Education

Overview

The Master of Music Education of Azusa Pacific University melds rigorous academic standards with practical classroom skills that translate into innovative K-12 programs in both private and public school settings. Equipping educators with the adaptability and commitment needed for the classroom, program requirements include core academic and music courses, and specialization in either choral or instrumental conducting.

Program Highlights

• Broad core of classes that address issues relevant to both instrumental and choral music education
• Freedom to integrate faith into music education
• Research methods, musicology, style analysis, pedagogy, and the philosophical, psychological, social, and historical foundations of music education
• Specialized classes focused on the student's choice of instrumental or choral emphasis
• In-depth courses on arranging, choral conducting, and choral pedagogy for those with a choral emphasis
• In-depth courses on orchestration, instrumental conducting, and instrumental pedagogy for those with an instrumental emphasis
• Directed research culminating in a thesis (required for completion of the degree)

• Recognizes the need for current teaching professionals to increase their knowledge of choral and instrumental music education.
• Provides a broad core of classes relevant to both instrumental and choral music education, including research methods, musicology, analysis of musical forms and styles, pedagogy, and the philosophical, psychological, social, and historical foundations of music education.
• Trains students to become teaching-scholars so that their teaching methodology is based on current research and learning theory.
• Introduces students to the music and scholarship of non-Western cultures through the visiting scholar program and other multi-cultural experiences.
• Allows for interaction with world-class performers and composers through the Artist Concert Series.
• Encourages a comprehensive approach to music education that integrates the analytical, historical, philosophical, and performance aspects of music.
• Enables students to choose an instrumental or choral emphasis that provides classes designed for those specialized areas.
• Directs the student in the research and writing of a master’s thesis.
• Prepares individuals who wish to pursue doctoral programs.

Master of Music Education students gain a distinct advantage at APU’s School of Music. Customized for current and prospective music educators, this program offers:

• Small classes
• Access to professors
• Interaction with performance groups
• Freedom to integrate faith into music education
• Opportunities in Los Angeles and surrounding cities for full-time, part-time, and substitute teaching jobs for music educators