Master of Arts (Non-Certification)
The traditional M.A. program is designed to allow flexibility in course selection, so that each student may prepare for his or her professional career in music education.
Admissions Information
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- Non-Certification Track
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 1
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Program does not lead toward certification, applicants should already be certified or not seeking certification
Additional Notes
- Applicants for the Master of Arts, Master of Arts - Initial Certification, Master of Arts - Professional Certification, and the Master of Education, must have an undergraduate degree with a major in music or music education, or an undergraduate degree with evidence of sufficient musical training and experience to qualify the student for graduate work in this field.
- The Master of Arts and Master of Arts (Hybrid) programs do not lead to certification. Applicants should have initial certification or should not seek teacher certification.
- The GRE is only required for students entering the teacher certification programs.
- Master of Education - Initial Certification program applicants must hold a Master's degree in Music.
Requirements from the TC Catalog
Description
The traditional M.A. program is designed to allow flexibility in course selection, so that each student may prepare for his or her professional career in music education.
Curriculum
A minimum of 32 points is required. Some programs may exceed the minimum number due to professional goals, special interests, or deficiencies in undergraduate work. No more than 12 points of graduate credit from other faculties of the University may be applied to the minimum point requirement, and no transfer points will be accepted from other institutions.
A student enrolled in the 32‑point master’s degree is expected to plan a program of study with an advisor that reflects a balance of work in each of four areas of music study, based upon the training, experience and specific needs of the student. The four areas of music study are: (1) Pedagogy, (2) Research, (3) Music Literacies, and (4) Music Performance. In order to broaden the student’s background, in addition to the coursework in music, 6 points of Teachers College course work outside of the Program (A&HM) are required.
Specifically, students are expected to enroll in:
Pedagogy
At least two courses from the following:
A&HM 4021 Designing musical experiences for young children, 3 points
A&HM 5020 Foundations of music education, 3 points
A&HM 5021 Instrumental experiences with children, 2 points
A&HM 5025 Creativity and problem solving in Music Education, 3 points
A&HM 5027 Philosophical Perspectives on Music Education, 3 points
A&HM 6023 Teaching of Applied Studio Music, 2-3 points
Research
At least one course from the following:
A&HM 5022 Children's Musical Development, 3 points
A&HM 5023 Vocal Pedagogy, 2-3 points
A&H 5001 Research Methods for the Arts, 3 points
A&H 5002 Assessment Strategies for the Arts, 3 points
Music Literacies
At least one course from the following:
A&HM 5032 Comprehensive Musicianship 1, 3 points
A&HM 5026 Composing Collaboratively Across Diverse Styles, 3 points
Music Performance
At least four points from the following:
Instrumental/Applied Lessons, 2 points
Recital, 0-1 point
Ensembles
Elective Music Courses
The remaining courses in music can be selected from any of the four areas of study (Pedagogy, Research, Music Literacies, and Music Performance) in consultation with an advisor.
Out of Program Courses
At least 6 points in TC courses are required. Only one course may be A&HA or A&HG.
In order to graduate, a student must complete the necessary coursework, compile and present a portfolio, and demonstrate competent musicianship in performance as approved by the program faculty. A&H 4003, 5001, and 5002 can count as music electives, but cannot be used to fulfill the College’s Breadth requirement.
Portfolio
A portfolio must be submitted to the Music Education office by week 10 of the semester in which you plan to graduate.
Portfolio Requirements
Students seeking an M.A. in Music Education will compile a portfolio based on the application of their coursework at Teachers College to their current teaching experience. This will serve as the Cumulative Integrative Project and will be due in the final semester preceding graduation.
Choose at least four projects you have completed in your coursework at Teachers College that you feel represent your best efforts and thinking.
One project must be a video recording of classroom or studio teaching excerpts with written reflections.
One must be a video recording of a solo or chamber music performance. A video recording of a performance of an ensemble, where the candidate is the director/conductor, is also acceptable. The video recording must be accompanied by the written program.
Other projects may include research papers, creative strategies, assessment tools, lesson plans with self‑evaluations, case studies, curriculum sequences, compositions, and analyses.
The projects should reflect a breadth and depth of understanding about music, learning, and teaching.
Write a 3‑5 page personal statement reflecting on your learning process and growth regarding your musicianship, scholarship, and pedagogy. Include a statement of your philosophy of music education as it is reflected in the materials in your portfolio.
Update your resume for use as the “cover sheet” for your portfolio.
Compile resume, statement, projects, and video recordings, along with any archival evidence you would like to include such as photographs, etc. into a folder or envelope (no binders, please). Please note: Your M.A. portfolio will NOT be returned to you but will be kept on file in the Music Education Office.
Compile resume, statement, projects, and video recordings, along with any archival evidence you would like to include such as photographs, etc. onto a USB drive.