Performing Arts

The Master of Music in Music Education at Tarleton provides working practitioners the opportunity to earn an online degree in music education with a faculty representing diverse areas of experience and expertise; prepares students for further graduate study at the doctoral level and/or careers in music education; challenges students to increase their knowledge of theory, history, and aesthetics of music; equips students with analytical, conceptual, historical, technical, and pedagogical skills to be successful in their chosen field; and facilitates students' growth and development as leaders in the profession of music education and as contributors, through research, to the profession and discipline of music education.

Candidates applying for admission to the Master of Music in Music Education degree are required to meet Tarleton State University’s general admission requirements for all graduate students.  The GRE is not required. Candidates will have completed an undergraduate degree in Music Education or a comparable degree.  Applicants must demonstrate at least baccalaureate-level competence in music theory and music history/literature. The department head in consultation with the graduate music faculty will review the student's transcript to determine the nature and amount of leveling work if necessary. 

Additional information about this totally online program is available in the form of Frequently Asked Questions.

The degree consists of 36 hours and students may choose one of three tracks: 1) General: 36 hours of coursework; 2) Thesis: 30 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis; 3) Curriculum project: 30 hours of coursework and 6 hours of curriculum project.

Master of Music in Music Education Program Requirements

Music Core Courses
MUSI 5330Analytical Techniques3
MUSI 5331Advanced Scoring and Arranging3
MUSI 5353Ethnomusicology3
or MUSI 5357 Seminar in Music of the United States
or MUSI 5354 Topics in Musicology
Music Education Core Courses
MUSI 5340Foundations of Music Education3
MUSI 5341Research in Music Education I3
MUSI 5342Research in Music Education II3
MUSI 5343Advanced Elementary Music Pedagogy3
or MUSI 5344 Advanced Secondary Music Pedagogy
Elective Options 19
Applied Music for Graduate Majors
Applied Music for Graduate Majors
Graduate Music Ensemble
Advanced Elementary Music Pedagogy
Advanced Secondary Music Pedagogy
Marching Band Methods
Technology in the Music Classroom
Music Theory Pedagogy for the K-12 Educator
Ethnomusicology
Topics in Musicology
Psychology of Music
Seminar in Music of the United States
Measurement for Music Researchers
Acoustics of Music
Audio Production
Selected Tpcs in Musc Educ
Music Administration
Graduate Music Problems
Total Hours30
Curriculum Project
MUSI 5345Curriculum Project3
MUSI 5345Curriculum Project3
Total Hours6

General Music Education
MUSI Electives 16
Advanced Elementary Music Pedagogy
Advanced Secondary Music Pedagogy
Marching Band Methods
Technology in the Music Classroom
Music Theory Pedagogy for the K-12 Educator
Ethnomusicology
Topics in Musicology
Psychology of Music
Seminar in Music of the United States
Measurement for Music Researchers
Acoustics of Music
Audio Production
Selected Tpcs in Musc Educ
Music Administration
Graduate Music Problems
Additional elective options as determined by department
Total Hours6

Thesis
MUSI 5388Thesis 23
MUSI 5388Thesis 23
Total Hours6

Courses

MUSI 5086. Graduate Music Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

A directed study of selected problems in the graduate study of music.

MUSI 5330. Analytical Techniques. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

In-depth analysis of common-practice repertoire through multiple techniques. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5331. Advanced Scoring and Arranging. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced study of scoring music for various instrumental and choral groups. Projects in adapting music from a variety of sources. An emphasis on independent needs are also addressed as they relate to the working music educator. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5340. Foundations of Music Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An investigation of historical and philosophical principles that provide the context for contemporary music education. The course focuses on developing a vision of music education for the future. Topics include philosophical principles of music education, psychological theories relevant to music teaching, and practical application of these principles through the National Standards for Music. Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5341. Research in Music Education I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An exploration of methods and materials of research in music, including styles of writing and proper documentation of sources with an emphasis on developing strategies for organization and information access. Prerequisite: Admission to the College of Graduate Studies.

MUSI 5342. Research in Music Education II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Overview of music education research. Research design and methodology to include an introduction to the component parts of research and the different types of research. Prerequisite: Admission to the College of Graduate Studies.

MUSI 5343. Advanced Elementary Music Pedagogy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A graduate course exploring multiple pedagogies in elementary music. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5344. Advanced Secondary Music Pedagogy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A comprehensive overview of current methods and materials used in teaching music at the secondary level, grades 7-12. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5345. Curriculum Project. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The final project for students in the Master of Music Education degree that will serve as a culminating example of work performed at the master's level. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all coursework required for the Master of Music in Music Education and/or permission from the instructor is required.

MUSI 5346. Marching Band Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Marching Band Methods teaches music education majors how to administer a marching band program. Areas of administration are: show design, scheduling, programming, competition. Students will use software to learn to design marching band shows, and review other software useful in administering a marching band program. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5350. Technology in the Music Classroom. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Development of concepts and skills related to current computer technology in music. Applications of technology in the music classroom will aid in students' acquisition of musical knowledge and skills, and will assist with time-management and organization for the music educator. Prerequisite: Admission to the College of Graduate Studies.

MUSI 5351. Music Theory Pedagogy for the K-12 Educator. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to develop and implement strategies to incorporate music theory pedagogy in the classroom for the K-12 educator. Students will also develop a comprehensive music theory program for K-12. In addition, AP Music Theory teaching strategies will be addressed.

MUSI 5353. Ethnomusicology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examination of the formation of the discipline of ethnomusicology through a survey of its history, theories, and methodologies. Includes basic ethnomusicological concepts, such as organology, music ritual, notation and transcription, and aspects of field research. Research and writing of papers on selected topics.

MUSI 5354. Topics in Musicology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of selected topics within musicology with a focus on areas relevant to music educators. Course may be repeated for credit as the topic changes, for a maximum of six hours.

MUSI 5355. Psychology of Music. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A critical examination of questions, designs, and conclusions of previous research in a variety of areas related to the acoustical and psychological aspects of music and how these areas relate to music education. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program.

MUSI 5357. Seminar in Music of the United States. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Music of the United States from the colonists to the present. Selected and significant works will be studied through analysis and performance practice, and in historical context. The diversity of sources and styles include European, African American, Native American, and Spanish-Mexican.

MUSI 5360. Measurement for Music Researchers. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An exploration of statistics, measurement and evaluation in music education, and the methods and materials of research in music, organize and interpret data, and apply results of published research in music. A variety of research methodology is studied and utilized. It is recommended that students complete MUSI 5341 – Research in Music Education I and MUSI 5342 – Research in Music Education II prior to enrolling into this course.

MUSI 5361. Acoustics of Music. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the physiological properties of sound, the ear and its perception of sounds; the effect of acoustical environment; the acoustical behavior of musical instruments; and the various applications of electronics and computers to the production, reproduction, and composition of music.

MUSI 5363. Audio Production. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students will complete coursework permitting them to test for Pro Tools 101 and 110 user certification. Topics will include techniques for recording in studio and other settings, hardware and software selection and setup, microphone selection and use, working with analog and digital audio, working with MIDI, virtual and electronic instruments, working with various audio file types, mixing and editing in post-production; enhancing audio using effects and automations; using groups and similar tools within the software; mastering; and distributing audio. Students will complete a significant individual recording project during the class and those already holding Pro Tools certification will also find it useful. This class will focus on industry-standard software, Pro Tools.

MUSI 5388. Thesis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when the student is ready to begin thesis. No credit until thesis is completed. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all coursework required for the Master of Music in Music Education and/or permission from the instructor is required.

MUSI 5390. Selected Tpcs in Musc Educ. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of different topics with a focus on contemporary issues in Music Education. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic changes, for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: Approval of Department Head.

MUSI 5391. Music Administration. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced study of the knowledge and skills required to administer an elementary, middle, or high school music program.

Dr. Vicky V. Johnson, Department Head
Department of Performing Arts
Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center, Room 105
Box T-0320
Stephenville, Texas 76402
(254) 968-9245
vjohnson@tarleton.edu
www.tarleton.edu/degrees/masters/mm-music-education/index.html