Graduate degrees in Music Education

group of guitarists

Master of Music Education

The Master of Music Education (MME) degree is designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance and develop skills and knowledge. The curriculum includes three general areas of study: 1) music education; 2) applied music, accompanying and conducting; and 3) music literature and theory. Graduate study culminates with either a thesis or a research/teaching project.

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in music, or equivalent, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) prior to admission into the program. Transcripts from all post-high school study must be submitted. International students must earn a minimum TOEFL score of 550. As part of the Shenandoah University graduate application, applicants submit a writing sample that addresses their intent for joining the program and lists their professional goals. Most applicants present a baccalaureate degree in music education and are licensed teachers. Specific teacher licensure requirements are generally met through an approved undergraduate degree. In addition, all MME applicants must complete a 200-word (no more) writing sample (with citations in the American Psychological Association Manual of Style format) on a current topic in music education. A performance audition is not required.

Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education

The Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education curriculum offer s a practice-based degree in music education with instruction offered in a timeframe accessible to the practicing music educator. The program is offered to professionals who have demonstrated musical and academic competence through completion of a master's degree in music and effectiveness in music education through completion of successful teaching experience. The degree is designed to extend the knowledge base of music educators who aspire to positions of leadership in teaching, supervision and/or administration in music education. Students have a period of eight years to complete the DMA in Music Education degree from their initial enrollment date.

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in music education, music pedagogy or the equivalent from a regionally accredited institution plus a master's degree in music, music education or education. This master's degree must parallel the Master of Music Education degree offered at Shenandoah University and include a culminating research/teaching project or thesis. At least one pre-doctoral degree must be in music education or music pedagogy. International students must earn a minimum TOEFL score of 550. Diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory are required following acceptance into the DMA curriculum.

Transcripts from all post-high school study, with a minimum grade-point average of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) for work completed at the master's level, must be submitted. Students may not enroll in classes before they are accepted. Prompt requests for transcripts expedite the admissions process. Applicants must document two years of teaching experience at elementary or secondary school levels in a public school setting. All DMA applicants must submit a writing sample (with citations in the American Psychological Association Manual of Style format) on a current topic in music education. Applicants must also submit an interview in the format of videotaped responses to the following specific questions:

  1. State your name, the date and your current teaching position (level and location).
  2. Comment on your interest in earning a DMA in music education at Shenandoah University.
  3. What area(s) of music education are of particular interest to you? Why?
  4. Comment on a current issue or trend in music education.
  5. Comment on the National Standards for Arts Education. (What are they? What is your opinion of them? etc.)

Send tape/DVD to:

Graduate Admissions Office
Shenandoah University
Attn: Conservatory
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601

The doctoral curriculum offers a high-quality practice-based degree in music education at the doctoral level for persons who aspire to positions of leadership in teaching, supervision and/or administration in music education. Courses are scheduled to accommodate practicing music educators. The curriculum culminates with a dissertation.

The degree requirement is 90 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree, 30 of which may be presented in the form of a completed master's degree from an accredited college or university when the work relates to the curriculum.