Carnegie Mellon University

School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Music Education Requirements

Please note: all requirements for music education applications are due December 1. This includes any portfolio and audition submissions needed to complete the application.

Master of Music in Music Education
Master of Music in Music Education with Certification*

In addition to the School of Music online application, applicants must meet the following requirements for review by the Music Education faculty. All materials are due December 1:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from most recent music degree
  • TOEFL rating of 90 or higher (or equivalent) (find sub-score requirements here)
  • Three (3) recommendations from faculty/supervisors who can support the applicants’ academic ability and potential as a music educator
  • Written essay based on a commentative analysis of assigned reading 
  • Socratic based live interview questions on research questions including discussion of essay
  • Performance Video (updated requirements 9/17/20)
    • The performance video may include one of the following:
      • Two short contrasting pieces (own choice)
      • Recent teaching video where applicant's accompaniment/instrument is significantly featured
      • Recent ensemble performance where applicant's instrument is significantly featured
  • Musical Assessment must include two (or more) of the following: 
    • Completion of pre-K to 12 certification or equivalent
    • Teaching and/or Rehearsal Video
    • Published article, research paper, conference/workshop lecture
    • Composition and/or alternative musical media project(s)
    • Sample lesson plans, teaching materials, or other supporting documents
    • Community project(s) and engagement
  • These materials can be uploaded to the School of Music online application

Applicants who are invited to interview for the Master of Music in Music Education program will be notified in early January and interview confirmations will be sent no less than two weeks before the interview date.

*Domestic candidates who do not currently hold a pre-K to 12 certification and wish to pursue certification concurrent with the Master of Music program should review coursework here

LIVE VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

Candidates need to be prepared to discuss their research goals, academic background, and respond to questions based on their application essay. The interview will be approximately fifteen minutes in length.

Following the evaluation process, and upon acceptance, candidates who require additional undergraduate foundational music education and studio training will complete coursework as part of the graduate music education curriculum.

ESSAY REQUIREMENT

Creating Safe Spaces for Music Learning
Essay link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0027432114540337

OR Download PDF of the article here

Prompt: Drawing on supportive literature and your formative ideas in music teaching and learning, write a critical analysis of the assigned article. How can music educators foster emotionally safe learning environments and instill music students with a positive sense of self-belief, creative freedom, and purpose?

  1. MLA
  2. 750 words
  3. References (3 or more)
  4. Times New Roman, 12 point font
    Please let the office of admission know if you need assistance accessing the essay at music-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu 

CERTIFICATION (Post-Baccalaureate Licensure)

In the School of Music online application, applicants must meet the following requirements for pre-screening review by the Music Education faculty:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from most recent music degree (non-musical degree by permission of Division Chair)
  • Three (3) recommendations from faculty/supervisors who can support the applicants’ academic ability and potential as a music educator
  • Musical Assessment:
    • Performance Video
    • Rehearsal/Teaching Video and/or Community Music Engagement

Applicants who are invited to interview and audition for the Music Education Certificate program will be notified in early January and audition/interview confirmations will be sent no less than two weeks before the interview date.

LIVE VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

Candidates need to be prepared to discuss their academic background and professional goals. The interview will be approximately fifteen minutes in length.

If you choose an alternate interview date on your online School of Music application, please contact music-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu to set up your appointment.