Master’s Degree in Music Education (M.M.)

Overview

Earn a Master’s degree in Music Education (M.M.) by completing 36 credits in approved graduate courses and conducting a research project. This program is designed for individuals with Provisional/Initial Certification. With a Master’s degree in Music Education, graduates attain Professional Certification to teach grades K-12. Further, the program requires 24 credits to be completed in residence. To graduate, complete all program requirements within five years of the enrollment start date. Advance your study and research in Music Education and spend your professional career doing what you enjoy!

Master’s Degree in Music Education (M. M.) Curriculum

For curriculum, view the current Five Towns College Catalog.

In the graduate program, students complete 18 credits of music education courses, 12 credits of music core courses, and six electives.

Admission Standards for the Master’s Degree in Music Education Program (M. M.):

All applicants for admission are required to have Provisional/Initial Certification and demonstrate by audition significant musical skills and a commitment to the advancement of their personal and professional accomplishments.

The following is required for application to the program:

1. Complete and submit the Graduate Application.
2. Submit official transcripts demonstrating completion of a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with proof of initial teacher certification in New York State*.                                [Completion of an undergraduate major in music education with at least 36 credits of applied music courses and a 3.0 overall G.P.A. is required for admission.]
3. An audition on the candidate’s principal instrument. The audition should be of two contrasting pieces that demonstrate a level of skill. For Audition Requirements, click here.

4. An interview with at least two Music Education faculty.
5. A writing sample at the time of the interview. Topics for writing samples can be selected by the applicant from a list provided.
6. Two letters of recommendation.
*Or equivalent certification from another state, including a minimum edTPA score of 38. Out of state certification will not automatically lead to New York State Professional Certification. It is the student’s responsibility to seek reciprocity for the New York State Initial Certification.

Concerts and Performances

Without a doubt, Five Towns College has a history of being known as “the Music College”! With a broad and intriguing undergraduate Performance and Music Education degree programs, graduate music students love to practice, play and perform on stage and in any other venue on campus. Five Towns College is proud to have a professional and awesome Performing Arts Center (PAC) where our students have regular opportunities to perform on the Main Stage. Upcoming concerts and performances are included on the FTC PAC webpage and is available by clicking here. Also, visit the official FTC YouTube channel to hear a sampling of past concerts and performances by clicking here.

Five Towns College Initiatives

During 2024, Five Towns College hosted programs offered by TeachRock. Here is the link to what is offered this summer 2025.

Last summer, graduate students at Five Towns College participated in “Dive in Deeper: Implementing the TeachRock Curriculum to provide a Culturally Relevant Music Education” program.

• Students found the TeachRock program to be an invaluable resource in their classrooms, particularly for its ability to enrich music education and integrate diverse cultural contexts. TeachRock, created by musician Steven Van Zandt, offers a range of multimedia lesson plans and resources designed to engage students with the history of music and its impact on society. Educators appreciated how the program’s materials are not only comprehensive but also highly adaptable, allowing them to tailor lessons to the specific needs and interests of their students. This flexibility has proven essential in maintaining high levels of student engagement and fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistic and historical significance of music.
• The program’s emphasis on interactive and interdisciplinary learning aligns well with Five Towns College’s commitment to innovative education. Teachers have noted that TeachRock’s approach encourages students to explore music from multiple perspectives—historical, social, and technological—thereby enhancing their critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Participating teachers found that the integration of music trends with historical content helps to bridge the gap between students’ personal interests and academic learning, making the subject matter more relatable and stimulating. Overall, the experience with TeachRock at Five Towns College speaks volumes about the program’s effectiveness in transforming traditional music education into a dynamic and immersive experience.
• Five Towns College will continue to add and grow other initiatives to its Music Division!