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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Music Program?
In choosing an online master’s degree program in music, you can expect the same level of integrity and comprehensive education that a traditional on-campus program provides. Students benefit from flexible scheduling and attendance options, allowing them to work and live their daily lives while completing coursework during more convenient hours. An online program also allows students to choose the best college or university to meet their needs, removing the need to relocate for a quality education. Before selecting an online master’s in music program, take some time to research the different offerings and coursework to ensure you select the educational institution that best suits your interests and needs.
Available concentrations
Many educational institutions offer online master’s in music degree programs, each with unique coursework. Depending on the career path you wish to pursue, it’s important to find a program that offers the concentration that best fits your goals. Some programs require an audition; check to see if you can complete your audition remotely or if it requires an on-campus visit.
Music education: Pursuing an online master’s in music with a concentration in music education gives students the skills they need to teach music to younger generations. This concentration equips students to become music teachers in elementary or secondary schools as well as at the post-secondary level.
Composition: Choosing the composition concentration for an online master’s in music allows students to explore their style and sound, giving them the tools they need to create their own arrangements. They may work as composers, making music for theater, movies, television, and more.
Music theory: Focuses on the evolution of music and how it relates to different cultures and societies, preparing students to arrange music with a greater understanding of human responses. Graduates can use this skill set in positions like composers, musicians, singers, or music teachers in a traditional classroom environment.
Music history: The music history concentration for an online master’s in music degree includes some elements of music theory but emphasizes the history of music. Graduates may be hired to teach at the college level or work as music librarians or music historians in a research environment.
Performance: Prepares students for performance positions in theater productions, television, and film.
Conducting: Opting for a conducting concentration in a music master’s degree gives students the skills they need to lead an entire orchestra or smaller ensemble group.
Common degree curriculum
The program courses offered will depend mainly on the concentration you choose and the college or university that developed the program. A few examples of standard classes found in an online master’s in music program include:
Music of the World: Students study different music styles across the globe, learning to identify musical characteristics of different cultures and recognize diverse music traditions.
Music Composition: Covers arrangement techniques, musical theory, and composition skills.
Techniques of Research in Music: Explores research techniques for investigating music issues while learning skills to develop possible solutions.
Music Theory: Examines the key elements of written musical scores and music notations, focusing on scales, intervals, and rhythm.
Certification and license preparation
Many music positions do not require certification. One common certification is for music educators. A master’s in music program with a concentration in music education can prepare students to complete the certification requirements in their state. Exams and licensing agencies vary by location. A certified music educator is qualified to work with students in various age groups and cover a range of musical topics.
Program accreditation
When choosing a school that offers an online master’s degree in music, it’s essential to ensure it is accredited by a proper agency. Accreditation protects students by assuring the curriculum is up to industry standards, and that credits will be recognized should the student pursue a postgraduate degree. Attending an unaccredited program can also hinder certifications and licensure.
Most online programs for a master’s degree in music are designed to be completed in two years, but several factors can alter that timeline. Choosing an accelerated program requires a more significant course load but allows students to cut their time investment by half. If participating in a traditional, two-year program, electing to attend part-time can increase the number of semesters needed to complete your degree.
It’s also important to consider how often semesters begin each year and how frequently programs offer required classes. Your degree may be delayed if core classes are only offered once per semester and you can’t accommodate them in your schedule. Schools with multiple start dates may provide more options to shorten your enrollment time.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Music Graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for music careers is expected to experience a 6 percent increase. However, because the music industry attracts many hopefuls, competition for desirable positions will be high. For many music careers, obtaining a master’s degree in your preferred focus can give you an edge over competitors with a bachelor’s degree or less. Many higher-paying positions require a graduate degree. Additional education can also increase job security.
A degree from an online master’s in music program gives you a better negotiating position to command a higher salary. As with any arts industry career, pay is often directly related to the quality of your work. Pursuing an online master’s degree in music increases your knowledge base and helps you improve your talents.
Although standard musicians have the potential to earn a higher salary based solely on talent, some of the better-paying music positions, such as composers and producers, require a more technical skill set that significantly benefits from a graduate-level education. Years of experience in the industry will also affect the pay you receive. Music professionals show increased earning potential related to years of employment in the field. The exception is music directors, whose earning potential appears to peak after five years of experience.
Job Title
Job Description
Median Yearly Salary
Projected Growth Rate
Musician singer
Musicians and singers perform for live audiences or record music in studios using vocal arrangements or instruments. Rather than receive annual salaries, they are typically paid hourly or per performance.
$39.14 per hour
1%
Music Director/Composer
Composers are responsible for arranging original music scores, while directors lead the musical groups and orchestras that play the arrangements.
$62,490 per year
1%
Professional organizations
A successful music career often depends on who you know, so professional organizations are a great way to build your professional network through hosted social events. These organizations can also keep you current on the latest industry news, provide training opportunities, and advocate for your rights as a music major. A few professional organizations are available to those with a master’s in music.
American Federation of Musicians: The AFM acts as a musician’s union, demanding fair wages and working to protect the interests of its members. Members receive job opportunities with a guarantee that pay, benefits, and conditions meet the employment standards the AFM has set.
Society for American Music: This organization works to encourage networking among music professionals. The SAM hosts an annual conference with several special interest groups in the industry. It also creates two publications to help members stay on top of industry news.
Society of Composers, Inc.: The SCI helps composers achieve professional success. Members receive access to SCION, a database that offers career opportunities, and they may attend a number of national and regional conferences to connect with colleagues and grow their professional network.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Music Degree
Many students choose an online master’s in music program for financial savings. However, they may still need assistance paying for their graduate degree. The first step to seeking financial help is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens the door to any federally-funded grants or loans a student may be eligible for. Private loans and scholarships are also an option if more funds are needed.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
If you are wondering where to turn to find answers to your questions about financial aid, the resources below are a great place to start your search.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
