Mary Pappert School of Music

Master of Music: Major in Music Education

Standards, advocacy and leadership form the foundation of the Music Education graduate degree at Duquesne. An outstanding faculty and demanding curriculum educate students who are capable of implementing the National Standards for Music Education in the classroom, and prepares them to become well-rounded professionals, equipped to contribute to the contemporary music world.

There are several options for completion of the requirements for the M.M. in Music Education. Courses are available:

• On campus during the academic year
• On campus during summer sessions
• Online during the academic year

Most students in the Music Education degree program take courses through a combination of these options. The program culminates in a thesis or field project and the presentation of a professional portfolio that is developed throughout the course of graduate studies. The program consists of 30 credits, 10 of which may be taken either as a secondary concentration or distributed among a variety of topics in an exploratory fashion. Secondary concentrations may be elected in choral music education, instrumental music education, music technology or general music. Those who do not choose a secondary concentration may combine a variety of electives to satisfy the requirements. All courses, regardless of whether they are taken in the academic year or in the summer, are worth two credits towards the degree requirement.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must meet the admission requirements as stated in the Graduate Admissions and Policies publication.

2. Submission of a portfolio highlighting academic and professional work and achievements. Suggested sections of the portfolio should include:

    * Rèsumè
    * Copies of certificates, transcripts, clearances and letters of recommendation
    * Description of experiences that do not fit into your resume
    * Personal statement of philosophy and teaching goals relating to your career field
    * Certificates of awards, honors and scholarship
    * Certificates of special training
    * Praxis results

3. Experience in teaching is strongly recommended. Three letters of recommendation are required from professionals in the field.

Sample Curriculum

Secondary Concentration

In order to allow for greater curricular flexibility and to tailor graduate study to the professional needs and objectives of the individual student, all degree programs include the option of a secondary concentration which complements the major. Normally, about one-third of each curriculum is devoted to elective courses. The choice of elective courses within the same specific area comprises the secondary concentration. Several possible secondary concentrations are available including music education, jazz studies, theory, music technology, conducting and sacred music. The specific courses which comprise the secondary concentration are determined by the appropriate faculty and the student in consultation with the student's primary advisor.