Music — Pedagogy

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

30 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

  • Earn your degree on your terms: Study full-time and finish in as few as 2 years or study part-time and finish in 4 years.
  • Choose to focus on vocal or piano pedagogy.
  • Take advantage of our flexible program schedule which is designed for working adults.
  • Build foundational knowledge on teaching methods and repertory for a career in applied studio teaching.
  • Learn from a faculty of nationally and internationally distinguished performers, teachers, scholars, and mentors with experience in a comprehensive range of genres.
  • Study in a program that is accredited by the National Association of Schools and Music (NASM).

Expected career outcomes

A graduate student instructs a music course.

Professional preparation

Upon graduation, you’ll join an alumni network of successful music educators, performers, conductors, and composers who hold positions in music leadership across the U.S. and internationally.

Explore our program
A view of Corthell Hall with fall foliage.

Faculty of distinguished performers

The Osher 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
An instructor and a student review sheet music at a piano.

Program requirements

Our pedagogy graduate program is for students who wish to pursue a career in applied studio teaching. Curriculum focuses on the development of teaching techniques and performance skills, as well as areas of pedagogy study including a supervised teaching internship.

Visit course catalog
The Chamber Singers perform at Williston-Immanuel Church in Portland.

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 Pedagogy

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 Pedagogy must fulfill the following requirements prior to enrollment:

  • A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in music or music education.
  • An audition (by invitation only; see details below).

Music Audition

Once the application in the Office of Admissions is complete, the Osher School of Music Graduate Studies Committee will review the materials and make a recommendation to the School’s coordinator of graduate studies. The program advisor for the pedagogy area will contact applicants selected for an audition.

Each degree program has specific audition requirements outlined below. Acceptance into an area of study is exclusive to that area, and a separate application and audition is required for each area. Due to the intensive and individualized nature of a graduate program in music, admission in specific areas will be limited.

The audition will include:

  • A performance audition of at least 15 minutes of music containing repertoire that represents various music styles according to the discipline of the student’s applied area.
  • A sight singing exam will be taken by all students at the time of audition, demonstrating the ability to sight-sing a melody and clap, tap or recite a rhythm pattern at sight.
  • Vocalists: must perform from memory in English, Italian, and one (1) other language. Vocalists must demonstrate the ability to play at the piano: I, IV, V, I chord progressions in keys up to 3 sharps and flats.

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.
  • Complete repertoire list, specifying those works that have been performed.
  • Audition: See details above in the Applicant Qualifications section.

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address