An online master’s in music degree prepares students with various skills to apply in multiple careers. One of the most popular paths is that of a music teacher in an elementary, middle, or high school setting, where individuals can earn an average annual salary of $61,585. Students may also choose to direct or compose music, earning a median annual salary of $49,150, or perform as a professional musician.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that for the 2020-21 academic year, the average cost of a master’s degree was $12,394 at a public university and $26,621 at a private university.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Music Program
Choose your area of study
Students must make many decisions affecting their careers while getting the best online master’s in music degree. It is much easier to make these decisions after clarifying short-term and long-term goals for education and employment.
One of the first important decisions is what type of master’s degree to obtain. Options for graduate degrees in music include:
- Master of Music
- Master of Music Education
- Master of Arts
- Master of Fine Arts
Students can explore numerous concentrations, including composition, production, performance, teaching, theater, music business, music history, and sound engineering.
Research schools and programs
Students benefit from researching online master’s in music degree programs to find the best one that fits their goals. A search can begin with studying the school’s website and social media pages. Taking virtual tours and making contacts with key representatives also helps.
Making a list of questions about the program can help students manage the information they need to help them decide on a program. The first question to answer is whether the program and school are accredited. Accreditation means the school meets high standards that allow students to receive a quality education and can also affect financial aid eligibility. You can confirm a school’s accreditation through the Department of Education and a program’s accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music.
Additional questions to answer include the following:
- Who are the faculty, and what are their credentials?
- Which jobs do most graduates land?
- Which student support services are available?
- How flexible is the program?
Prepare for tests and applications
Students researching various online master’s in music degree programs will find that each has different requirements regarding tests and applications for admission. Creating a spreadsheet and a checklist for each program can help you stay organized and avoid missed deadlines.
Some schools require an entrance exam, while others do not. The ones that do typically require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Other application materials may include:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of personal philosophy
- Resume
- Audition
All materials can be submitted online, along with the application and fees.
Select your program
Your personal preferences will help you narrow the list of schools. Some may prefer an accelerated program, allowing them to graduate in one year. Others may select a school that provides numerous networking opportunities.
Students should always consider application fees, as they can quickly add up. This may also impact the number of schools a student applies to.
Determine how you will pay for the program
There is plenty of financial support for those earning an online master’s in music degree. Attending a public, in-state university is typically the most cost-effective option since these institutions tend to have the lowest tuition. However, students should consult with a financial aid officer at all schools they’re considering to get the most accurate information about overall program cost. Other ways to offset the cost of a master’s in music degree include:
- Local, state, and federal scholarships
- Local, state, and federal grants
- Fellowships
- Assistantships
- Work-study programs
Some employers support a tuition assistance program within their organization, helping students reduce the money they must spend.
Contact the school’s financial aid office to learn how to apply for every type of financial aid. They will likely tell you to start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They may also introduce students to specific scholarships, ranging from the Lessons In Your Home Scholarship for $500 to the Gucci Changemakers North America Scholarship for $20,000.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Music Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
For this list, we researched master’s-level degrees in a variety of music-related fields, including performance, education, therapy, and production. The types of degrees vary based on the particular area of study, but they include Master of Music (MM), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS).
Students can complete most of these programs online, although some are only available as hybrid programs. Others offer their curriculums in on-campus settings as well.
We only included regionally accredited schools on this list as an assurance of quality in higher education. Many programs also have programmatic accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which sets national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in music-related fields.
Our team evaluated each program for its faculty, flexibility, outcomes, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Music Program?
The best online master’s in music degree programs typically create a two-year schedule for completion for full-time students, with a set group of courses taken in four semesters. However, depending on the program’s flexibility and number of credit hours, some students may finish in less time, and part-time students may need three or more years.
Credit hours depend on the type of master’s degree, with some requiring as few as 30 credit hours and others requiring more than 50. Master of Fine Arts programs focus on improving music skills for students who want to perform professionally. Master of Music Education programs prepare students for classroom teaching. Depending on their specialty, students can expect to perform, compose, analyze, and engineer music in the classroom, hands-on activities, and final projects.
Many online master’s in music degree programs require a final thesis project, which students present to a committee of music faculty.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in music degree program
- Music History. These courses cover the composers, genres, styles, and works that shaped music from its beginning to today. They study musical eras, including classical, romantic, baroque, and modern. Topics may include music and dance, methods of research, and instruments. Students learn how music influences different cultures, ethnicities, and societies.
- Music Technology. Students learn how to use various types of software and other technology to compose, record, and produce music. They also study how technology has evolved and the future of music technology.
- Music Research Methods. Students learn the basics of conducting music research, including creating a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing results, and reporting findings. They complete a research project using the skills they learn.
- Music Composition. These courses focus on teaching students the different aspects of composing music. Students will learn how to combine writing lyrics, vocal performances, instruments, and technology to create an end-of-course performance.
- Music Curriculum. Students entering a career in education will learn how to choose appropriate music curricula for various age groups, including elementary, middle, and high school music programs. They will learn essential concepts to teach students, such as instruments that build motor skills, music history, and musical performances.
Online Master’s in Music Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an online master's in music degree program?
The application process should always involve contacting an admissions counselor to verify their requirements. Each program may be different. Some schools may require a musical audition, while others may require proven work experience for at least one year. Most online master’s in music degree programs require transcripts from an undergraduate program showing completion and overall GPA.
Other general requirements include a resume or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation from people who can attest to the student’s abilities in the music industry, and a personal statement. The GRE is not a requirement for many programs. However, students must check with each one for verification.
How much does an online master's in music degree cost?
Cost varies for every student due to unique personal and program factors. In addition to the base tuition, schools may charge fees for technology, student services, and activities.
However, attending an online master’s degree program can save students money in various ways. Students can save on costs like housing, transportation, and meals. Because of the flexible schedules in an online program, students may also be able to continue working while enrolled in their program.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in music degree?
Program length varies based on the type of degree a student is earning. Some degree programs require more credit hours than others, while others have longer practicums or internships. While the typical master’s program takes two years for full-time students, part-time students finish in three or four years.
Students in an accelerated program can finish in less than 18 months. When unexpected obstacles occur, professional and personal obligations may interfere with a graduation timeline. The best online master’s in music degree program is the most flexible path.