To start a master's degree program in music education, many colleges look for students who already have their bachelor's degree in music or music education from an accredited college or university, according to Boston University in Massachusetts. In addition, potential students must submit transcripts from high school and any postsecondary school they attended and complete the graduate school's online application. In addition, students might have to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, a professional paper in music education or music and proof of some teaching or observation experience.
The best online music education master's programs are those with low student attrition rates and high student exam scores. A program that does not require a lot of travel also is a plus, as some schools allow students to complete all classes online while others require a handful of courses to be completed in the classroom along with some workshops and music clinics, according to Education-Portal.com. In addition, students should look for programs that are accredited by organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Music.
Courses in an online master's degree program in music education cover a variety of topics such as music education philosophy and history, music technology pedagogy, orchestration and an introduction to music education research. Curricula also delve into various kinds of music such as American music, blues, jazz arranging, African music and culture and orchestration. Other popular topics can include podcasting, electronic instruments and music production and even policy research in music education. The psychology of music is another relevant subject, according to Canyon College in California. Usually programs end with a capstone project and/or a final examination.
Several colleges offer students the opportunity to earn their music education master's degree online because of the convenience and flexibility it provides students. In addition, online degree programs usually are a fraction of the cost of on-campus programs. Online degree programs usually are the same exact programs the student would complete if he were on campus. The online program simply allows students to balance courses with their own professional and personal commitments. Students submit all homework and writing assignments online and participate in virtual classrooms, so a computer with Internet capability is crucial.
With an online master's degree in music education, students can expect to earn a salary of $65,000 if they become associate professors, according to DegreeDirectory.org. This type of degree is especially fitting for those who want to work at the postsecondary level, where demand is high. Some salaried music directors earn $35,000 annually through the help of their education, while performers earn an average of $17.85 per hour. Master's degree holders can become music performers, historians, teachers and directors.