Take a Shortened Summer Elective with the Online Master of Music in Music Education

hand playing clarinet

Calling all music teachers!

Kent State University is synonymous with music education. Some of the leading voices in the field have earned a degree here at Kent State University.

Our 100% Online Master of Music degree in Music Education can be completed in as few as 23 months and is created for you, the music teaching professional.

Read on to learn about the Online Master of Music degree in Music Education and non-credit summer music professional development classes.

Why Kent State University?

Kent State University provides:

  • 100% online courses. Kent State Online has its own course and instructional design team, so all of the content is created by faculty and designed for the online platform.
  • Outstanding faculty. Learn from some of the country’s finest music teacher educators in all areas of specialty. Many of our faculty have published multiple research articles, textbooks, book chapters, and journal articles.
  • Personal attention. We are dedicated to helping you succeed in your academics! You will have a professional Academic Advisor throughout your collegiate experience as well as be assigned a Faculty Advisor when you enroll in Capstone.
  • Opportunity to complete an elective in a shortened amount of time! During the summer, students can choose to take a shortened, 3-credit hour elective focusing on unique music methods. Keep reading for more information on the 2021 summer options below.
  • Affordability. The program costs only $655 per credit hour.
  • Proudly Accredited. We are accredited through NASM, National Association of Schools of Music, Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as well as Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
  • Rolling admissions. You can enroll in classes every seven weeks, fall, spring, and summer. Please refer to our admission page for application deadlines

Kent State University Online Master of Music in Music Education

The Online Master of Music degree in Music Education is designed to offer music teachers the opportunity to develop and refine their professional skills. The program is differentiated from others in that it is practitioner-oriented and offers elective courses in specialized music teaching areas.

With this degree, you will have the opportunity to focus your course of study on the aspects of music teaching that are most relevant to your career now and in the future. A master’s degree opens up opportunities to teach post-secondary institutions or apply for further doctoral study in music education or related field. This degree in music education may also help you climb the salary scale, and it may qualify you for leadership positions within your school, district, and state.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Music in Music Education degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-music-in-music-education.

2021 Summer Classes - Take a Shortened Elective this Summer

Although all of the workshops below can be applied to the Online Master of Music degree in Music Education, you can also take them as professional development classes.



Elementary General: A Music Learning Theory Approach

Workshop dates: June 28-July 9, 2021

Through the lens of Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, the course is focused on K-6 general music and developing effective strategies for learner-centered growth, musicianship, movement, curriculum, inclusion, and assessment. GIML professional development course level 1.

Learn more about Elementary General.



Methods in Rock Band Performance and Pedagogy

Workshop dates: July 10-16, 2021

Experience performing as a member of a rock band while examining the pedagogy of this type of ensemble. Workshop participants will learn techniques for coaching rock ensembles in the K-12 environment including selecting repertoires and equipment, amplifying instruments, and recording/editing performances.

Learn more about Methods in Rock Band Performance and Pedagogy.



Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Education

Workshop dates: June 14-25, 2021

  • Level 1 - Develop Orff-Schulwerk principles and techniques through instruction in recorder, pitched, and unpitched percussion, singing, movement, and Orff process. The workshop is appropriate for all educators with a music degree.
  • Level 2 - Develop Orff-Schulwerk principles and techniques through instruction in recorder, pitched, and unpitched percussion, singing, movement, and Orff process. The workshop is appropriate for all educators who have completed level I at AOSA-approved institutions.
  • Level 3 - Develop Orff-Schulwerk principles and techniques through instruction in recorder, pitched, and unpitched percussion, singing, movement, and Orff process. The workshop is appropriate for all educators who have completed levels I and II at AOSA-approved institutions.

Learn more about Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Education.


Questions about summer 2021 music classes? Contact Dr. Jay Dorfman, Music Education Coordinator, at jaydorfma2@kent.edu

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