Music Education University of Hawaii at Manoa

Overview

The Music Education programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provides a rigorous academic framework for aspiring and established music educators. This Master of Arts degree is designed to enhance professional teaching standards while fostering deep musical expertise within a globally recognised department.

Candidates can choose between two specialised pathways depending on their professional background. Track 1 serves experienced educators with existing teaching credentials who wish to advance their research and practice. Track 2 is tailored for music graduates who require a teaching license alongside their master's level studies.

The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical application in diverse classroom settings.

Why Music Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The institution is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, ensuring the highest quality of arts education. Located in Honolulu, the university serves as the flagship campus of the state system, hosting a vibrant community of over 20,000 students. This provides a rich cultural environment for musical study.

Facilities and resources within the Department of Music support a wide range of specialisations, from ethnomusicology to conducting. The programme's unique location allows for a curriculum that often integrates Pacific and Asian musical traditions. This distinctive focus prepares educators for the multicultural realities of modern classrooms.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 22432 per semester
• National fee: USD 22432 per semester
• Local fee: USD 10400 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Bibliography
• Foundations of Music Education
• Research in Music Education
• Topics in Music
• Seminar in Music Education
• Music Curriculum Theory and Design
• Music in Childhood Education
• Psychology of Music
• Music Education Seminar: Childhood
• Music Education Seminar: Adolescence
• Music Education Seminar: Major Issues
• Master’s Plan B Project
• Musical Cultures
• Instrumental Music Methods
• Choral Music Methods
• Perspectives on K–12 Music Education
• Asian and Pacific Music in Education
• Foundations of Education Theory
• Adolescence & Education
• Multicultural Education
• Student Teaching
• Student Teaching Seminar

Careers with Music Education

Graduates typically pursue advanced roles within public and private school systems as specialist music teachers or department heads. The programme also prepares individuals for leadership positions in arts administration and community music organisations. Many alumni continue their studies at the doctoral level to enter higher education faculty roles.

The dual-track system ensures that graduates are eligible for state licensure, opening doors to primary and secondary teaching careers. Industries such as non-profit arts management and educational consultancy also seek the advanced research skills developed during the course. The degree provides a versatile foundation for various professional paths in the arts.

Accreditation

The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).