Overview

Our music education master’s degree offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, from music theory and history to pedagogy and curriculum design. You’ll take courses in music education research, assessment and technology, and you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in areas that interest you. With a strong emphasis on practical application, our program is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career as a music educator.

To offer you the flexibility you need, our core music education courses are offered both in the summer and academic year late afternoon and evenings, some provided in an online format.

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Faculty and Staff

Our inspirational faculty and staff make sure students feel welcome and empowered to think outside the box and explore all possibilities of making art at UWM. Visit the Peck School of the Arts directory to meet these artists, explore their biographies and engage with recent work.

Scholarships and Aid 

Financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your artistic dreams. Our comprehensive range of scholarships and aid programs is designed to empower and support artists like you.

Study Abroad

We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.

Admission Requirements 

Graduate applicants must meet general Graduate School admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.

To learn more, request a remote audio or video appointment with the UWM Graduate School.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

A student must have an undergraduate degree in music education with certification and teaching experience, except by special permission. Admission requirements include video submissions of classroom, rehearsal, and/or lesson teaching; specific application procedures can be found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.  

Diagnostic examinations in music history and theory are required of all entering and transferring graduate students before their first semester of study at UWM. Exceptions will be granted in extenuating circumstances. In no case will students be allowed to proceed beyond the first year of study without having taken the exams. The exams assist faculty in determining whether the student may proceed with required graduate courses, or whether they first need to remove deficiencies.

While prospective students are not required to submit Graduate Record Examination scores, they are advised to take these tests before or early in their graduate work if they wish to be considered for a UWM Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship or if they plan to continue their graduate work after completing a master’s degree at UWM.

Credits and Courses

1. Undergraduate music course background must include adequate preparation in music theory demonstrated through satisfactory completion of the following or equivalent courses:
    

   Course List

   Code	Title	Credits
   MUSIC 127	Materials of Theory I	2
   MUSIC 128	Materials of Theory II	3
   MUSIC 225	Materials of Theory III	3
   MUSIC 123	Aural Theory I	1
   MUSIC 124	Aural Theory II	1
   MUSIC 226	Aural Theory III	1
   MUSIC 421	Materials of Theory IV	3

2. Preparation in music history and literature must be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a two-semester survey course in development of music from earliest times to the present plus one semester of more specialized music history.

Applicants exhibiting deficiencies in music history will be required to enroll in MUSIC 704, and those exhibiting deficiencies in music theory will be required to enroll in MUSIC 703; these courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “B” or better. Additionally, other areas of deficiency may require further review. Graduate Music History may count toward the degree as an elective. Credits earned in making up deficiencies in music theory do not count toward the degree. The following courses are recommended to fulfill the graduate theory elective requirement: MUSIC 680, MUSIC 731, MUSIC 744.

Minimum degree requirement is 30 graduate credits.

Additional Requirements

Final Exam

The student must pass a final written examination in music and music education. This exam will reflect the nature of the student’s program of studies.

Thesis or Final Project

A formal written thesis, lecture/recital, composition with pedagogical intent and analysis, major annotated bibliography, curriculum synthesis, or other type of music education project is required. The student must submit a written proposal to the major advisor to be approved by the Graduate Committee prior to registration.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.

Graduate Advising 

Individual Peck School of the Arts graduate advisors are assigned upon admission. Your advisor will work closely with you during your time here. To connect with your graduate program representative, please visit the Graduate tab on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.

Music Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with this degree in Music will be able to: 

• Recognize and distinguish music from all periods of European art music history, and from a variety of other world cultures and traditions, based on musical and stylistic features. 
• Recognize assumptions, concepts, models, and various methods in musicological and ethnomusicological work and in their own thinking and will be able to choose the most appropriate analytical tools and concepts to examine specific music.
• Interpret, analyze, critique, and reflect on art music from different critical perspectives and aesthetic viewpoints.
• Express ideas about music in written form demonstrating a mastery of factual knowledge, bibliographic resources, analytical method, critical thinking, and the ability to construct a coherent and well-organized argument.
• Perform solo instrumental or vocal repertoire, chamber music, and large ensemble music in public, in a practical demonstration of their understanding of period or cultural aesthetic ideals.
• Apply pedagogical skills appropriate to their instrument/voice, choosing performance exercises that deal with technical issues found in the repertoire, and guiding beginning students in learning music.

Policies & Regulations

Please review the Graduate School policies and regulations and refer to each specific program for any additional items.