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College of Music & Performing Arts
Angela Stenzel
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8307
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Why pursue graduate study of music education?
The Master of Music in Music Teaching is specifically designed for students to gain their teaching licensure credential, with the option to choose between vocal or instrumental licensure.
In addition to courses in the area of specialization, coursework also is required in music education foundations, contemporary educational issues, diverse learners and educational psychology. Supporting courses in music include research, theory, history, ensemble participation and applied studies.
Music Teaching majors are required to successfully complete written and oral comprehensive examinations. In fulfillment of teaching licensure requirements, the culminating project will be the EdTPA Portfolio, completed during the Student Teaching semester.
What You'll Learn
- Conducting music research, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative research.
- Music History, covering a wide range of periods, composers and genres.
- Music analysis across a range of genres and styles.
- Learning theories, classroom management and discipline, testing and evaluation.
- An overview of the historical, philosophical and psychological foundations of music education.
- How to be conversant with and knowledgeable about current education topics, issues and trends which impact music education.
- Private applied study on instrument or voice.
Career Possibilities
The Master of Music in Music Teaching, for candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in music outside of music education, is an opportunity for students to further their education in both artistic musicianship and advanced study of music teaching and learning.
Potential Career Options
- High school band or choir director
- Elementary music teacher
Program Information
Curriculum
The Master of Music Teaching degree requires 45 hours of coursework. It is formatted to be completed in two years.
- Music Core: 13 hours
- Education Core: 6 hours
- Music Education Core: 10 hours
- Certification/Licensure Area: 10 hours
- Student Teaching: 6 hours
Courses You'll Take
- MUS 5010 Introduction to Music Research
- MUH 5210 Music History Seminar
A series of in-depth topical seminars for graduate music students which will cover a wide range of periods, composers and musical genres.
- MUT 5310 Analytical Techniques
Advanced study in the analysis of music from across a range of genres and styles. In addition to traditional harmonic and formal analysis, a variety of techniques will be explored and may include LaRue style analysis; analysis of rhythm and meter; and an introduction to Schenkerian and related linear-reductive systems.
- MPA 51xx Private Applied Study - 2 Hours (2 semesters, 1 hour each)
- MUN 5980 Music Ensemble Studies - 2 Hours (2 semesters, 1 hour each)
- EDU 5110 Advanced Educational Psychology
- EDU 5800 Introduction to Exceptional Learners
- MUE 5210 Foundations of Music Education
- MUE 5220 Methods and Materials in Elementary/Middle School Music
- MUE 5250 Contemporary Issues in Music Education
1. Apply to the University
- Create a BU4U account
- Complete the Belmont University Graduate Studies Application for Admission
- Pay the $50 Application Fee
2. Submit Supplemental Materials
Once the application is submitted and the application fee is paid, an email will be sent with instructions for submitting the supplemental pieces of the application. Applicants will be required to provide the following:
- Two completed recommendation forms from individuals who know the applicant's musical abilities. At least one recommendation must be completed by an individual who can address the applicant's accomplishments and potential in the academic classroom setting.
- A list of repertory studied in the principal performing area, including undergraduate junior and senior recital repertory, if applicable.
- A writing sample from undergraduate academic course work.
- Official transcripts of all previous college and masters level work. International applicants with college level coursework from foreign institutions must have their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services (wes.org). Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who have earned below a 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Deadlines
All prospective students should apply as soon as possible to submit their application, including all supplemental materials by the deadline.
3. Audition for the School of Music
All applicants are required hold a Bachelor's Degree in Music, and will audition for the School of Music. The audition day will consist of a live audition and interview with our performance faculty and an informational meeting. The information session will also allow time for questions from attendees.
An audition registration email will be sent upon receipt of the application and all supplemental materials.
Audition requirements:
Voice
- An art song in one of the following languages: French, German or Italian
- A 20th century art song in English
- An aria from the standard operatic or oratorio literature, sung in the original language
Instrumentalists
- Two (2) works appropriate to the instrument that demonstrates two (2) distinctly different styles. This includes individual pieces, sonata or concerto movements or etudes. (Percussionists see MM Performance Major audition requirements for suggested repertoire.)
- Demonstrate a proficient knowledge of scales and arpeggios
Piano
- A substantial work from the Baroque repertoire by composers such as Bach, Handel, Haydn or Scarlatti; or a sonata movement by Beethoven, Haydn or Mozart
- A substantial work by a 19th century composer such as Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn or Schumann; or a 20th century or movement from a work by a composer such as Barber, Bartok, Copland, Debussy, Hindemith, Prokofiev or Ravel
- Demonstrate knowledge of scales, arpeggios and sight-reading.
Organ
- A work by J.S. Bach or another important Baroque composer for organ, specifically
- A 19th century work by a composer such as Franck or Mendelssohn; or a 20th century work by one of the following: Dupre, Hindemith, Langlais, Vierne or Widor
- Demonstrate knowledge of scales and sight-reading.
Request Information
Contact Us
College of Music & Performing Arts
Angela Stenzel
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8307
Email Angela