Music Education, MA
Why Pursue a Music Education Master’s?
As an educator, you understand that we are never done learning. As a music teacher, you know that a love of music can make a huge difference in the lives of your students. That is why Piedmont University is here – to help you grow in both your understanding and love of music, as well as show you how to teach that love more effectively. Our music education Master of Arts (MA) program will expand your understanding of music and make you a better teacher. And Piedmont’s flexibility allows you to do so in a manner that suits your hectic schedule.
Piedmont’s candidates in the MA degree program in music education are provided with challenging and diverse experiences in music history and literature, theory, performance, and pedagogy and contribute to the cultural life of the local and global community by participating in performances of high artistic quality both on and off campus.
How a Piedmont Music Education Master’s Degree Helps You
A Master’s in Music Education helps you gain a deeper understanding of music performance and theory while enhancing your ability to teach and inspire students.
- Gain a more complete understanding of music – both performance and theory – your chosen field of teaching.
- Deepen your appreciation of teaching and improve your teaching ability.
- Improve your resume and put yourself in position for more competitive roles and school systems.
- While classes take place in Demorest, you may choose a schedule that best suits your hectic schedule.
Career Opportunities
A music education master’s degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A master’s degree in Music Education strengthens your teaching skills, deepens your musical expertise, and enhances your qualifications for advancing in public school music programs.
Building advanced expertise in music education and teaching skills positions you as a strong candidate for specialized and leadership roles within private school music programs.
More About Music Education Master’s Degrees
Learn more about Music Education and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont’s Master of Arts degree in Music Education is a 30 credit program and is offered on the Demorest campus. This course is designed to deepen your understanding of music, including music history and music theory, as well as improve your teaching skills.
Classes are taught by education and music professors, so candidates receive a balanced understanding of both their subject and their profession.
Piedmont University’s $10.1 million Conservatory of Music offers unparalleled opportunity for music students. This new facility includes a concert hall with adjustable acoustics, acoustically isolated teaching studios, practice rooms, and a digital music suite. Our students experience music like never before and learn in an environment that is second to none.
Master of Arts (MA) degrees in education are designed for teachers and/or individuals who hold a valid teaching certificate or who are currently teaching in a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) at the Accredited With Quality (AWQ) or Accredited (ACC) level. Eligibility for application requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university and a copy of a valid teaching certificate or letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator.* NOTE: Master of Arts (MA) degree programs do not lead to initial educator certification nor to the conversion of a non-renewable certificate (provisional or waiver certificate) to a professional certificate. Piedmont has Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and certification-only programs leading to initial certification.
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from the college or university awarding the bachelor’s degree showing all course work from all colleges and universities attended. (Piedmont University transcripts are on file.)
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Copy of valid, current professional Georgia teaching certificate at the appropriate level or letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. For those holding provisional certificates a copy of the current certificate and a copy of the PSC letter outlining requirements for updating to a clear-renewable certificate
- (Note: If your certificate is not a Georgia certificate and you desire to be certified in Georgia, you must complete all requirements through Professional Standards Commission [PSC].)
- For Music Education, the music department chair must approve a videotaped or live audition before acceptance.
- Personal Affirmation Form
* These programs are for advanced certification and do not lead to a recommendation for an initial Georgia Teaching Certificate. Holders of out-of-state certificates should contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for reciprocity rules.
** Teachers using this option must have taught three out of the past five years with a professional teaching certificate in an accredited public school or private school [SACS or GAC (top two levels)] verified through submitted annual evaluations.
Related Programs
Intrigued by music education master’s degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in music and education.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning a Music Education master’s degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in music education.