Music Education

Program Type
Master’s Program
Degree
Master of Music (MM)
Mode of Study
In person
School
Osher School Of Music

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. Tuition rate varies depending on residency. New England residents may qualify for a tuition break. See cost details

Credit hours

32 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship, fellowship & research opportunities. Explore aid

Admissions

No GRE required. Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Complete your Master’s in Music Education in as few as three summer terms and one fall or spring term.
  • Take advantage of our flexible program schedule which is designed for working adults.
  • Learn from a faculty of nationally and internationally distinguished performers, teachers, scholars, and mentors with experience in a comprehensive range of genres.
  • Gain research experience through a field-based research plan where you’ll work with music educator advisors to present milestones and reflection on the program.
  • Study in a program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools and Music (NASM).

Expected career outcomes

A student teacher sits with a child playing the trumpet.

Driving the future of music education

Our graduates hold positions in music leadership across the country. As a result of innovative practices driving the future of music education, our alumni are routinely recognized for teaching excellence.

Explore our program
An instructor leads class.

Program requirements

Advance your profession of inspiring a love for music in education. As a culmination of your program, you will develop a portfolio that demonstrates your accomplishments, thinking processes, research methodology and direction for future careers or study.

Visit course catalog
A view of Corthell Hall with fall foliage.

Faculty of distinguished performers

The School of Music offers a personalized and opportunity-based approach to educating musicians, featuring a faculty of distinguished performers (nationally and internationally), teachers, scholars, and mentors with experience in all styles of music.

Meet our faculty
A graduate student stands in front of a table where staff are answering questions and typing on laptops. Behind her are several more graduate students facing the table.

Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Browse resources
A cellist performs in a symphony, and the conductor is in the background.

Our performance season

Attend and engage in our Faculty Concert Series; the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra; Scholarship Gala; Chamber Singers; University Chorale; Concert Band; our annual musical; opera; ensembles of jazz, vocal jazz, winds, and composers; as well as student recitals, masterclasses, and performances by internationally known guest musicians.

View calendar
Two women sit at a table and review paperwork together.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

Explore scholarships
A rocky river with mountains in the background and, bordered by tree with autumn-colored leaves.

Do you live in New England?

You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

Check eligibility
A man sits at a table and types on a laptop.

Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

Register today
Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

Get info
Meet us
Apply
A student sits at a table and writes on a stack of papers.

Admission information: Masters of Music in Music Education

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term startSummer term start
FinalAugust 1December 15April 15
International applicantsJune 1October 15Not available

Applicants to the School of Music graduate programs in Music Education must fulfill the following requirements prior to enrollment:

  • A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in music or music education.

There is no audition for music education. Applicants submit additional materials demonstrating their skills, outlined in the admissions requirement section. Once the application in the Office of Admissions is complete, the music education program advisor and the School of Music Graduate Studies Committee will review the materials and make a recommendation to the School’s coordinator of graduate studies. Due to the intensive and individualized nature of a graduate program in music, admission in specific areas will be limited.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Personal statement discussing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation: Recommendations should be from individuals who are qualified, through direct experience with your academic or professional work, to comment on your ability to undertake graduate study and your chosen profession.
  • Video recording that contains a ten- to -fifteen-minute teaching sequence from a classroom or rehearsal setting. Videotapes of concert performances will not be accepted. Recording may be submitted to the separate Get Acceptd application platform.
  • Written, critical analysis of the teaching episode on the video recording submission.
  • Essay of 1,000 words on a current topic in music education.

What are the international student application instructions?

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?