Music Education Degree Review - Doctorate Degree Information

Published Nov 28, 2006

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A Music Education Doctorate Degree enables music professionals from any field to identify and expand vital areas in music education. Students who earn doctorate degrees in Music Education can further their careers in music-related fields including education and performance.

A Music Education Doctorate Degree Overview

Summary of the Degree

A Music Education Doctorate Degree Program includes advanced study in music with an emphasis on music theory for those students who pursue the course of study with distinction and demonstrate the ability to do research and scholarly study for academic purposes. Students may be required to give a series of recitals and to submit a thesis. Some of the more general courses mandatory in a Music Education Doctorate Degree Program include:

  • Foundations of Music Education
  • Graduate Theory Review
  • Analytical Techniques
  • American Music
  • Foundations of Music Education
  • Jazz and Popular Arranging
  • African Music and Culture
  • Creative Exploration
  • Musicology
  • Critique in Music Education
  • Music Aesthetics and Criticism
  • Orchestration
  • Study in Music Education

Career Fields

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, competition for jobs is keen among graduates with doctoral degrees in music education. Most likely, a master or doctoral degree will be required to obtain a position teaching advanced music courses in colleges or universities. The majority of musicians, singers and related professions who earn a salary are employed by religious organizations. Almost one-fourth of all musicians are employed by performing arts companies like professional orchestras, small chamber music groups, opera companies, musical theater companies and ballet troops.

Occupational Outlook

The National Association for Music Education (MENC) www.menc.org reported opportunities for employment ranging from music professor earning $18,000 to $150,000 to radio and television commercial musician earning $11,800 to $85,800. A musician working in the field of marketing and advertising earns $28,000 to $116,000 a year, while a musical instrument and/or accessories distributor earns $19,000 to $75,000 annually.

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