FAQ - Graduate Music Education

No. You do not need to submit GMAT and GRE scores in order to apply for Berklee graduate programs in music education.

No. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in order to apply to the graduate programs in music education

Applicants to the master’s degree programs in music education must possess a bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or music pedagogy in order to apply.

Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in music education and autism must possess a bachelor’s degree. A degree in music, music education, or music pedagogy is preferred. Those with a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the intersection of arts education and special education (e.g., expressive arts therapy, music therapy, speech language pathology, special education, music psychology) will also be considered.

Yes. If you are currently in the final year of your bachelor's degree program, you are eligible to apply. See the How to Apply page for more information.

Applicants who speak English as a second language must have either successfully completed their undergraduate studies at an English-speaking college/university or must submit results from an approved English-certification institution. Refer to the English Exam Information for minimum test scores required for the graduate programs in music education.

Students who do not meet the minimum required scores on the TOEFL/English exam will not be considered for the graduate programs in music education. If your TOEFL/English exam doesn’t meet the minimum score requirement, please continue to study English and re-take the exam until you meet the minimum required score.

Applications to the graduate programs in music education generally open in August for students to begin their studies the following June.

There are two application deadlines: early action and regular action. Applicants who apply by the early action deadline will be notified of their admittance decision several months before those who apply by the regular action deadline.

You can sign up (below) to receive an email notification when applications open.

Apply using our online application portal.

The first step is to register for a new account (if you are a new user) or to create a new application using your existing login information. Learn about the steps to apply.

Yes. All applicants must apply through the online application process. If you’ve never used Berklee’s online application system, you will need to register as a new user. This process entails filling out online forms as well as uploading supporting documents. If preliminarily selected, you will move on to a second interview stage, also conducted online.

Log in to your online portal to check the status of your application and supporting materials. When materials are received, they will be highlighted in green within your portal. Materials highlighted in red have not been received and should be sent in to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.

The process is the same for all applicants. However, Berklee alumni can request a waiver for the $150 application fee through the online process. When applying, specify your Berklee email, your Berklee ID, and your date of birth to help us find you in the system.

There are two application deadlines: early action and regular action. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. See admissions deadlines for additional information.

Yes. It is possible to defer your entry for one year. You will need to make that request in writing by email to Dr. Rhoda Bernard, assistant chair of music education, at rbernard@berklee.edu.

If you are not initially admitted to the graduate programs in music education, you may not reapply until the following year. All applicants who reapply are required to complete a new online application, pay the application fee, and submit updated relevant supporting materials.

A translator will not be provided for your interview. The interview will be conducted in English.

Yes. All applicants must complete an admissions interview with a panel of music education faculty members. The interview will take place over Zoom and will last about 30 minutes.

Yes. An audition is required for the application. The audition will take place over Zoom. Students must perform five minutes of their choice of music, to demonstrate their musicianship. The music can be on any instrument and in any musical style.