Master-level study of music is for students who have set their sights on a particular area of music, and want to delve in deeply. Whether you study online or in a classroom, it usually takes up to two years to obtain a master degree in music.
There are all kinds of music students. Practicing musicians and composers may enroll in master-level courses to devote themselves to specialized study in any number of areas, such as musical ... performance, conducting, or composition. Some online music students are music-education majors. They want to get their initial certification to teach music, or are teaching already and are required to get a master degree within a certain number of years, or want a higher-level license or certificate. Online master-level study of music education involves interacting with instructors and fellow students via message boards, chat rooms, and email. Courses in musicology, music theory, and the foundations of music education (history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology) provide the in-depth knowledge a master degree connotes
If you're on a path toward academia and a doctoral degree in music, the master degree in music could move you one step closer to your goal.
The classes you take during master-level study of music vary according to your major. Classes in music history and literature are standard, along with courses in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and statistics. (The connections between math and music are strong.) Other classes might include sight singing, music history, playing in an instrumental ensemble, chamber-music coaching, computer-music composition, musicology, music theory, early music, jazz studies, organ and sacred music, music history and literature, music library science, operatic literature, symphonic literature, music in the United States, medieval music, Renaissance, Baroque or classic music, and the study of famous composers, past and present.
Before being awarded with a degree, music students at the master level must pass a written or oral examination showing they have accomplished significant research in their field of study. With a master degree in music, students can become music educators, have a voice in the music and performing worlds, become talent managers, or focus on the technical side of things, producing and mixing music.
Bonus!
Master of Music in Music Education Kent State University
Master of Music in Music Education Boston University
