Master of Music Education
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Master of Music Education Program at the UMKC Conservatory is a unique summer-only program designed for teachers with at least one to two years of classroom experience. This program allows individuals to pursue a graduate degree while maintaining a full-time career during the academic year. The faculty guiding this program are experts in instrumental and choral music education, music pedagogy, conducting, theory, and research.
Program Details
- Program Type: Master's
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Master of Music Education
- Standard credit hours: 30
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 1-4 years
- Typical Course Load: 1-5 per semester
Program Objectives
While in this program, students will investigate contemporary teaching approaches and techniques. They will learn how to research, review, and design music curriculum and materials to improve teaching and learning outcomes. As graduates, they will be ready for teaching and leadership roles in their community.
Career Opportunities
Music educators help students develop their love and understanding of music. Many Master of Music Education students will leverage their education to move up the pay scale in their current school district, or to shift roles or school districts altogether. Employment for these professionals is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Potential Careers
- Elementary music teacher
- Marching band technician
- Middle school/high school band director
- Middle school/high school choir director
- Middle school/high school orchestra director
- Private lessons instructor
Median Salary
$64,468 per year, based on data from Lightcast.io for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.
Potential Courses
Pedagogy of Music Theory
This course examines the application of methods, philosophies, materials, and current trends in music theory pedagogy. Students will engage in supervised teaching, research projects, and observations of music theory classes.
Contemporary Issues in Music Education
This course explores the philosophical, social, and historical frameworks that serve as a foundation for addressing the opportunities and challenges faced by music educators in contemporary American schools.
Research for Music Teachers
This course examines common practitioner-based research designs used by music educators. Students will learn about and complete projects that use rigorous research design procedures and concepts.
Related Programs and Pathways
- Music Education (Major)
- Music Education (Doctorate)
Application Process
- Gather Materials:
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates attended
- Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional)
- Artistic resume or CV
- Two references
- Successful audition on primary instrument or voice part
- Interview with music education faculty
- Complete the Online Application:
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students; $75 for international students
Financial Aid
Earning a degree should not be financially burdensome. The university offers a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities, along with financial guidance from expert advisors.
Financial Aid Statistics
- 80% of first-year students seeking a master's degree or graduate certificate received financial aid
- 92% of first-year students seeking a doctoral degree received financial aid
- 77% of all degree- and certificate-seeking graduate students received financial aid