Music Education

Jump to info for: Undergraduate Program | Master's Program | PhD Program

Degrees Available


About the Music Education Program

Northwestern University has been in the forefront of music education for decades, producing literally thousands of teachers that can be found throughout the world. Flexible programs offer a wide array of coursework as well as options for double majors, added certification, and many opportunities for independent study.

Classes are small so that students receive individual attention from faculty who are vitally interested in issues of creative and critical thinking, philosophically based education, student-centered learning, issues of social context, and music technology. The Doctoral Research Center CSEME (Center for the Study of Education and the Musical Experience) engages graduate students in creative study side by side with faculty, a feature that makes this program especially innovative. All students in the PhD program receive full tuition and a living stipend so that they may fully devote themselves to research and study.


Undergraduate Program

Northwestern's undergraduate program offers distinct advantages. Not only does its high standards far exceed state and national requirements, but the quarter system allows for more courses and experiences in four years than are generally found in other programs, such as "Teaching Composition in the Schools" and "Technology for the Music Educator." Students may elect a double major, usually in education plus a performance area, that can be completed in four years. Collaborations with over 60 schools in the Chicago area provide many opportunities for practice teaching, as does the student-founded Music Learning Community. Job placement each year is 100%.

For more information, contact Maud Hickey at mhickey@northwestern.edu.

Important Note

The Music Education Program is closely aligned with the School of Education and Social Policy teacher education unit. Students receive their K-12 certification from the SESP certification office. As part of that unit, the program has adopted the Conceptual Framework philosophy, created by the teacher education unit.

Graduate Programs

Graduate study in music education offers the flexibility to tailor your studies to your professional interests. After completing master’s study, many Northwestern graduates pursue advanced degrees or professional roles in research, conducting, pedagogy, or administration. Doctoral graduates are placed in prestigious colleges and universities worldwide to contribute to teaching, research, and professional leadership.


The Master of Music in Music Education

The master’s degree program provides a strong foundation in philosophy, research, curriculum design, and technology. In planning an appropriate course of study, students may draw upon the resources of the Bienen School of Music and the entire University to meet individual professional interests and needs. There are three options for individuals interested in the MM in Music Education:

  • A one-year program open to individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in music education and who hold teaching certification. This program can be completed within an academic year of three quarters. A typical load is four graduate courses per quarter with required participation in ensembles.
  • A four-summer program for individuals who already hold a teaching certificate in music and who wish to continue in their current teaching positions during the academic year. In this program, students typically take three courses a year in addition to participating in summer ensembles.
  • A two-year program for individuals with a completed bachelor’s degree in music but who do not have teaching certification. Program requirements include the core graduate courses as well as methods classes, field experiences, and at least a quarter of full-time student teaching. Northwestern does not offer a certification-only program.


Double Major

Students may combine the music education master’s degree with a master’s program in another area within the Bienen School of Music (such as conducting or performance) to pursue a degree with two majors. Students must meet the requirements for admission of both programs. Double majors require additional quarters of study.


Piano Pedagogy Program

The piano pedagogy program offers a Masters degree in "Music Education and Piano Pedagogy."


Financial Aid

Aid is available for masters students in the year-long or multi-year curriculum only. Graduate assistantships are available to students during the academic year programs. Aid is not available for students in the summer program. See the Bienen School's Graduate Financial Aid page for information about optional loans.

For more information about the master's degree in Music Education, contact Janet Barrett at j-barrett3@northwestern.edu.

 
The PhD Program

The PhD program in music education is considered one of the finest anywhere. Interdisciplinary in nature, it combines coursework within the Bienen School of Music with programs located in many other parts of the university. Research opportunities abound, supported directly by the Doctoral Research Center, CSEME. Graduates can be found in prestigious positions at colleges and universities both here and abroad.All students in this program receive full tuition and a living stipend so that they may fully devote themselves to research and study.

For more information on the PhD in Music Education, contact Janet Barrett at j-barrett3@northwestern.edu.