Graduate Programs

CCM offers both a traditional two year Master of Music in ­­Music Education (MM) degree and a three-summer Master of Music Education (MME) practice-oriented degree.

A bachelor’s degree in Music Education from an accredited institution and/or certification to teach music in the U.S. public schools is required for admission to the Master of Music in Music Education program. Evidence of the applicant’s musicianship, a teaching philosophy, and submission of a writing example are also required. References accompanying the application must contain an evaluation of the applicant’s teaching ability.

Learn More About the MM Program Learn More About the MME Program

CCM's graduate admissions process for the MM in Music Education begins on September 1 for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards.

Application materials for the three summer MM in Music Education must be submited on or before June 1.

Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Music Education - MM

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • Submission of a best piece writing sample
  • References accompanying the application must contain an evaluation of the applicant’s teaching ability
  • Professional resume and teaching philosophy must be submitted if you wish to be considered for an assistantship. 
  • Evidence of the applicant’s musicianship or teaching is also required via submitted video
Additional Information
  • A bachelor’s degree in Music Education from an accredited U.S. institution and licensure to teach music in the U.S. public schools is required for admission for the Master of Music in Music Education. 
  • Three years prior teaching experience 
  • If possible, an in-person interview will be held with Music Education faculty to determine interest and criteria for the program; no performance audition is required

Interview

Information about the interview will be sent to those who pass the application review process.

Music Education - 3 Summer MME

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before June 1 in order to be considered for admissions.

A bachelor’s degree in Music Education from an accredited U.S. institution and licensure to teach music in the U.S. public schools is required for admission for the 3-summer Master of Music in Music Education.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • Submission of a best piece writing sample
  • References accompanying the application must contain an evaluation of the applicant’s teaching ability
  • Professional resume and teaching philosophy
  • Evidence of the applicant’s musicianship or teaching is also required via submitted video

CCM’s Master of Music in Music Education is designed for music teachers who want to remain active in the classroom while continuing their education. The practical degree program can be completed in three summers and provides a high-quality, individualized curriculum for all music teachers.

Core music education course work focuses on the development of music mastery and advanced pedagogy. Students have the opportunity to refresh their piano skills, study conducting, or advance their performance techniques through applied study.

The program also features enrichment opportunities unique to the summer curriculum, including AOSA-approved Orff Schulwerk courses for music teachers and study-abroad experiences.

Each summer course load consists of a five-week term with schedules that provide free time in the afternoon to study, practice and maintain personal or professional commitments.

Program Snapshot

Core Music Education

  • Curriculum and Assessment
  • Sociology and Psychology
  • History and Philosophy
  • Intro to Scholarship (Research)

Core Music Studies

  • Theory Fundamentals (Piano-based)
  • Graduate Musicianship
  • Intro to Ethnomusicology
  • School Music Literature
  • Ensembles or Applied Lessons

Specialized Electives

  • Choral Music
  • Conducting
  • Classroom Music (K-12)
  • Instrumental (Band, Orchestra, Jazz)
  • Musical Theatre
  • Pedagogy
  • Strings
  • Technology for Music Teaching
  • Urban Music Education

Capstone Project or Exam

  • Curriculum Design Project or Comprehensive Exam
  • Oral Exam

Additional Information

Apply by June 1 in order to enroll in this summer’s semester of CCM’s new Master’s in Music Education program; courses begin in June.

For more information contact CCM Music Education Interim Division Head BettyAnne Gottlieb at 513-556-9530 or email gottlibe@ucmail.uc.edu.

For application information, please contact CCM Admissions at 513-556-9478 or email ccmadmis@uc.edu. Apply online at grad.catalyst.uc.edu/apply.

Graduate Assistantships are also awarded based on talent and merit and in consideration of current needs, both instructional and administrative. This can be discussed at the time of the applicant's interview. Those awarded an assistantship will receive a scholarship plus a monthly stipend. The Graduate Assistant's work in the Music Education Division may range from 10 to 20 hours a week.

Graduate Assistants in Music Education are assigned a variety of responsibilities. Some of these possibilities include:

  • Instructor of Techniques Classes - Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Voice, String
  • Instructor of Fine Arts Experience, Sight-singing lessons
  • Assistant Conductor of Wind, Choral or String Ensembles
  • Teaching Assistant in Music Education Methods Courses
  • Research Assistant
  • Music Education Technology Specialist
  • Center for Music Education Coordinator/Assistant
  • Bearcat Bands
  • E-portfolio Coordinator
Other duties may be assigned based on Division needs or in an area of student expertise.

The Graduate Assistant work hours (10-20) correlate to the amount of stipend awarded. Preparation time for courses taught by Graduate Assistants is included as part of their weekly assignment. Assignments will normally include several areas of responsibility.

Those interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship must so indicate on their application to the College-Conservatory of Music. Those applying for assistantships must submit a resumé, a teaching philosophy, and have a personal interview in Cincinnati.