A degree in Music Learning and Teaching

The Bachelor of Music in Music Learning and Teaching is an innovative 120-credit degree program leading to concurrent teacher certification in the state of Arizona (with reciprocity with other states through the Inter-State Agreement of NASDTEC). The BM in Music Learning and Teaching prepares students for current and future places of music engagement and learning through world-class Art of Teaching coursework, studio lessons and ensemble participation, and courses in music theory, history and musicianship. Lab courses, skill development in contemporary digital music learning and teaching, and internships with excellent pre-K–12 music educators ensure that ASU music learning and teaching graduates become the next generation of musical leaders in schools and communities. Learn more about professional licensure.

Post-degree teacher certification courses are available for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree and who seek pre-K–12 music certification. Post-degree certification students may enroll as non-degree graduate students or pursue certification simultaneously with a master’s degree by taking additional courses. Learn more about professional licensure.

The Master of Music in Music Learning and Teaching degree is designed for music educators, teaching artists and music professionals seeking new and expanded opportunities for career development in learning and teaching. Program flexibility affords students opportunities to customize degree pathways, advance their goals and develop musical, scholarly and leadership roles in their professional settings. Students in the master’s program develop their capacity to address pressing issues in music learning and teaching and contribute to professional dialogue. Full-time, part-time, digital commuter, summer study and concurrent teacher certification options are available. Learn more about professional licensure.

Professional development opportunities are available for educators, teaching artists, performance majors, community musicians and anyone who wants to advance their musicianship as well as their abilities to facilitate music learning and engagement. Workshops, short courses and action research are available for professional development clock hours (CEUs) at a lower cost than graduate credit. Those seeking graduate credit but not a degree can enroll as nondegree graduate students for any of our classes during fall, spring and summer semesters.

The PhD in Music Learning and Teaching is a transformative degree for musician-teacher-scholars who seek careers in musical and educational leadership. Music Learning and Teaching PhD students are immersed in an open, inclusive and multi-faceted community of dynamic partnerships, research and teaching collaborations and creative enterprise. Students work each semester with outstanding faculty on creative projects and initiatives that lead to independent and co-authored research and publication. PhD students have opportunities to diversify their thinking and further their goals by accessing internationally recognized faculty in other schools and colleges at ASU. PhD students complete the program with many possible career options and pathways ahead. Learn more about professional licensure.

ASU Music Learning and Teaching Summer Institute is an opportunity for people to develop and advance their musicianship and abilities to facilitate music engagement and learning in a vibrant community of teachers, teaching artists, community members, graduate students and undergraduate students. Summer offerings include one-week workshops, specialized clinics, music graduate courses, and Kodály and Orff certification courses.  Learn more. 

The Desert Skies Music Symposium on Research in Music Education is one of the longest continuously running independent research forums of its kind in the United States. The symposium is held in February of odd-numbered years and provides a forum for presentations of research about music learning and teaching in any context. The symposium is open to college and university faculty, pre-K–12 music educators, teaching artists and community music educators. Learn more.

The Consortium for Innovation and Transformation in Music Education conducts use-inspired research and collaborative initiatives to help music educators and those involved in arts, cultural, non-profit, and corporate sectors to create new possibilities for music engagement. We collaborate with those interested in advancing music education to develop music teaching, learning and engagement in current and future societies and to contribute to positive social transformations. Learn more.