Graduate Studies in Music Education
Graduate degrees in music education are primarily designed for practicing music educators who wish to further their studies, refine their teaching practices and/or train to become music teacher trainers. The MAT program, administered by the College of Education, is specifically for those who have a bachelor's degree in music, but need licensure in Tennessee.
Online Master of Music in Music Education
Master of Music in Orff Schulwerk
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
ONLINE MASTER OF MUSIC IN MUSIC EDUCATION
The Master of Music in Music Education is a fully online program designed for working teachers. It is structured to enhance public and private school music specialist's ability to teach music effectively to every child. The degree emphasizes fundamental knowledge of research techniques and scholarly writing standards required for understanding and investigating problems in music and education. In this degree program, music educators will be stimulated by current research in music to seek, evaluate, and appropriately implement current ideas and developments in teaching music. Candidates will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the psychological, social, and musical values in music education.
All courses are completely online (with one class requiring video-conference class discussions and lectures in the summer) and we also consider previous intensive professional development or training you may have completed which can be counted as experiential learning credit. There is no on campus requirement unless you choose to participate in our summer Orff certification program. You can check out the cost of the program (32 credit hours) by reviewing this website.
Here's a sample degree plan that our students follow:
Summer #1:
MUSE 7220 Research in Music Education (3)
MUHL 7405 Music Since 1900 (3)
Fall #1:
MUSE 7222 Research Applications in Music Education (3)
Elective (3)
Ensemble credit (1) via experiential learning credit (must show evidence of participation
in a community/church/professional ensemble)
Spring #1:
MUSE 7404 Assessment in the Music Classroom (3)
Elective (3)
Summer #2:
MUSE 7402 Historical and Philosophical Foundations in Music Education (3)
MUTC 7801 Analytical Techniques (3)
Fall #2:
Elective (4)
Spring #2:
MUSE 7995 Master's Project (3)
Apply for graduation and take the Master's comprehensive exam online
To apply, you'll need to apply to the UofM Graduate School AND the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. For our application, you'll need to provide evidence of your valid music teaching license, a writing sample (Philosophy of Music Education), and at least 2 letters of reference.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a masters and teacher licensure program in one. The MAT - Music Education program is an advanced teacher certification program for professional musicians desiring a master's degree and Tennessee K-12 licensure to teach music. Candidates for the MAT- Music Education master's degree program have completed undergraduate studies in applied music, composition, theory, musicology, or other professional areas. An individual may not seek teacher licensure at the University of Memphis unless they have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA from an accredited institution.
For more information on the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), visit:
https://www.memphis.edu/tep/graduate/advising.php
https://www.memphis.edu/icl/advising/degree_adm/mat_degree_program.php
MASTER OF MUSIC IN ORFF SCHULWERK
The University of Memphis' Master of Music in Orff Schulwerk is a unique offering among music education programs. The UofM Summer Orff Institute is one of the oldest Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Courses in the United States.
The Master of Music in Orff Schulwerk is a program designed to enhance to the professional practice of music educators. The degree features a wide range of theoretical courses balanced by requirements that apply to music teachers' work with students of all ages using the Orff Schulwerk approach.
The 33-credit degree includes 21-credit hours of coursework that are completely online. The remaining 12-credit hours are completed at the University of Memphis Summer Orff Schulwerk Summer Orff Institute (Orff Schulwerk Levels I-III and Masterclass).
We also consider previous intensive professional development or training you may have completed which can be counted as experiential learning credit. You can check out the cost of the program (33 credit hours) by reviewing University Student and Business Services.
The 33-hour degree comprises the following:
A. Core Requirements (9 Credit Hours)
Research (3 crs.), History (3 crs), and Theory (3 crs). (Any graduate music theory
or history course may be used for this requirement with the exception of individual
studies, pedagogy, or repertory courses.)
B. Orff Schulwerk Music Education Requirements (12 Credit Hours)
Orff Schulwerk Level I MUSE 6802 (3 crs.), Orff Schulwerk Level II MUSE 7103 (3 crs.),
Orff Schulwerk Level III (3 crs.), and Orff Schulwerk Masterclass (3 crs.).
C. Electives (9 Credit Hours)
Electives must be selected in Music Education and approved by the major professor.
D. Orff Practicum MUSE 7998 (3 Credit Hours)
Optional Online Coursework toward the degree with video conferencing components. Two-week intensive Orff training from nationally-renowned trainers. Earn Credits for prior training and/or professional experience.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MUSIC EDUCATION
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education is offered to candidates who show promise as researchers and teachers. Candidates are expected to complete the course of study with distinction and demonstrate ability in scholarly study and exemplary teaching.
In this degree program, music educators will be stimulated by current research in music to seek, evaluate, and appropriately implement current ideas and developments in teaching music. Candidates will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the psychological, social, and musical values in music education.
For more information or questions about certain degrees, please contact the Area Coordinator of Music Education.