Music is a language that is universally understood and appreciated. It’s a form of art that embodies culture, tradition, emotion and skill. It has the ability to touch the lives of people in many ways. Besides serving as a career option, it has also found a place in alternative medical therapy as well. Musical careers that are backed by advanced degrees can soar to great heights. That is perhaps the reason for the increasing number of people opting for online masters in music education courses.
What you will learn in a program of this nature
Whether you are a student of music, a teacher, a professional or even a community musician, taking a master of music education online course will give your career the push it needs to get to the next level. The coursework is generally a blend of music theory and research. This is coupled with performances and classroom attendance as well. There are several online courses that give you the option of choosing a specialization as well. These courses give you an understanding of the history of music, theoretical knowledge and the ability to compose. You will be able to perform and critically analyze your work as well. Communication skills will also see an improvement with performances, presentation and quality written work being requirements.
Why should someone pursue this degree?
One of the main reasons to opt for such courses is the convenience, especially if you are a professional as you do not have to worry about the course cutting into your work time. You will be able to access it at your leisure in your home without having to commute each day to a campus at a specific time. You could choose programs that have established platforms of teaching, are further enhanced with video based lectures, etc. Many courses are tailored in such a way that they give you the same exposure and hands-on experience as your counterparts taking more mainstream courses.
The basic courses that are available
There are a range of subjects that you can choose to study in your online masters in music education. It depends on your chosen career path. Some of the options you have are Orchestration, Choral or Instrument arrangements, Folk music and their instruments, Technology in music, various ensembles in choir, guitar, string, percussion, brass, etc. You can also consider learning about the philosophy or history of music and the psychology behind it. There are also course subjects that are more academic in nature and will involve the research and submission of a thesis. Each of these are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of the music world.
Career prospects upon completion of course
The main advantage with gaining a Master’s degree in music is your ability to earn a higher salary. K-12 music teachers can earn anywhere fro $29,000 to $76,000 a year depending on their skills and the school as well. You can also look at positions such as that of music education administrators, teaching in a private school or even being a music teacher in a community college. Besides the educational set up, you also have the choice of working in churches as a choir director. You could try your hand at the opera as a conductor or begin to teach music privately.
Why should someone pursue this degree online?
There are several plus points to such online master’s courses. For one, they can be done at your convenience, allowing you to pursue other commitments simultaneously. They also provide you with all the advantages that a full time student enjoys, with the added flexibility that online courses offer. These online courses can be of two types — completely online, or a hybrid that involves classroom and practical sessions. This flexibility is something that a regular course will not accommodate.
Eligibility for the course
The eligibility for each course will vary depending on the kind you choose. You could opt for a masters degree that can train you for an elementary school music teaching post, vocational instruction, instrument instruction, career guidance and more. The general requirements are as follows:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Music for a recognized university or college
GPA of 3.0 or more
Recent classroom teaching exposure
Official transcripts for all educational courses you have attended
Completed application form
Letters of recommendation
Resume
Letter of purpose for pursuing the course
Since there is a high demand for online masters in music education courses, there are a number of universities that have begun to provide it. It is important that you do your research and settle on one that will best service your purpose. Make sure they are accredited to the right institutions and that the certification they provide in the end is valid.