Overview

The Music Education programme at Oakland University provides a comprehensive framework for music teachers to refine their professional expertise and pedagogical understanding. This Master of Music degree is structured to allow educators to critically analyse and improve their own instructional practices within diverse classroom settings.

Students can choose between two distinct pathways depending on their career goals. The Thesis Option maintains a strong focus on academic research and historical foundations, while the Practicum Option emphasises applied teaching practice and contemporary classroom issues. Both routes require the completion of 32 credits and a final culminating project.

The curriculum is designed to be rigorous, requiring a minimum grade of B in all subjects to maintain good academic standing.

Why Music Education at Oakland University?

The School of Music, Theatre and Dance offers a vibrant artistic environment supported by expert faculty and specialised facilities like Varner Hall. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the curriculum meets high academic and professional standards. Students benefit from a community that values both traditional musicianship and innovative, student-centred teaching practices.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22428 per year
National fee: USD 22428 per year
Local fee: USD 19972 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Graduate Study in Music
Online Site-based Practicum
Medieval and Renaissance Music
Baroque and Classical Music
Music from 1800 to Present
American Music
Analytical Techniques in Tonal Music
Analysis of post-1900 Music
Theories of Rhythm and Meter
Analysis of Music for Teaching
Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Music Education
Psychological Foundations of Music Education
Teaching for Musical Understanding in Elementary General Music
Teaching for Musical Understanding in Secondary General Music
Teaching for Musical Understanding in Choral Music
Teaching for Musical Understanding in Instrumental Ensembles
Research Methods in Music Education
Issues in Music Education in the 21st Century
Teaching and Learning Music in the 21st Century
K-12 Music for Learners with Exceptionalities
Music Curriculum Design and Assessment
Master’s Thesis
Practicum Analysis and Reflection

Careers with Music Education

Graduates of this programme are prepared for advanced roles within the education sector, specifically as specialised music instructors or department leads. The course equips students with the credentials necessary to pursue leadership positions in K-12 schooling or to continue towards doctoral-level research. Many alumni apply their refined pedagogical skills to enhance music programmes in both public and private educational organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Music Education

Psychological Foundations of Music Education

Teaching for Musical Understanding in Elementary General Music

Teaching for Musical Understanding in Secondary General Music

Teaching for Musical Understanding in Choral Music

Teaching for Musical Understanding in Instrumental Ensembles

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rochester Hills, United States

Disciplines

Music Art Education View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree in music from a regionally accredited institution or provide proof of a U.S. equivalent degree for foreign educated applicants.

Two years of music theory, one year of music history and performance ability on instrument or voice, OR background equivalent to these requirements

K-12 teaching certificate in music and at least one year of elementary and/or secondary music teaching experience

Applicants must submit a written statement of professional goals.

Sample of academic writing faxed, Attn: Professor George Stoffan or sent as an e-mail attachment.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Out-of-State

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19972 USD / year

≈ 19972 USD / year

Living costs

Rochester Hills

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rochester Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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