Master of Music in Music Education

View all program requirements.

• Introduction to Music Research: Introduction to music research tools, materials, and techniques. The focus of the course will include major references and indexes, database, and internet research. The course will be relevant to all majors and will encompass both quantitative and qualitative research. A research project relating to the student’s major will be required.
• 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. Prerequisites: MUG 5010 or passing score on Graduate History Placement Exam.
• 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. Prerequisites: MUG 5020 or passing score on Graduate Theory Placement Exam.
• Culminating Project/Comprehensive Examinations: MUG 6000 includes the terminal requirements for the M.M. degree. All students are required to successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations and a culminating project which varies, depending on the student’s particular track. Options and requirements for each culminating track are described in Guidelines for the Master of Music Degree accessed through the Belmont University Portal. Students should register for the course during their final semester of enrollment. The class is graded pass/fail. Prerequisites: Student must have achieved Candidacy status.
• Graduate Chamber Music Studies: Composed of graduate students interested in pursuing the chamber repertoire for their applied area. Requires two (2) hours of rehearsal and 30 minutes of coached time per week. A Graduate Chamber Music Studies Contract designating a coach and planned repertoire must be completed by student and coach and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. Prerequisites: Permission of director required.
• Ensemble Internship: Graduate students may select an internship with any of the following School of Music classical instrumental or choral ensembles: Instrumental - Belmont Wind Ensemble, Belmont Orchestra, Belmont Percussion Ensemble, Belmont Guitar Ensemble, Belmont Jazz Ensemble; Choral -Belmont Chamber Singers, Belmont Chorale, University Singers, Nashville Children’s Choir, Opera Workshop, Oratorio Chorus, Women’s Choir. An Internship Contract must be completed and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, describing specific responsibilities of the internship (e.g. assistant director, lead roles, etc.). Limited to two semesters of participation. Prerequisites: Permission of director required.
• Graduate Ensemble Studies: Graduate students may participate in an approved School of Music ensemble. Prerequisites: Permission of ensemble director and instructor required.
• Foundations of Music Education (Music Education Core): Foundations of Music Education provides an overview of the historical, philosophical, and psychological foundations of Music Education. Course content explores curricular design reflecting these diverse components of the field of Music Education.
• Contemporary Issues in Music Education (Music Education Core): The course will prepare music educators to be conversant with and knowledgeable about current education topics / issues / trends which impact music education. Students will engage in current issues of curriculum and investigate sources for curriculum models; study the major landmarks, trends, and tools in music education assessment and accountability; consider legal and political issues related to education, and function as a community of leaders as they examine these and other topics related to general education as well as to music education.
• Methods and Materials in Elementary/Middle School Music Education (Music Education Specialization Elementary/Middle School): This course provides an overview of major contemporary systems of elementary/middle school music teaching. Philosophical/historical background, exemplary techniques and resource materials are presented to clarify these methodologies as optional approaches for teaching music to children.
• Kodaly OR Orff Pedagogy (Music Education Specialization Elementary/Middle School): Students choose between participation in Kodaly or Orff Pedagogy
• Advanced Choral Techniques (Secondary Choral): An advanced choral conducting course which emphasizes continuing attention to physical skills of conducting, score analysis, interpretation and rehearsal procedures.
• Choral Literature (Secondary Choral): Explores the significant choral literature of all styles and periods. Building a broad knowledge base of choral repertory and developing understanding of performance practice is emphasized. Attention is also given to selecting appropriate materials for specific groups.
• Instrumental Technique and Repertory (Instrumental): An advanced instrumental conducting course which emphasizes continuing attention to physical skills of conducting, score analysis and interpretation, rehearsal skills and repertory development. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of musical materials appropriate for student instrumental groups.
• Instrumental Literature(Instrumental): A historical survey of major instrumental music literature through the study of selected pieces from the solo, chamber, wind band and orchestral repertoire.

You'll have a variety of opportunities in Belmont's Master's of Music in Music Education program including:

• Participating in ensembles with other students passionate about music
• Performing in state-of-the-art performance halls
• Joining a thriving and creative musical community in Nashville

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

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 your application is submitted and the application fee is paid, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the supplemental pieces of the application. You will be required to provide the following:

1. 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.
2. A list of repertory studied in the principal performing area, including undergraduate junior and senior recital repertory, if applicable.
3. A writing sample from undergraduate academic course work.
4. Statement of Purpose. This one-page essay should describe why you are interested in the desired degree program and Belmont University, and address your personal and professional career goals.
5. 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. 

3. Submit Prescreening Materials

In addition to the listed supplemental materials, all applicants are required to submit prescreening materials for their degree of choice. The materials you submit to Acceptd will be reviewed as your prescreen materials, and not your formal audition. An email will be sent with instructions for submitting these materials via our prescreening platform, Accept’d. The prescreening process is as follows: 

1. Submit the University application and pay the application fee; instructions are then sent detailing how to submit prescreening materials.
2. Create an account via our prescreening platform, Accept’d,
3. Upload required prescreening material by the deadline that corresponds with your intended audition date. Deadlines and requirements are listed below.
4. If the prescreening is passed, register for a live audition date. 

Video/audio editing, mixing, or re-mastering of any kind is not permitted for prescreening submissions. Any materials received that have been altered will result in an automatic denial. 

Prescreening results will be released in rounds that correspond with the prescreening deadlines. Results may be released earlier, but are guaranteed to be released within two weeks of the deadline. 

*Please note, applicants seeking to join the Music Education degree will complete the audition evaluation fully online.*

4. Audition for the School of Music

All applicants are required to audition for the School of Music. The audition day will consist of a live audition and interview with our faculty. The interview will also allow time for questions from attendees. 

An audition registration email will be sent upon receipt of the application, all supplemental materials, and passing through the prescreening.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Requirements for Entry:

• Applicants must hold a valid K-12 license to teach Vocal, Instrumental and/or General
  Music, and be a current, in-service teacher.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years, full-time teaching experience.

Prescreening Requirements: 

1. Include a 10-15 minute video sample of the applicant teaching to a live group of students. 
2. Include an additional video of a performance, no more than 10 minutes in length, if the applicant is teaching at the secondary level. 
3. Include "liner notes" detailing background information on the video submitted. 
4. Include the applicant's resume. 

Liner Notes Template

• Student Name
• Intended Major and Emphasis
• Principal Instrument
• The following details for each musical selection:
  • Title
  • Songwriter/Composer
  • Your role in each recording (i.e composer, arranger, vocalist, producer, etc.)
  • Date of recording
  • Purpose of recording (i.e undergraduate recital, professional studio project, professional live performance, demo recording, newly recorded for this submission, etc.)

Audition Requirements:

In lieu of a live audition, applicants will complete a virtual interview with the Music Education faculty to complete their audition process. Upon passing prescreening, an email will be sent with details to register for an interview date. 

 Interview Dates Coming Soon. 

All scholarships will be distributed based on the strength of the audition. All applicants are considered for scholarships.