Master's Programs in Music

The Music Department offers the following graduate degrees:

Master of Music in Music Education (Research Thesis/Project Track OR Community Music Option)

Program Objectives

The Master of Music in Music Education (Research Thesis/Project Track OR community Music Option) at UMass Lowell provide advanced study of music teaching and learning and professional preparation for those engaged in or aspiring to a career as a music educator.

The Master of Music in Music Education has two non-certification options consisting of the research-based Research Thesis/Project track for fully-certified music teachers who are seeking professionalization and the Community Music option which 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.

All of our programs are designed to facilitate students' growth and development as leaders in the profession of music education; as creative problem solvers and innovative thinkers; as individuals who love music and the arts and utilize their knowledge of and enthusiasm for music to inspire students; and as 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 development and contemporary issues in general education.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements for all applicants to the Master of Music programs, applicants to the music education program must submit:

  1. Resume

For the thesis option:

  1. verification of initial certification in music and/or proof of music teaching experience 
  2. a sample of your scholarly writing about music or music education. This may be a term paper or research paper written in any baccalaureate level music class, providing evidence of writing skills and potential for writing at the level of a graduate thesis.

For the certification option:

  1. verification of appropriate MTEL passing scores and/or provisional certification.
  2. an essay of at least three typewritten pages addressing the following:
    1. The applicant's purpose and specific objectives in pursuing graduate study in music education
    2. the applicant's philosophy of education in general and arts education in particular

Program Requirements - Licensure Option

Pedagogy 6-9 Credits

  • MUED.6010* Seminar in Music Education - Socio-Cultural Influences
  • MUED.5100* Foundation of Music Education
  • MUED.5150 Curriculum Design in Music Education

Research - 3 credits

General Education - 3 Credits

  • EDUC.5043 Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities

Music Theory/History - 3 Credits

Graduate Performance Ensembles - 3 credits

Teaching Practicum - 9 credits

Program Requirements - Research: Thesis or Project Option

Pedagogy - 9 Credits

  • MUED.6010* Seminar in Music Education - Socio-Cultural Influences
  • MUED.5100* Foundations of Music Education
  • MUED.5150 Curriculum Design in Music Education

Research - 3 credits

Music Theory / History - 3 credits

Non-Music Ed Electives - 6 credits

  • EDUC.5043 Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities
  • EDUC.5024 Inclusive Practices for the SEL Classroom

Graduate Performance Ensembles - 3 credits

Project or Thesis - 3 credits

Master of Music in Sound Recording Technology

Concentrations:

  • Technical
  • Production

Program Objectives

The Master of Music in Sound Recording Technology (MM:SRT) program enhances the musical and technical capabilities of the graduate through deep studies of the are, science and practice in this ever-advancing field. Significant hands-on, in-studio project work, using the newest technologies and a broad collection of time-proven vintage equipment, enables the student to apply their acquired knowledge toward artistic and research projects throughout the two years of study. Technology is always studied in the context of the relevant aesthetics - for music, picture or games: in live performance or in the studio.

Graduates of the program find meaningful careers in music production and engineering, sound design, music performance, technical support, research and development, product management, test and measurement, system design,education and more.

The program prepares graduates to be lifelong learners in a changing, high tech field through foundational studies and experiences with a music technology core, informed by advanced critical listening, empowered by problem solving and critical thinking, challenged by leading edge innovation and guided by deep knowledge o the associated arts.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements for all applicants to the Master of Music programs, applicants to the sound recording technology program must submit

  1. Transcripts demonstrating completion of an undergraduate degree in an area related to the audio industry. We seek applicants whose undergraduate studies included in-depth studies across the disciplines of audio, music, and science. Students whose undergraduate studies do not include all of the program’s three main disciplines are expected to demonstrate compensating excellence in at least two of them, plus documented threshold capabilities in the third. This will be done through the portfolio, college transcripts, and/or documented professional experience.
  2. A Production Portfolio demonstrating suitable production skill and experience, with detailed documentation. We request three example projects -- either audio-only productions where the applicant was the primary engineer, or video/film projects for which the applicant provided audio post-production work. All media (USB drives, CD, DVD, Blue Ray) must be clearly and fully labeled. We understand that projects are often a collaboration among a number of people. Applicant should choose recordings in which they made a significant contribution, clearly defining their role in the project [e.g., producer, recording engineer (all tracks), sound designer, synthesis, composer, recording engineer (drums and vocals only), mix engineer, etc.]. Each project should be accompanied by document, (digital preferred) of no less than three pages (and it may run to several more) documenting performers, location, technology, techniques, and the exact nature of the applicant’s contributions. Information on equipment and techniques used is especially important. Copies of original session documentation (Track Sheets, Set-up Sheets, Recall Sheets) and/or a complete list and description of the equipment used in the creation of each submitted recording are strongly desired. Photos showing instrument placement within the room and microphone placement around instruments are welcome. Finally, include a discussion of your creative goals on each project and how it influenced your technical approach to the making of the recording. The Production Portfolio is designed to be open-ended enough for you to express yourself creatively, demonstrate success in any related discipline, and show attention to detail.
  3. Demonstrated proficiency in college-level math and science through relevant course work or standardized tests or college transcripts.
  4. A Statement of Career Objectives and Interests showing the applicant’s specific goals and motivations for graduate study in sound recording technology.
  5. Two letters of recommendation which evidence the student’s preparedness for graduate study in the MM: SRT program.
  6. All other requirements for Graduate Admission by UMass Lowell (see admissions requirements)

Program Concentrations

MM:SRT offers two concentrations. The Technical Concentration is for students with a strong math and science background, leading to publication of a research thesis in the sound recording technology field.  The Production Concentration’s capstone effort is the Masters Recording Project, for students focused on the art and practice of sound recording.

The Technical Concentration

The Technical Concentration requires the student to complete the SRT masters thesis and at least one technical elective course that is approved in advance by the student's faculty advisor.

Major Field (15 credits)

Music Core (9 credits)

  • MUTH.6100 Structure, Context, and Style (3)
  • MUSR.6500 Research in SRT (3)
  • MUEN.xxxx Ensemble Participation (3) (Multiple Course Options Available)

Electives (6 credits)
Technical elective (one from below)

  • MUSR.5900 Advanced Acoustics for Audio (3)
  • MUSR.6100 Digital Media (3)
  • MUSR.6600 Seminar in Audio (3)
  • MUSR.5450 Advanced Mix Techniques (3)
  • Free elective (approved by the faculty advisor) (3)

The Production Concentration

The Production Concentration requires the student to complete the masters recording project and at least one production elective related to their capstone project.

Major Field (15 credits)

Music Core (9 credits)

  • MUTH.6100 Structure, Context, and Style (3)
  • MUSR.6500 Research in SRT (3)
  • MUEN.xxxx Ensemble Participation (3) (Multiple Course Options Available)

Electives (6 credits)
Production elective (one from below)

  • MUSR.4410 Advanced Multitrack Recording (3)
  • MUSR.4600 Audio for Visuals (3)
  • MUSR.4300 Computer Applications in Music (3)
  • MUSR.5500 Advanced Video Production (3)
  • MUSR.5450 Advanced Mix Techniques (3)
  • Free elective [approved by the faculty advisor] (3)

Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification)

Objectives of the Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification)

The Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification) is for music teachers who are in the process of earning their initial teacher certification in Massachusetts.

The Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification) is also the graduate segment of the music teacher preparation/certification program at the university for Graduates of our Music Studies program. Upon successful completion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), Music Studies graduates may apply directly for the Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification) degree. Upon completion of this degree program, through our Graduate School of Education, students may file an application to the Massachusetts Department of Education for initial licensure and become fully certified teachers in Massachusetts.

Admission Requirements

  1. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a major in music. Applicants who possess an undergraduate degree in music education will not be considered for admission to the Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification), as these students will have completed their student teaching and obtained initial teacher certification. Those applicants will be considered for admission to the Master of Music in Music Education non-licensure tracks.
  2. Applicants for the Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification) program must present evidence of having passed all parts of the Massachusetts Teachers' Test.
  3. Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school previously attended must be submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to evaluate the applicant's academic and professional abilities.
  5. Applicants must have taken course work equivalent to the University of Massachusetts Lowell Bachelor of Music in Music Studies degree.

Program Requirements - Certification Option Pedaogogy 6 - 9 Credits

  • MUED.6010* Seminar in Music Education - Socio-Cultural Influences
  • MUED.5100* Foundations of Music Education
  • MUED.5150 Curriculum Design in Music Education

Research - 3 Credits

General Education - 3 Credits

  • EDUC.5043 Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities

Music Theory/History - 3 Credits

Graduate Performance Ensembles - 3 Credits Teaching Practicum

Updated 5/14/24

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