Students must also complete a practicum in music therapy. Finding an affordable master’s in music education online is easy with these 2018 Best Buys. in Music is a two-year part-time or one-year full-time Master's Degree for music educators and other holders of a first degree in music. Prospective online students will want to look for online programs accredited by organizations recognized by the US Department of Education. In a music theory program, students explore music history and major works to lay a foundation for in-depth study of music functions, like rhythm, harmony, texture, pitch, and dynamics. Berklee Online is the online school of the renowned Berklee College of Music. Marketing classes discuss postproduction issues like artist branding, sales, and public relations. The M.A. The music core curriculum blends courses in Music Analysis and Education Research with music history coursework from eras of the student's choosing. Students who focus on education may become high school music teachers. The Associate of Arts in Music is a 66-credit program that provides students with a foundation to study music. An online degree will also limit your exposure to in-person networking opportunities. The program also gives students up to 30 elective credits to customize their music degree. Accreditation is a stamp of approval which means an outside organization has independently verified that the school or program in question meets agreed upon academic standards. Programs that arrange real-world internships, performance practicums, and/or supervised teaching experiences (for music education degrees) in your local area, Solid “brick and mortar” reputation (e.g. The 30-credit program places an emphasis on research and requires a comprehensive exam, internship, and combined research/performance project. The one exception to this rule is in classical music, where performers are usually expected to have a formal education. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and must show they have an extensive background in music instruction, performance, and literacy. Online students earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies, a different degree than students in the on-campus program. Once enrolled, students choose advanced courses from two of three areas: musicology/ethnomusicology, performance, and music theory/composition. Choose between the Open University honours degree in music or studying music alongside a range of other subjects that includes those relating to … Along with the academic requirements, students are also required to submit letters of recommendation from colleagues or past teachers, as well a statement of intent. Music Degrees. National Association of Schools of Music. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. top school rankings, strong music centers, and distinguished alumni), The same faculty who teach on-campus courses teaching online, Dedicated distance learning support services, Career centers with job placement figures. Whether you’re looking to study for your profession or for purely personal interest, our music courses offer you the opportunity to learn how music is created, study a wide range of styles, and unlock your own creativity. Berklee Online is the online school of Berklee College of Music, delivering access to Berklee’s acclaimed curriculum from anywhere in the world. Therapists learn how to use music to help their clients maintain functioning and improve memory and cognition. Boston University has a well-structured set of programs online that are flexible in their education offerings. The non-thesis option requires students to complete 36 credits in coursework, including up to six credits in courses outside the music department. Students must complete all the components of the program to successfully earn the degree. Is a Music Theory Degree Right for You? In most cases, they are aimed at current board-certified music therapists who want to advance their skills. The world of music as a business has expanded dramatically to include the need for people in positions such as music producers, managers, promoters, and record label developers. This flexible course covers different study areas, and students choose courses according to their professional interests and musical aspirations. If you want to understand how music works, you might consider an online bachelors degree in music theory. The Master of Arts in Music Education at University of Hawaii at Manoa requires a Bachelor of Education for entry and selects enrollees who are currently teaching. The 30-credit program is offered in collaboration with the American Band College of Ashland, and classes are only scheduled in the summer. These online programs take two to three years to complete. Working musicians must be prepared to find gigs, conduct themselves professionally, and network effectively, so students should begin practicing for their careers as soon as possible. A career in music is most often associated with being a performer. The Master of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy includes classes in music theory, history, and composition as well as coursework in psychology, physiology, and research aspects of music therapy. In this ever-growing industry, a music background obtained through an online degree program serves to prepare and distinguish those seeking to enter such a highly competitive vocation. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in music from an accredited college, and they must submit three letters of recommendation. We are the world’s largest online music school—30,000+ musicians from more than 140 countries have taken our courses—but classes never have more than 20 students per section. Find the most affordable colleges and degrees in the USA, ©2020 https://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org All Rights Reserved. Your online bachelor’s degree in music, in general, may include either of two types of degrees. Although a degree in music is not a requirement for musical performers, it certainly opens the door to more opportunities in the music industry. This is a hybrid program, with classes offered online during the fall and spring, but students must attend some classes on campus during the summer. Want to see the most affordable Music degrees? These online programs are designed for licensed teachers, who generally must earn an advanced degree to keep their credentialing or receive a raise. (Students without a BEd must attend on-campus.) Four-year degrees include Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership, Bachelor of Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts in Music. Musicians do not need licenses, so it is not technically required that they pursue an accredited degree. These awards are equal to the first and second years of a BA(Hons) degree. To be eligible for admission to most online master's degree programs in music, applicants should have an accredited bachelor’s degree in a music-related field. Online Masters Degree Programs in Music: Program Information Research online master's degree-level music courses and programs. The BA/BS in Music involves core coursework in theory, aural skills, conducting, scoring and arranging, and history and literature. Students in on-campus music technology and production programs may have opportunities to put their knowledge to work in real recording studios. The following list provides a sample of some of the courses students will take in an online music studies program: Generally speaking, a degree is not required to become a musical performer, such as a musician or singer. Berklee Online students have included members of Dave Matthews Band, Sugarland, Nine Inch Nails, and other musicians who fit online classes in around their touring schedule. The National Association of Schools of Music is one group that grants accreditation to music programs that meet its standards. Students learn about computer-based music technology and multimedia design and production techniques that can be applied to video, audio, and graphic production for educational or art materials. Advances in sound and recording technology make pursuing a music degree more interesting than ever. Choose from our range of degrees, diplomas and certificates. Many online programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They take approximately two years to complete and may prepare graduates to teach music at the K-12 level. The curriculum for this 33-credit program includes courses in music education; music history, theory and literature; performance; and a thesis or project. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, conductors' annual salaries range from $23,100 to $125,200, depending on the musical organization. Those with bachelor's or more advanced degrees in music also have the option of going into music education. The school offers online Bachelor of Professional Studies degree programs in Music Production, Music Business, Interdisciplinary Music Studies (build your own program) and more, as well as multicourse certificate programs and individual courses. Musicians and vocalists perform in careers that range from short-term gigs on a freelance basis to performing as a member of a symphony orchestra under a seasonal contract. Sam Houston State University has a Master of Arts in Band Conducting which has about two-thirds of its components available online. The Master of Arts in Music Education is a 36-credit program that can be completed entirely online. Degree options cover topics such as music business, songwriting, and electronic music production. The most popular music degree online is a master’s in music education. During the four-year, 120-credit-hour program, students also complete general education requirements. Current music teachers pursuing a master's in music can deepen their understanding of music instructional techniques, musicology, and different types of music. In many online programs, students have the ability to shape the music master’s degree around their own particular musical interests. These online degrees may focus on performance, music production, music composition, or an interdisciplinary combination of topics. This exciting two year degree course is very practical, with a focus on the skills needed to progress into a successful career in Live Sound, such as mixing technologies, acoustics, equipment operation, analogue and digital live sound production, listening skills and professional practices. Performers, conductors, and composers from around the world work with student band directors enrolled in this program. Students hoping to work in other aspects of the music industry, like management or marketing, can also benefit from gaining professional experience before graduation to become more attractive to employers. Accessed March 8, 2018. View our methodology for more details or learn more about OnlineU. Accessed March 8, 2018. Online music therapy master's degree programs are more specialized and less common than music education. The Baptist College of Florida offers onlne music degrees at all levels from associate to master's. Half of the 30-credit program comes in the form of music and music education electives; a research paper or project rounds out the curriculum. Not every class is available online, however. Music programs delivered on campus are typically hands-on, as students practice and perform their instruments and receive feedback and guidance from classmates and instructors. The Master in Music degrees start at 32 credits and can vary based on area of concentration. It can also help give you the structured experience you need to improve as a musician or singer, ultimately helping you further impress potential employers and music venues with your knowledge and skills. 2020 / FDA Music & Sound, BA (Hons) Music & Sound and MMus Popular Music Performance AMSonline is an online course provider of fully validated undergraduate and postgraduate music programmes. Students are also required to spend time in performance ensembles, such as the university chorus or jazz orchestra. All candidates are required to attend one four-day session on campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. The 45-credit program requires students to complete a thesis and perform a field experience. A two-year music degree online or music production degree online can help you get your foot in the door as a private music tutor, audio technician, or music production assistant. Scroll down to see the top not-for-profit colleges offering music degrees online. If you have a bachelor’s degree but want to teach, a degree in music education may help you land a job teaching choir or band. A doctorate in music therapy can take 4-8 years to complete. Because of new and expanding media technologies, the demand for those who are well prepared in music and related fields will have the best chance to land jobs in music production, management, and as multimedia music specialists. In school recording studios, students learn how to use digital and analog recording systems, as well as software like ProTools to edit and create music. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. New Mexico State has a completely online program leading to a Master of Music in Music Education for students who already have an undergraduate degree in music education and are working as a licensed music teacher. Music performers must continually practice and train to hone their skills for jobs. Ohio State University, University of Florida and Arizona State University all offer programs leading to a Bachelor of Music degree. Some will facilitate music programs for community centers, nursing homes, or children's after-school programs. The MTNA professional certification program is designed to establish competency for the music teaching professional. For example, music production degrees are interdisciplinary programs that introduce students to the technical and artistic skills for turning raw music into a quality recording. Southeastern Oklahoma State University has a Master of Music Education that combine four semesters of online classwork with one summer term of intensive, face-to-face programming at the campus in Durant, Oklahoma. UNK's Master of Arts in Education - Music Education is a 36-credit program for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in music. This online music degree can be completed fully online and requires at least 124 credit hours for graduation. Once admitted, you will be assigned an advisor in the music education program and receive storage space in MS Office 365 OneDrive for your documents to be shared with your advisor and the School of Music Graduate Coordinator. We are the world’s largest online music school—30,000+ musicians from more than 140 countries have taken our courses—but classes never have more than 20 students per section. The curriculum of online music programs includes classes in music theory, music history, psychological and sociological aspects of music, conducting, theory and application of music education, music technology, and trends in music education. Candidates can complete the program in three summers. Graduates of online music education programs may use their degrees to satisfy these requirements and further their careers as teachers in either elementary or secondary schools. UMA Online's Bachelor of Music (BM) in Contemporary and Popular Music requires an audition to get in. The Master of Arts in Music and Worship Leadership is a practice-oriented program for individuals who plan to work as worship pastors, church musicians, and in similar positions. There's also an online ensemble seminar to attract students who want a taste of extracurriculars. To apply, you must have a bachelor's degree in music or music education with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students can specialize in instrumental, choral, or elementary music education. Students can select a thesis or non-thesis option. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Berklee Online. Required courses cover research, music theory, music education, music history and literature, and an approved elective. Then keep reading for more information on accreditation, career options for those who love music, and frequently asked questions. Berklee College of Music. A successful career in musical performance requires not only talent and skill, but also a firm knowledge of music and music theory. They must also submit an audio/video portfolio of work related to music technology. This list highlights 5 schools, all of which offer affordable online bachelor's in music degrees. Other online music bachelor’s degrees focus in a different area within the production of music, such as music business, music and technology, music therapy, or music composition. Graduates of online music technology and production programs may find work as composers for video games, commercials, and films. The thesis option is a 30-credit program that requires a thesis recital. The program focuses on strengthening teaching skills while increasing students' knowledge of music theory and methodology. For example, Early Music explores the 2,000 years of documented music-making before 1680, while Modern Music explores Western concert music for the first 60 years of the 20th century. If there’s another field that you enjoy as much as music, having two degrees makes you marketable and ensures that you’ll have a wide variety of career options. Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation. IUPUI has an online Master of Science in Music Technology that is offered through the School of Engineering and Technology. This is one field where skill and talent are just as important, if not more so, than education, although performers who do pursue degrees may gain an advantage by studying the business aspects of the music industry as part of their degree curriculum. SUNY Empire State College, ranked #2 on the list, costs $10,943 annually, with alumni reportedly earning median salaries of $75,323. 9. Berklee College of Music has a wide range of options for students who want to earn their degree online. All students must complete a capstone that requires applied research in music education. The Master of Arts in Music and Worship requires up to four intensives, and students must earn between 30 and 45 credits. Music Teachers National Association. Benefits of studying online include lower tuition and fees, flexible learning formats, fully accredited programs, access to the same world-renowned faculty who teach on Berklee’s campus, and an online community that includes musicians, executives, and industry leaders from over 140 countries. Most online music degree programs will be Bachelor of Arts programs, as this type of music degree emphasizes music history, theory, and ear training as well as performance. Candidates are required to pass a comprehensive oral exam after turning in their written project. Graduates with bachelor's degrees in music may want to consider pursuing careers in music production or music management, or they may want to assume leadership roles by becoming music directors. Students can transfer up to six credits, and the program can be completed in about two years. regionally or nationally accredited degree programs, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/music-directors-and-composers.htm, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm. The University of Montana has an online delivery option for the Master of Music with a concentration in music education. While the curriculum and organization of online music education degree programs vary, many programs require students to complete an internship or thesis project after they complete the coursework component of the degree. However, online students who hope to get a teacher’s license or who intend to transfer their credits from one school to another or use their undergraduate degree to apply to a graduate degree program will need to ensure they are considering regionally or nationally accredited degree programs. Musicology is the academic study of music, as opposed to the study of musical composition or performance. Some online programs may require students to enroll in individual lessons and join performance groups at local colleges and universities for credit. Students in this program select a cognate field such as music, education, fine arts, or business, and take 12 credits in the cognate field. The benefit of completing a double degree program is that you’ll leave college with an academic degree and a music degree. UMA Online's Bachelor of Music (BM) in Contemporary and Popular Music requires an audition to get in. Annual salaries for musicologists vary widely depending on the professionals' roles and responsibilities. Rutgers University has an online Master of Music in Music Education that allows educators to enhance their skills through a 30-credit curriculum that includes 18 credits in music education and 12 credits covering music history, theory, and ethnomusicology. The Bachelor of Arts in Music program emphasizes music theory, music … Each student will work with the mentor to develop an individualized plan of study that aligns with their teaching situation. Online master's degrees in music are available in a few different areas. Students in an online music bachelor’s degree program study a particular aspect of music creation in depth. Once they're ready for the BM, they'll get to focus on audio recording, composition, performance or sonic arts. Students with an Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences, or a similar two-year degree should have at least 16 credit hours that are applicable towards UM–Flint’s general education requirements. Consider your learning style and needs when researching online programs. Music teachers who want to earn a master's degree can complete all their coursework online through Bowling Green State University. Musicologists may study the history or origins of music, or perhaps music theory. Live sound is one of the fastest growing areas in the field of music technology and sound engineering. Graduates of an online bachelor’s program may become music composers, choir directors, conductors, musicians, or singers. Performance courses are also required, with students spending the most time studying a single instrument, followed by ensemble and piano work. The Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology requires two one-week intensives on campus. Applicants are usually required to have basic music performance skills or coursework, as well as a high school diploma. VCSU’s highly flexible online bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in music features concentrations in musicology, performance, theory and composition, and recording and production. Students must complete a recital, production, thesis, or composition capstone in their final year. Award-winning online music school with interactive online classes up to Bachelorʼs Degree (BA Hons) in Music Production, Sound Engineering, Ableton Live, Logic Pro & Native Instruments. Students in the program must attend an intensive three-week summer residency in Ashland, Oregon. All full-time undergraduate music majors must be enrolled in an ensemble every semester. collegeaffordabilityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. MIT's Opencourseware contains numerous music courses. There is nothing that can replace hands-on teaching. Most programs also include coursework in liberal arts in addition to classes in music theory, where students learn how to compose their own scores, compositions, and songs. Because music study requires extensive hands-on instruction and collaboration, undergraduate degree programs are typically offered strictly on campus instead of in online formats. The Master of Music Education with a teaching artistry specialization program assigns a teaching mentor to work one-on-one with each student. Many of the graduates of online music education degree programs will go on to teach or become band directors at a school or college.