Master of Music (M.M.)

 

Advance Your Career in Music at West Chester University

Whether you're deepening your craft as a performer or advancing your impact as an educator, the Wells School of Music's Master of Music degree meets you where you are.

Music enhances communication, bridges differences, and improves our well being. At West Chester University, the Wells School of Music channels that belief into a Master of Music degree built around your goals, not a fixed path. Choose from twelve concentrations across two tracks: Music Education, for those shaping the next generation of musicians, or Music Performance, for those refining their own craft at the highest level. Both are full time or part time, both can be completed in as few as two years, and both are grounded in the same faculty, facilities, and community that make the Wells School of Music one of the region's most active centers for musical training.

 

Tracks in Our Master of Music Program

MUSIC EDUCATION

Master of Music in Music Education (30 credits)

Pursue your passion and career interest through a flexible, personalized curriculum with diverse course offerings such as music technology, research, performance, and music history, as well as Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly methodology. The program’s hybrid curriculum includes in-person and online courses as a summers-only plan.

Master of Music in Music Education FULL CURRICULUM

Orff Schulwerk Certificate (18 credits)

Master a teaching approach built on children's natural instincts to play, imitate, and experiment. Graduates earn National Certification from AOSA alongside their degree. 

Orff Schulwerk Certificate FULL CURRICULUM

Music Technology Certificate (18 credits)

Upgrade your music technology and develop key skills to enhance music learning in all facets of your curriculum. 

Music Technology Certificate FULL CURRICULUM

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in Music Education

Pursue a career as a certified PA public school music educator. An individualized course plan provides a pathway to Pennsylvania Level I Teacher Certification in Music K-12 for candidates.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in Music Education FULL CURRICULUM

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CONDUCTING

Master of Music - Choral Conducting Concentration (30 credits) 

Focus on mastery of conducting ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in choral conducting, analytical studies, score study techniques, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Gain advanced knowledge of the repertoire through experiences with WCU conductors and choral ensembles.

Choral Conducting Concentration Full CURRICULUM

Master of Music - Instrumental Conducting Concentration (30 credits)

Focus on mastery of conducting ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in instrumental conducting, analytical studies, score study techniques, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire, and rehearsal techniques. Gain advanced knowledge of the repertoire through experiences with WCU conductors and instrumental ensembles.

Instrumental Conducting Concentration Full CURRICULUM

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PERFORMANCE

Every concentration includes four semesters of applied private lessons, three instrumental literature courses, and two recital performances, with remaining courses chosen alongside your advisor. 

Master of Music in Performance - Instrumental Concentration (30 credits)

Focus on mastery of conducting ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in instrumental conducting, analytical studies, score study techniques, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire, and rehearsal techniques. Gain advanced knowledge of the repertoire through experiences with WCU conductors and instrumental ensembles.

Instrumental Concentration Full CURRICULUM

Master of Music in Performance - Keyboard (Piano & Organ) Concentration (30 credits)

Focus on building and enhancing technical proficiency, musical and stylistic skills, and artistry. Piano course offerings include piano literature and pedagogy, music history and theory and advanced. Organ course offerings include organ literature and performance techniques, organ design and construction, and the historical and philosophical precepts of sacred music. Additional focus is placed on hymn improvisation to better prepare for a career in the field of sacred music.

Keyboard (Piano & Organ) Concentration Full CURRICULUM

Master of Music in Performance - Vocal Concentration (30 credits)

Prepare for a career in classical vocal performance, doctoral studies, or as a professional voice teacher. Further your mastery of vocal style, technique, and artistry through classes in foreign language dictions, art song, and vocal pedagogy, as well as advanced level voice lessons.

Vocal Concentration Full CURRICULUM

Master of Music with a Concentration in Piano Pedagogy (30 credits)

Gain valuable skills to teach piano at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Build piano performance skills, techniques, and musicianship, as well as theoretical and historical knowledge.

Concentration in Piano Pedagogy Full Curriculum

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MUSIC THEORY, HISTORY, & COMPOSITION

Master of Music with a Concentration in History & Literature (30 credits)

Gain greater exposure to music history and literature for educational purposes through advanced research. Strengthen your teaching curricula skills as a music educator. The program meets state requirements for an advanced degree.

Concentration in History & Literature Full CURRICULUM

Master of Music with a Concentration in Theory & Composition (30 credits)

Pursue a career as a composer or professional in the field of music theory or further graduate studies at the doctoral level.  Develop advanced skills through coursework in composition, form, computer music, orchestration, and more

Concentration in Theory & Composition FULL CURRICULUM

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WELLS SUMMER INSTITUTE

Flexible summer courses—available both online and in-person—designed for working professionals. Program offerings for degree-seeking and non-degree students. Build connections with fellow music educators, attend engaging workshops and still enjoy your time off and vacations. With renowned faculty from across the nation, our summer program is a great way to continue your professional development while balancing your personal commitments. 

Visit Wells Summer Institute

 

Benefits of Earning Your English Master's at WCU

Accreditation

The Wells School of Music's M.M. programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation. Music Education concentrations carry additional accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, and the American Orff Schulwerk Association.

Outstanding Facilities

All Wells School of Music graduate programs are housed in the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, steps from the heart of campus. Swope offers private instructional spaces, three large rehearsal halls, 56 practice rooms, state of the art classrooms, a music education computer lab and Apple Training Center, an instrumental rental office, the Center for Music and Technology, the Presser Music Library, and a partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Major performances take place in the 125 seat Ware Family Recital Hall, the 385 seat Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, or the historic Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, seating over 1,200 since 1927. The Wells School of Music hosts hundreds of performances every year.

Exceptional Faculty

Wells School of Music faculty compose, conduct, perform, and record internationally, with credits that include the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Russian Philharmonic. Students also learn from and perform alongside world class guest artists, including principal players from the Chicago Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. With an average class size of 11, you'll get direct, individualized guidance from faculty across instrumental, choral, and band conducting, performance, and music education.

Graduate Assistantships

The Wells School of Music offers paid graduate assistantships that provide research, administrative, performance, and community partnership opportunities on and off campus.

Community

The Wells School of Music is a welcoming, tight knit community of musicians at every level. You'll build lasting relationships with classmates and faculty, with opportunities for field placements and international travel. West Chester's location also puts you within driving distance of Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York City, home to some of the country's richest performing arts scenes, from the Philadelphia Orchestra to Broadway.

 

What Can You Do With a Master of Music Degree?

A Master of Music from WCU prepares you for a career built around your specific goals, whether that's performing, teaching, conducting, or composing. Recent graduates hold positions as professors at U.S. and international universities, performers and musicians on Broadway and in United States military bands, and conductors of professional ensembles. Others have gone on to doctoral programs and Artist Diplomas at institutions including Indiana University, the Peabody Conservatory, and Juilliard.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a salary range for music teachers between $40,181 and $80,132, with variation based on education level, certification, and experience. Many WCU graduates report salary increases after earning their M.M. Beyond teaching, your degree opens doors to roles including music director, composer, private instructor, and music producer, and prepares you to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts.

Where are our graduates?