When Daniel Jaszczak crossed the commencement stage to earn his Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University, he wasn’t just celebrating a graduate degree—he was becoming part of a family tradition nearly three decades in the making.
Twenty-eight years earlier, Daniel sat in the audience as an eight-year-old boy watching his father, Michael Jaszczak, receive his Master of Fine Arts degree from Kent State. That same commencement introduced the university’s ceremonial mace—a symbol of academic tradition that Michael had designed and handcrafted.
This year, the ceremonial mace once again led the commencement procession. Only this time, Daniel followed behind it as a Kent State graduate himself, earning his Master of Music in Music Education (MMME) through Kent State Online.
“It’s a pretty cool feeling,” Daniel said. “When I see the mace come down, I’ll know exactly where it came from.”
Choosing Kent State Online
For Daniel, earning a master’s degree was never a question of if—it was a question of where.
“I wanted to get a master’s degree because I want to be the best music educator I can be,” he said. “I always planned on getting my Master of Music. The only real question I had to answer was where.”
After researching several universities, Kent State stood apart.
“Kent stood out because I could complete it 100% online, which made for very flexible scheduling.”
That flexibility allowed Daniel to continue teaching full-time while advancing his education.
Learning to Think Like a Researcher
One of the biggest takeaways from the MMME program wasn’t simply learning new teaching strategies—it was learning how to find the answers himself.
“The biggest influence that the program at Kent has had on me is how I view research within a music teaching setting,” Daniel explained. “Many of the classes are designed not just to give us ‘tips and tricks,’ but to give us the tools to find all those ourselves.”
That approach has changed the way he teaches.
“I find myself being more curious about why I do things a certain way. Is it because that’s the way I was taught? Is it actually best for students? What could be done better?”
Balancing Life, Family, and Graduate School
Like many Kent State Online students, Daniel balanced graduate coursework alongside a full-time career and family life.
“I am a full-time music teacher, but I am also a husband and a father to an amazing three-year-old daughter,” he said.
Finding time for coursework often meant studying after bedtime or relying on family support.
“The only time I had to work on my grad school work was either when I could get someone to watch my daughter or after she went to bed. I owe a lot of credit to my wife and my parents for helping me get some quiet time so I could work.”
Looking Toward the Future
Earning his master’s degree has already opened new possibilities.
“I know that right now I’m interested in mentoring young teachers, and having a master’s degree is a piece of that,” Daniel said. “Beyond that, I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but it’s nice to know that there are many possibilities that are open to me by having my master’s.”
Advice for Future MMME Students
For music educators considering an online master’s degree, Daniel offers simple but valuable advice.
“Budget your time,” he said. “Since there is no weekly class to attend, it can become very easy to forget about grad school after a particularly difficult day of teaching.”
His recommendation is to stay consistent.
“Force yourself to take an hour here or there to work, and don’t save it all for the weekend. Your work will be better, and you’ll be so much happier than if you had saved it all for Sunday night.”
A Tradition That Continues
Daniel’s commencement represented more than earning a graduate degree. It reflected a lifelong commitment to education, music, and the traditions that connect generations of Kent State graduates.
While the ceremonial mace symbolizes the university’s history, Daniel’s story demonstrates how Kent State Online continues to help today’s educators build their own legacies—advancing their careers, strengthening their teaching, and creating new opportunities without stepping away from the classrooms and communities they serve.
Continue Your Journey with Kent State Online
Daniel’s story is a reminder that earning a master’s degree isn’t just about adding credentials—it’s about growing as an educator, expanding your impact in the classroom, and preparing for whatever comes next in your career.
If you’re a music educator looking for a flexible, fully online graduate program designed for working professionals, Kent State’s online Master of Music in Music Education can help you build the skills, confidence, and knowledge to lead the next generation of musicians—all while continuing to teach.
