MASTER OF ARTS - Music Education
Candidates for graduate study in Music Education are normally expected to have a California Single Subject teaching credential in Music and to provide evidence of successful teaching experience.
Graduate students continue their studies in Music History and Theory. Music Education Area classes include a "History and Philosophy of Music Education", and "Practicum and Materials in Public School Music". Studies may also study methods courses, music literature, take individual lessons and perform in ensembles. Candidates are expected to design and carry out a substantial project leading to a thesis.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants for graduate study in Music Education are expected to:
- Have earned a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music (or its equivalent). Request for an exception to this requirement requires a formal petition to the Graduate Adviser and approval by the Music Education Area and the Music Department Chair.
- Provide portfolio evidence of two years of successful music teaching experience in the public school. This evidence may include, but is not limited to:
a. A cover letter describing your present teaching responsibilities and your reasons for applying for graduate school
b. A current resume
c. A copy of your teaching credential
d. An essay on your philosophy of music education (2-3 pages)
e. Three-to-five letters from persons such as your principal and/or vice-principal, a lead teacher, a mentor teacher, and an arts or humanities colleague.
f. Representative lesson plans for two classes
g. Programs and other materials demonstrating programs you have given in the past two years.
h. Audio and/or video of your students’ learning or performing - Interview with the advisor. Bring the portfolio to your interview.
Required Course of Study:
Music Core and Music Education Specialization: 30 graduate units minimum
Music Core (15 units)
- MUS 601: Techniques of Research and Bibliography in Music--(3 units)
- MUS 603ABCDE: Seminar in Musicology (choose 1)--(3 units)
- MUS 603ABCDE: Seminar in Musicology (choose another)--(3 units)
- MUS604: Seminar in Musical Analysis--(3 units)
- MUS 698: Thesis or Graduate Project--(3 units)
- Music Education Specialization (15 units)
- MUS 661: Seminar in Philosophy and Practice in Music (3 units)
- MUS 662: Practicum in Methods and Materials for Public School Music (3 units)
- Elective units chosen with approval of adviser (9 units)
May include special methods courses, music literature, ensembles, individual lessons, or studies in related areas. Examples of approved electives:
- 565: Seminar in Advanced Instrumental Conducting (2 units)
- 566: Seminar in Advanced Choral Conducting (2 units)
- 567/L: Computers and Related Technology in Music and Lab (2 + 1 units)
- 595A-Z: Experimental Topics Courses in Music Education (1-3 units)
- 603ABCDE: Seminar in Musicology (one not taken in the core) (3 units)
- 696A, B, or C: Directed Research (1, 2, or 3 units)
Past projects have included: curriculum research and design; research leading to the thesis or project - 699 A, B, or C: Independent Study (1, 2, or 3 units)
Past projects have included: web research and design for the classroom
Degree Requirements
Successful completion (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) of a minimum of 30 graduate units that include the music core of 15 units and the 15 units of the music education specialization, with a minimum of 21 graduate units at the 500/600 level.
Candidates for the degree are expected to design and carry out a substantial project leading to a thesis or other form of presentation, which is requires approval by the faculty committee chair before beginning project. Approval of a three-member faculty committee is required. Please check with Graduate Studies for University requirements for advancement to candidacy and thesis/project guidelines.
Recent selected successful thesis/projects completed by CSUN graduate music education students:
Elliott, Jennifer. Partnerships between Professional Orchestral Organizations and Schools. Masters thesis, CSU Northridge, California, June 2006.
Pullen, Evelyn. A Comparison of Selections from Two Music Series: the Macmillan Music Series 2003 and the Silver Burdett Music Series. Masters thesis, CSU Northridge, California, December 2004.
Shainsky, Giana. Music Education for Children in the Former Soviet Union from 1980 to 1990. Masters thesis, CSU Northridge, California, June 2004.
Weng, Wenyin. An Overview of Elementary Music Education in Guangzhou, P. R. China and Los Angeles, United States from 1980 to 2000. Masters thesis, CSU Northridge, California, October 2005.
Adivsor Contact:
Dr. Katherine Ramos Baker
818-677-3181
Cypress Hall 116E
graduatemusic@csun.edu