Music Education
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The Master of Music Education Program at the UMKC Conservatory is a unique summer-only program meant for teachers with at least one to two years of classroom experience to be able to pursue a graduate degree while maintaining a full-time career during the academic year. Guiding you are faculty who are experts in instrumental and choral music education, music pedagogy, conducting, theory and research.
While in this program, you will investigate contemporary teaching approaches and techniques while learning how to research, review and design music curriculum and materials to improve teaching and learning outcomes. As a graduate, you will be ready for teaching and leadership roles in your community.
- Program Type: Master's
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Master of Music Education
- Standard credit hours: 30
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 1-4 years
- Typical Course Load: 1-5 per semester
Why UMKC
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff can help you leverage industry connections and deliver the direction and support you need to succeed in your career.
Contribute to world-changing research
UMKC faculty and students break ground in key areas of science, technology, healthcare, education, law, the arts and the humanities — bringing in millions in funding in the process. If you want to work on the cutting edge of these fields and set yourself up for a career in innovation, there aren’t many better places to be.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to gain hands-on experience, connect with area employers and network with local industry professionals.
After Graduation
Music educators help students develop their love and understanding of music. Many Master of Music Education students will leverage their education to move up the pay scale in their current school district, or to shift roles or school districts altogether. Employment for these professionals is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Potential careers
- Elementary music teacher
- Marching band technician
- Middle school/high school band director
- Middle school/high school choir director
- Middle school/high school orchestra director
- Private lessons instructor
$64,493
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (25-2031.00)
Potential Courses
Pedagogy of Music Theory
This course looks at the application of methods, philosophies, materials and current trends in music theory pedagogy. You will engage in supervised teaching, research projects and observations of musi…
Contemporary Issues in Music Education
Explore the philosophical, social and historical frameworks that serve as a foundation for addressing the opportunities and challenges you’ll face as a music educator in contemporary American school…
Research for Music Teachers
This course examines common practitioner-based research designs used by music educators. You will learn about and complete projects that use rigorous research design procedures and concepts.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities.
- Artistic resume or CV: Please list all relevant music experience, such as ensembles, schools, teachers, performances and awards.
- Two references: List the names and contact information of your references, and the application system will send an email to them requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 1.
- Applicants must perform a successful audition on their primary instrument or voice part. Applicants whose primary instrument is piano or guitar must also successfully audition on a traditional band or orchestral instrument for the bachelor's degree in Music Education Instrumental program, or on voice for the bachelor's degree in Music Education Choral program. An interview with the music education faculty is also required on the day of the audition.
- Review audition repertoire requirements for your primary instrument or voice.
- Transcripts and test scores from domestic and international undergraduate students may be sent in after the Dec. 15 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students.
Have questions? Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Reduce Your Cost. Maximize Your Investment.
Earning your degree shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.