Advanced study of music teaching and professional preparation for those engaged in or aspiring to a career as a music educator

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Master of Music in Music Education

Musicians from the UMass Lowell World Music Ensemble perform at Celebrate Cambodian Arts, a festival honoring Cambodian cultural heritage. Image by Ed Collier

Research Thesis/Project or Community Music options

The Master of Music in Music Education at UMass Lowell has two non-certification options: 

  • Research Thesis/Project option — a research-based program for fully-certified music teachers who are seeking professionalization
  • Community Music option — serves to broaden the definition of music education to include other venues beyond public school teaching, such as community outreach programs, arts organizations and educational media

The degree program is designed to facilitate students' growth and development as:

  • Leaders in the profession of music education
  • Creative problem solvers and innovative thinkers
  • Individuals who love music and the arts and utilize their knowledge of and enthusiasm for music to inspire students
  • Contributors, through research, to the profession and discipline of music education

The music education curriculum is based on the belief that music educators must have comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter of music, an awareness of current theory and practice in music education, and an understanding of recent curriculum developments and contemporary issues in general education.

A music teacher in the classroom teaching young students with instruments.

Admission Requirements for all Master of Music in Music Education Degree Programs

All applicants are expected to present an undergraduate record of sufficient quality to assure a reasonable expectation of successful graduate achievement.

Applicants for admission to the Master of Music in Music Education (Research Thesis/Project option) degree program must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a major in music.
Applicants for the Master of Music in Music Education (Community Music option) must provide proof of either a Bachelor of Music degree in performance, music industry or music education or its equivalent from an accredited music program.
Minimum GPA of 3.000.
Candidates for admission must submit the required Graduate School application forms.
Applicants for admission to Master of Music in Music Education/Thesis Project Options must have passed the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) test in Music within the last five years and must submit the results of this test.
  • A statement of purpose.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Official transcripts.
  • On-site audition or audition tape.
The UMass Lowell Gospel Choir performing.

Advising

Successful candidates for admission will be assigned a faculty advisor and notified of registration dates and other pertinent information.

General Program Requirements

All Master of Music programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Each program has a required capstone component. Depending on the program, this will be apprentice teaching, a thesis, a project report, a recital project or internship. Specific requirements are listed under the individual program descriptions.

The candidate will follow the procedures described on the Graduate Admissions website. All applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee of the Department of Music and a decision will be rendered in writing to the applicant.

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