Music Education
Overview
Take your music education career to the next level without taking time off from teaching through the Gordon College's graduate programs in music education. This unique summer-only hybrid program combines online and on-campus coursework with peer-led music lab ensembles that will improve both your musicianship and teaching skills.
All summer Master of Music Education courses are hybrid—combining asynchronous online learning with 5 weeks on campus in person in classrooms, lab ensemble settings, and discipline-specific elective workshops.
During the week of July 14–18, 2025, major classes suspend for a week of optional professional development workshops, designed to provide a variety of elective credit opportunities for degree-seeking students and professional development opportunities for all music educators at any stage in their professional careers.
| Degree | Master of Music Education |
|---|---|
| Program Level | Graduate |
| School | Adams School of Music and the Arts |
| Program Format | Hybrid |
Learn more
By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive calls and text messages from Gordon College, which may be powered by AI. Message & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel. View Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Courses
Music Education Courses
Gordon's 30-credit master's degree program in music education combines research with the practice of musicianship and is informed by the most current best-practice music teaching methodologies. Our music education degree requirements focus on the application of knowledge and theory to the practice and process of music teaching and learning through daily instrumental lab ensembles that reflect the experiences of the students in your own classrooms. Gordon College is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools and Music (NASM) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for state teaching licensure endorsement.
Explore the course schedule to see which courses are being offered this semester.
Interested in a certificate or professional development workshop? Learn more.
-
Degree Options
Register for Courses
All students, new and returning, must complete the Course Registration form to enroll in courses.
Tuition & Aid
In a rapidly changing world, you want to make sure your educational investment is both affordable now and valuable in the long run.
Summer Housing
Housing accommodations can be provided for five weeks, during the on-campus learning portion of the degree program summer coursework.
Faculty
Faculty
Nationally recognized, personally focused
All of Gordon's master's degree in music education faculty have K-12 public school music teaching experience and will challenge you to reach your full potential as a music educator and musician. Our faculty have been in your shoes and from them you will receive the unwavering encouragement, commitment to high standards, support and flexibility you need to complete your music education degree requirements and achieve your career goals.
Careers
Advance your career
Benefits of Gordon's master's degree in music education
Gordon's master's in music education program has an outstanding reputation in Massachusetts and beyond for the very applicable skills our graduates bring directly into their music programs. But the benefits don't stop there.
- Boost your salary: Earning a M.M.Ed. leads to endorsement for the professional teaching license in music, paving the way to your highest earning potential.
- Customize your experience: Each summer, choose from 8-9 workshop elective courses taught by nationally renowned clinicians.
- Get field-based experience: Apply what you learn directly in your classroom during your Field Based Experience Capstone, with mentoring and observation from faculty.
- Enjoy world-class facilities: Access Gordon's state-of-the-art music teaching and learning spaces, such as the breathtaking Phillips Recital Hall.
“Each cohort has its own personal connection and you really become a team that works together for a common goal of bringing better music education to our students in a context that is relevant and applicable to the uncertain and changing world we are living in.”
Alexis Phillips, M.M.Ed. '23
Concert Band and Concert Chorus Director, Leicester High School
Summer schedule at-a-glance
One of the most versatile master's in music education summer programs, Gordon's music education degree is designed around a teacher's schedule, with the majority of the coursework taking place over three consecutive summers.
-
Part 1: Online
3 weeks in June
Asynchronous online learning to engage with material and interact with peers and faculty while finishing K-12 teaching calendar.
-
Part 2: On Campus
2 weeks in July
Courses continue in classrooms and ensembles, preserving the integrity of personal interaction and collaboration.
-
Part 3: Workshop Week
1 week in July
Courses pause for workshops where you can earn elective credit and learn from nationally recognized clinicians.
-
Part 4: On Campus
2 Weeks in July/August
Courses resume, culminating with ensemble performances where students demonstrate choral, general and instrumental music activities.
During the academic year between the second and third summer, students choose fall or spring semester to implement a field-based experience capstone research project in their own classrooms.
Students then continue their music education degree courses on campus in beautiful Wenham, Massachusetts near the sea for five weeks of in-person instruction starting in July. Included in the music education degree requirements is a week of intensive workshop electives that enable students to dive deeper into their particular interests, teaching age group or discipline with a nationally recognized music education clinician.
After three consecutive summers, students then apply their studies in their own classroom during a capstone course.
Ready to get started?
We're here to help! We believe you were made to thrive, and we’re here to give you the tools to do just that. Get in touch with our graduate admissions team to guide you through the process.
Kristen Harrington
Program Coordinator