Program Overview
The Master of Music programs at the University of Kansas offer an enriching and comprehensive path for students pursuing advanced study in music. Designed for musicians seeking to refine their artistry, scholarship, and professional preparation, KU’s music master’s programs support a wide range of academic and creative goals. Whether you are focused on high-level performance, conducting, composition, music education, musicology, or music theory, these master’s in music programs provide the depth and flexibility needed to advance your career.
At KU, students in the music master’s programs benefit from a learning environment that values artistic excellence, intellectual inquiry, and professional growth. Faculty members are accomplished performers, scholars, and educators who work closely with students through individualized instruction, ensemble participation, and mentorship. Coursework balances applied study with academic research, ensuring graduates of KU’s master of music degree programs are prepared for professional practice or further doctoral study.
The music master’s degree at KU is structured around distinct program areas, allowing students to pursue specialized training while engaging with the broader musical community. These program areas reflect the diverse disciplines within the field and are aligned with the expectations of professional music careers and advanced academic research.
Program Areas
- Performance – Focuses on advanced technical mastery, artistic interpretation, and professional-level performance preparation through applied lessons, ensembles, and recitals.
- Conducting – Emphasizes score study, rehearsal techniques, leadership skills, and podium experience with instrumental or choral ensembles.
- Music Theory – Develops advanced analytical, theoretical, and pedagogical skills for careers in teaching, research, and further doctoral study.
- Composition – Centers on the creation of original works, supported by mentorship, performance opportunities, and engagement with contemporary compositional practices.
- Musicology – Concentrates on historical, cultural, and scholarly research in music, preparing students for academic and research-oriented careers.
- Music Education – Advances pedagogical knowledge, research skills, and instructional leadership for educators working in schools, studios, and community settings.
Each of these program areas contributes to a comprehensive music master’s experience that integrates performance, scholarship, and professional development. Students may engage in interdisciplinary coursework when appropriate, further tailoring their master’s in music experience to individual interests and career goals.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Music Education, MMEKU School of Music
The Master of Music Education in Music Education is part of the School of Music, where award-winning students perform on the world’s biggest stages.Master’s in Music Education Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in music education program will be able to:
- Apply advanced pedagogical theories to design effective and inclusive music instruction
- Analyze research in music education and use evidence-based practices to improve teaching and learning
- Demonstrate advanced musicianship appropriate to professional teaching contexts
- Evaluate and assess student learning using multiple measures and instructional strategies
- Integrate culturally responsive and equitable approaches into music curricula
- Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, administrators, and community stakeholders
- Engage in reflective practice to support continuous professional growth
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Music?
A master’s degree in music education supports career advancement across a range of educational environments. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as:
- Music Directors and Composers
- Music Educators
According to workforce insights from Lightcast, educators with graduate-level training are well positioned for leadership roles that combine instructional expertise with program development and advocacy.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Master of Music programs at KU offer competitive tuition rates and numerous financial aid options. Students are encouraged to explore scholarships, fellowships, and assistantship opportunities, which provide valuable professional experience in addition to financial support.
For information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the master’s in music education program at KU requires applicants to meet specific qualifications, including:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an official transcript.
- Complete an audition demonstrating musical proficiency on their primary instrument or voice and complete a brief interview with Music Education faculty
- Statement of Purpose
- Music education video. See the KU Catalog for more details.
- Three letters of recommendation
For further details, please visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students in the master’s in music education benefit from a collaborative learning environment that values professional experience, creative inquiry, and shared scholarship. Courses are designed to foster dialogue among educators from varied backgrounds, allowing students to learn from peers who teach in different settings and serve diverse student populations.
The learning experience emphasizes active engagement through discussion-based coursework, applied projects, and reflective assignments that connect academic study to professional practice. Students in the master of music education program are encouraged to bring real classroom challenges into their coursework, using faculty feedback and peer collaboration to develop effective instructional solutions.
Beyond coursework, students are encouraged to engage with the broader musical and educational community through performances, professional organizations, conferences, and collaborative projects. These opportunities allow students to expand professional networks while reinforcing the practical value of a master’s degree in music education.
Master’s in Music Education Sample Courses
The curriculum for the master’s in music education is structured to balance foundational knowledge with applied learning. Sample coursework within the music master’s programs includes:
- Research in Music Education
- Pop and Clinical Guitar Ensemble
- Choral Diction
For more detailed information on courses, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Music Education Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applicants should submit the application by the December 1 application deadline.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.