login required).
Core Courses (12 credits)
- ME-500 Foundations and Contemporary Issues in Music Education (3 credits)
- ME-520 Current Trends and Practices in Music Education Technology (3 credits)
- ME-530 Urban Issues and the Changing Faces of Music Education (3 credits)
- ME-565 Research Methodologies and Procedures in Music Education (3 credits)
Music Courses (6 credits; choose two)
- ME-545 Advanced Composition and Arranging for School-Based Ensembles (3 credits)
- ME-555 Advanced History and Analysis of U.S. Contemporary, Non-Classical Music (3 credits)
- ME-620 Advanced Conducting, Choral (3 credits)
- ME-630 Advanced Conducting, Instrumental (3 credits)
- Private lessons on students' principal instrument (1 credit; approval of program chair required)
Thesis or Research/Teaching Project (6 credits; selected course is taken twice)
Electives (6 credits; choose two)
- ME-510 Arts Learning and Assessing the Student of Today (3 credits)
- ME-540 Special Topics in Music Education* (3 credits)
- ME-550 Directed Study in Music Education (3 credits)
- ME-560 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
- ME-570 Special Education Foundations and Practices (3 credits)
- ME-580 Autism, Music, and Behavioral Teaching Methods (3 credits)
- ME-590 Research to Practice in Music Education and Autism 1 (3 credits)
- ME-595 Research to Practice in Music Education and Autism 2 (3 credits)
- ME-610 Leadership and Administration in Music Education (3 credits)
30 total credits required
*Special topics specific offerings rotate and may include:
- Music Education Curriculum Development
- Social-Emotional Learning and Music Education
- Instrumental or Vocal Pedagogy for Private Teaching
- Teaching Remotely: Pedagogical Practices for Virtual Learning
- Researching My Own Teaching Using Action Research Methodologies