Find your perfect college degree
A career involving the study of Music or music performance cannot thrive if one of these elements is missing: talent, training, passion, and perseverance.
Presenting a domain of opportunities for Music majors, this career path is established in many professional arenas: a classroom, a concert hall, a recording studio, a stage, and other places where composers, music teachers, coaches, or instrumentalists can showcase their craft.
There are facets in music that don’t require advanced studies as long as you are gifted with exceptional talents, like a golden voice. But if you don’t have that gift, you can still succeed in this field with average musical talent, passion, and advanced education like a Master’s in Music degree.
While the jobs of music directors and composers are seen to grow by only 1% from 2022 to 2032, the opportunities for postsecondary music teachers are projected to rise by 8% within the same period, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says. With a master’s degree in music, you certainly have a strong potential to earn between $62,940 to $165,160 a year!
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Take your musical career to greater heights! A Master’s in Music degree program should one of your academic goals to expand your music career options. Get started with finding the online master’s degree in Music programs that stand out with exceptional features!
Our list of the Best Online Master’s of Music Graduate Schools demonstrate excellence with:
- An online or blended format of graduate instruction, enabling students to earn their Online Master’s of Music degree conveniently,
- An advanced curricula covering the full spectrum of music disciplines, including music production and music business, along with other related subjects toward professional musical artistry,
- A faculty of professionals who excel in the music industry,
- An excellent academic reputation among music organizations and graduate program associations,
- A selection of financial aid opportunities for Online Master’s of Music students,
- A full accreditation from graduate program governing bodies.
Best Online Master’s of Music Graduate Schools
Colorado State University
Advance your career in Music with a graduate degree from Colorado State University. The university offers three online Master of Music degree programs to boost your knowledge and further your career options. The programs are offered online to allow students to keep a healthy work-life balance.
Master of Music (M.M.) – Music Education, Conducting Specialization
This program is for professionals teaching music at the secondary level and conducting, an important element of leading a band, orchestra, or choir.
Master of Music (M.M.) – Music Education Specialization
The M.M. – Music Education and Specialization program is designed to develop you into an effective music teacher. The university works with Colorado Kodály Institute to have your lessons delivered online. Take note, though, that this program includes hands-on training at the Colorado Kodály Institute campus.
The program is for future music teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. It also helps to mold you into an effective independent music educator.
Master of Music (M.M.) – Music Therapy Specialization
The M.M. – Music Therapy Specialization program at the Colorado State University is designed to help you earn the degree at your own pace and accomplish four important goals:
- Establish connections with other people
- Learn new developments in music therapy for neurological/neurodevelopmental disorders
- Apply music as a systematic therapy
- Provide students with sufficient knowledge and skills as a music therapist
Admission requirements
Should you decide to apply for admission to Colorado State University’s Master of Music degree programs, here are the requirements that you need to comply with:
- A bachelor’s degree in music education from an accredited college or university, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- A complete online application and payment of a $60 non-refundable application fee
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae – this should reflect your education, employment, publications, awards, etc.
- Five-minute conducting video in DVD format – it must contain two minutes of concert footage and three minutes of rehearsal footage
- Official transcripts
Standout Features:
As a student in Colorado State University’s Master of Music online degree program, you will be given the same education and earn the same degree as the traditional on-campus students. Even if you are studying online, you will still undergo an On-campus Summer Experience wherein you will be working with professional musicians while being personally mentored by a designated professor.
Colorado State University guarantees the best online education to aspiring holders of master’s of science degrees. Their commitment to providing music-focused education, personalized teaching, and equipping students with skills to lead musical groups can lead to opportunities that will enhance your career.
Known as the “Harvard of the West,” Colorado State University is one of the cheapest public universities in Colorado.
Azusa Pacific University
Master of Arts in Music Industry
The Master of Arts in Music Industry graduate program at Azusa Pacific University’s Orange County campus combines online and on-campus classes. Led by leaders in the music industry, it is designed to maximize digital streaming revenues and favor working musicians who want to advance their music careers.
Admission Requirements
If you wish to enroll at Asuza Pacific University’s Master of Arts in Music Industry degree program, here are the requirements that you need to comply with:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If your GPA is between 2.49 and 3.0, you will be considered for provisional admission
- Payment of $45 application fee
- Official transcripts
- A resume that relates your professional experience
- Two letters of recommendation
- A letter of intent that relates:
- Your interest in music and the music industry
- Your career goals and how the Master of Arts in Music Industry can help you achieve them
- An event or experience that fueled your desire for involvement in the music industry
- Your insights on how music and entrepreneurship are related to each other
Standout Features:
As a student at Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Arts in Music Industry program, you will obtain career competencies from seasoned professionals in the music industry. You will be taught different knowledge and skills, including music publishing, artist development, finance, social media marketing, and a lot more. These can help to build you a rewarding professional career.
The university’s online M.A. in Music Industry program is also intended to help working professionals develop the right skills to run a music-based business.
The California campus of Asuza University is offering four other Master of Music degree programs. Unfortunately, these programs are only available on-campus. These degrees are:
Master of Music in Composition – It’s a program that prepares musicians for professional careers in the specialized fields of composition and arranging.
Master of Music in Conducting – It’s a program that equips musicians with professional skills in conducting.
Master of Music Education – This program equips current and aspiring music teachers with skills that qualify them to teach K-12 music programs.
Master of Music in Performance – It’s a program designed to develop students’ skills in musical performances, including vocal, instrumental, and keyboard collaborative performance.
Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts
Master of Music Degree – Music Education (Online)
The Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Education online degree program at Rutgers is designed for the busy professional music teacher. As their student, you will be exposed to the different facets of music education, including music history and research, methodology, music educational philosophy, and educational literature.
Admission Requirements
These are the basic application requirements that you need to comply with should you decide to apply for admission to Rutgers University’s Master of Music in Music Education online:
- A completed online application and payment of application fee
- A bachelor’s degree in Music Education or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
- GPA of not less than 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Teaching experience of at least one year
- Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal statement and career objectives in one to two pages
- A five to ten-minute teaching video or reference letters from supervisors vouching for your teaching experience
- A five to ten-page academic paper about major subjects like music history and music education.
Standout Features:
Suppose you are a current music teacher. The Master of Music in Music Education at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of Arts is for you. It strives to develop the music teacher into a master of the music teaching process. It intends to perfect your’ personal musicianship and prepare you to become an ace in the music profession.
With Rutgers’ MM in Music Education program, you can expect to improve your music teaching skills via an in-depth understanding of music as a subject and how you can impart it effectively to your students. This online master’s degree in music can help you attain better career opportunities as a music educator and professional musician.
Rutgers isn’t only the oldest but the largest public university in metropolitan New York and New Jersey. The university is not accepting new applications to its online master’s degree in music education at this point, but being one of the best, they deserve this space in this article. For sure, their services will resume as the university commits to continue providing its online students with excellent online learning experiences.
Eastern Illinois University
Master of Arts in Music with Music Education Concentration
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Music, Music Education Concentration is an online graduate program at Eastern Illinois University. It is designed to allow working music educators to learn and apply new ideas and teaching strategies.
Admission Requirements
Eastern Illinois University has a set of admission requirements that you should comply with should you decide to apply for admission to its Master of Arts in Music: Music Education Concentration degree program. The requirements are:
- Bachelor of Music degree holder (earned from an accredited institution)
- At least a year of teaching experience
- A completed online application and payment of $30 application fee
- Reading and understanding of the Student Cohort Agreement MA-Music Ed
- Your statement of interest
- Your latest resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal interview
Standout Features:
EIU’s Master of Arts in Music: Music Education Concentration degree program equips teachers with techniques and skills they can apply directly in their classroom – even if they are still working through their curriculum.
Aside from its M.A. in Music: Music Education Concentration program, Eastern Illinois University also offers three other master’s degree programs in music. Unfortunately, these programs are offered only through traditional classroom instructions:
Master of Arts in Music: Composition Concentration – It’s designed to develop students’ music composition skills.
Master of Arts in Music: Conducting Concentration – This program focuses on developing the students’ skills, confidence, and leadership in conducting choral, orchestral, or instrumental ensembles.
Master of Arts in Music: Performance Concentration – This program is designed to develop the students’ keyboard, vocal, and instrumental skills and prepare them for a performing arts career.
Stephen F Austin State University School of Music
The Stephen F Austin (SFA) State University School of Music is a Nacogdoches, Texas-based university that offers a Master of Music degree program online. The school’s program has four areas of specialization: Theory-Composition, Music Education, Conducting, and Performance. These programs are available online, but some courses are available only through on-campus sessions due to their hands-on nature.
Master of Music: Performance Track
If you have a passion for performing, this track is for you. It is designed to equip you with performing skills and techniques through comprehensive study and intense training.
The performance track has five concentrations:
- Collaborative Piano
- Keyboard
- Orchestral Instruments
- Pedagogy
- Voice
Master of Music: Conducting Track
The conducting track is designed to provide you with intense training to develop your skills to a professional level. This track will expose you to various techniques for interpreting and making the appropriate gestures when interpreting musical scores.
The conducting track has three areas of concentration:
- Band
- Choral
- Orchestral
Master of Music: Music Education Track
The Master of Music: Music Education Track is designed for music teachers and to equip them with advanced knowledge and skills to advance their teaching careers in public learning institutions. SFA’s Master of Music education track has three areas of concentration:
- Choral
- Instrumental
- Elementary/General Music
Master of Music: Theory-Composition Track
SFA’s Master in Music Theory-Composition specialization is designed to equip aspiring composers like you with advanced skills in writing songs and musical notes. It exposes you to rigorous academic work to prepare you for a bright career as a professional musician and university professor. These are the areas of concentration in the theory-composition track:
- Theory
- Composition
- Theory-composition (dual)
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to SFA’s Master of Music degree programs, you must comply with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in the field
- Overall GPA of 2.5
- If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can be considered for admission if you have completed at least 95 hours of undergraduate work at SFA. Take note, though, that if this is your status, you need to be approved as an Overlap Student before proceeding to the next steps
- An application fee
- Official transcripts
- Your GRE or GMAT score, depending on the graduate program you intend to pursue
- An application essay, depending on the program you want to take
- Letters of recommendation or essays may be needed, depending on your academic major
- Payment of the $50 application fee
Standout Features:
All of SFA’s Master of Music degree programs are intended to develop the student’s knowledge and skills to make them mature, critical thinkers. In line with SFA’s desire to accommodate students who cannot attend on-campus classes due to distance, time, or work constraints, the university offers many master’s in music courses online.
Stephen F Austin State University ranks sixth in College Factual’s 2021 list of U.S. music schools with the highest-paid graduates.
Georgia College and State University
The Online Master’s in Music Education at the Georgia College and State University was conceived to allow in-service music educators to pursue a graduate degree that can help to advance their profession without veering away from the basics of liberal arts.
The university commits to equipping students with pedagogical knowledge and skills to satisfy the learning needs of people and communities.
Admission Requirements
If you want to pursue a Master’s in Music degree at Georgia College and State University, these are the admission requirements that you need to comply with:
- A bachelor’s in Music Education
- GPA of at least 3.0.
- If you hold unrelated bachelor’s degrees, you may be required to take additional coursework.
- Official transcripts
- Recommendations from three persons who are not connected with the university. These personal references must be able to vouch for your ability and potential to succeed in the program.
- Your most recent resume / Curriculum vitae
- A 500-word statement that relates your professional experiences, personal evaluation of yourself, and the reasons why you’re pursuing an MME degree.
- Your GACE or GRE score
- A valid Georgia teaching certificate
- An interview with the Graduate Coordinator
Standout Features:
Georgia College and State University’s Master in Music degree program is a music education-specific program where students engage in pedagogy, history, theory, research, teaching, and performance education. The university provides specialized courses to equip its graduates with skills to teach choral and instrumental music effectively.
The university doesn’t require a residency for its MME program.
In 2018, the Princeton Review recognized Georgia College as one of the Best Colleges: Region by Region for the 11th consecutive time.
Southern Utah University
Master of Music in Music Technology: Performance Technology Track
Southern Utah University’s Master in Music Technology – Performance Technology Track is a fully online program designed to equip working musicians with the knowledge and skills they need to create music and sound on film, video, and television.
Admission Requirements
Southern Utah University has streamlined its admission process to make it easier and quicker for you to be a part of its graduate program. The admission requirements are:
- A completed online graduate application
- A bachelor’s degree earned from an officially accredited school
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Samples of your present skill level in audio or video format
Standout Features:
Through a faculty of world-class music professionals, Southern Utah University manifests its goal to produce outstanding graduates of the Master in Music Technology – Performance Technology degree program. This degree is for aspiring musicians, educators, technicians, or producers.
The Master in Music Technology – Performance Technology program exposes you to several subject matters relative to concerts and live music production. The classes focus on music technology and cutting-edge platforms and tools in the modern music industry. While this degree is delivered fully online, it allows you to work with a faculty that’s committed to providing you with high-level education in music technology.
Southern Utah University’s Master in Music Technology is committed to providing you with a solid music portfolio that can help to steer your career to the top of the music industry.
SUU is dubbed the “University of the Parks” because of its proximity to outdoor recreational areas.
Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Music in Music Education
Eastern Kentucky University’s Master of Music in Music Education degree program is designed to make you do what you love about music and combine it with the best practices in music education. It also allows you to learn new pre-K-12 teaching methods to make your classes livelier and your lessons easier to understand.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for EKU’s Master of Music degree program, meet these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Overall GPA of 2.5
- If your GPA is lower than 2.5 – to be considered for probationary admission, you will be required to take a GRE with a score of not less than 144 on the verbal and at least 3.0 on the Analytical Writing Sections
- Official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve previously attended
- Ace the Music Theory and Music History Entrance Exams
Standout Features:
The Master of Music in Music Education at Eastern Kentucky School of Music prepares you for academic and professional success. This online master’s degree program is intended to provide you with a personalized learning experience. Its topics, which blend the essential aspects of music education, can open doors for you toward a brighter career as a music teacher, orchestra, band or choir director, or general music specialist.
The Eastern Kentucky School of Music performs more than 100 concerts per year, consisting of faculty concerts, ensemble performances, and performances by guest artists.
University of Florida
Online Master of Music in Music Education
The University of Florida’s online Master of Music in Music Education program helps aspiring and current music educators refine their knowledge and skills in music and give them the ability to inspire people, encourage musicianship, and impart their passion to succeeding generations.
Admission Requirements
If you aspire for admission to the University of Florida’s Online Master of Music in Music Education degree program, you should meet these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in Music Education
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Professional music teaching experience
- An online application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Your statement of purpose
- Current resume
- Academic portfolio
- Payment of $37 application fee
Standout Features:
The University of Florida’s Online Master of Music in Music Education program is delivered 100% online. It is intended to provide you with the following benefits:
- It allows you to work while you study
- The program introduces new teaching methods that you can practice immediately
- The program guarantees to prepare you for new career paths
In its 2015 college and university rankings, The New York Times ranked the University of Florida 6th among public and private US universities in helping low-income students get a college education.
Boston University
Master of Music in Music Education Online
The Master of Music in Music Education at Boston University is an online program for professionals pursuing a higher level of music education to qualify for top-level careers. It is a comprehensive and collaborative program that will hone your musical skills and develop you into an effective music educator.
Admission Requirements
If you decide to become a part of Boston University’s Master of Music in Music Education Online degree program, the first thing you need to do is comply with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s in Music or Music Education from a regionally accredited college or university
- GPA of not less than 3.0
- Classroom teaching experience
- A completed online application
- Payment of non-refundable application fee of $95
- Letters of recommendation from a music teacher, immediate supervisor, or undergraduate faculty. The letters should relate your leadership abilities in music education and your potential to succeed in this graduate program.
- Official transcripts
- A two-page personal statement of purpose stating your reasons for taking this graduate degree program
- Current resume
- An example of a scholarly article you have written
- Proof of English proficiency for non-English speakers
Standout Features:
As a student of Boston University’s online Master of Music in Music Education degree program, you will be exposed to various research activities and online discussions about music education. The curriculum delves into music education’s psychological, sociological, and philosophical aspects to sharpen your knowledge, skills, and passion for music. These will be the key to your professional and career advancements.
Upon admission at Boston University’s Online Master of Music degree program, you will be given allowed to enjoy these benefits:
- High-quality music instruction
- Access to the university’s world-class resources
- Learn new techniques
- Transform your skillset and allow you to make things happen in your career
Boston University is the oldest degree-granting music program in the U.S. It is also the inventor of music education in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Music Degree?
The Master of Music (M.M. or M.Mus) is a postgraduate degree in music awarded by colleges or universities. It combines advanced studies in specific areas of specialization such as composition, singing, conducting, instrument playing, and advanced studies in music subjects, including music theory and pedagogy.
The Master of Music degree program takes two years for full-time students to complete. It equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to become composers, conductors, or professional performers. A master’s of music degree is often the minimum qualification set by colleges and universities looking to hire vocal or instrumental teachers.
What is an Online Master of Music Degree Program?
Online education or distance learning is a method of educating students with the help of information technology. Students are not required to attend a campus-based classroom with online education, but they’ll use a computer connected to the internet instead. It is the modern way of giving students access to education when they can’t attend their classes due to time and distance constraints.
An online Master of Music degree program provides students with advanced studies in music through the electronic transmission of learning resources. Email, chatrooms, video conferencing, and instant messaging are some of the ways online education is delivered.
An online master of the music program is typically conducted via a virtual classroom. It is a time and cost-effective means of providing advanced education to working professionals and students who can’t commute or move closer to school because of work or family commitments.
An online Master of Music degree is ideal for people who want to advance their career in music without making a major change in their family or work activities and commitments.
What can I do with a Master’s of Music Degree?
A Master of Music degree can be your ticket to promising careers in the music, academic, or entertainment industry.
Graduates with a master’s degree in music can easily qualify for teaching positions at elementary and high school levels. They can also do many other things like conducting private music lessons, leading music groups, and directing bands and orchestras.
These popular jobs await Master’s in Music degree holders:
Music Director – A Master of Music degree can qualify you as a conductor, music director, or musical group leader. It equips you with signaling and conducting skills to lead bands, orchestras, and choirs and prepare them for a live or recorded performance.
Composer – A master’s degree in a music program can hone your skills in writing and creating music. A master’s degree is not a primary qualification for composers, but if you want to specialize in composing classical sounds, having a master’s degree can be of great help.
Musician or Singer – A master’s degree in music is not required for this job either. But if you choose to acquire the degree, you have better chances of advancing your skills. A master’s degree is helpful, especially if you choose jazz, country, hip-hop, rock, or classical music as your area of specialization.
High School Music Teacher – Because the present standard of education is getting high, some states may require you to hold a master’s degree in music – to be considered for a high school teaching position. Several U.S. high schools of the present day are making music teachers responsible for teaching bands, orchestras choirs and providing students with lessons about certain instruments.
Raw talent may lead you to a career in music, but completing a master’s in music degree can advance your career in this field.
If you are passionate about music and would want to pursue a career in this field, there are many things you need to weigh and consider, as choosing the right program can be quite confusing. These are the factors that you need to give serious thought to when choosing a master’s in a music degree program:
1. Your Skill/Talent
2. What You Want to Do
3. Your Dedication / Determination
4. The Curriculum
5. The Faculty
What are the Other Types of Master’s Degrees in Music?
There are hundreds of master’s in music degree programs offered at different schools in the U.S. A majority of these programs require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree, among other requirements. Here are the most popular master’s in music degree programs in the U.S.:
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Music
While this program requires applicants to obtain a bachelor’s degree, its courses are similar to a bachelor’s degree program. Its more intense concentration in Music as a subject is a good foundation for students who aspire for teaching positions in the elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Music
Like the M.A. degree, the Master of Science in Music is a degree you can obtain after completing a bachelor’s degree. It’s a program designed to develop and hone your knowledge and skills in the music industry’s technological aspects, such as audio engineering and sound recording technology.
Master of Music (MM)
The Master of Music is an advanced program focused on developing students’ skills in creating pleasant, harmonious, and rhythmic melodies. It has fewer courses outside of music and exposes students to more rigorous musical training than students taking an M.A. in Music.
