Music, MM Concentration
Music Education
Inspire the next generation through the power of music.
Program Overview
The MM in Music Education is a flexible, research-informed degree designed for current or aspiring music educators who want to enhance their teaching practice, expand their knowledge, and grow as leaders in the field. Whether your focus is on band, choir, orchestra, general music, or a mix, this program allows you to tailor your coursework to your interests and professional goals.
You’ll engage with current topics in music pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, and education research, while also refining your musicianship through advanced music studies.
Two Tracks
The MM in Music Education offers two focused tracks, designed to deepen your pedagogical skills and refine your artistry while preparing you to lead confidently in today’s music classrooms and ensembles.
Vocal Music Track
Explore advanced choral pedagogy, conducting, and vocal techniques while working closely with our vibrant choral faculty and ensembles. This track is ideal for teachers and conductors looking to elevate their impact in vocal music education.
Instrumental Music Track
Strengthen your skills in instrumental conducting, ensemble leadership, and music education methods tailored to bands and orchestras. Perfect for educators seeking to refine their craft and lead dynamic instrumental programs.
Why study Music Education?
- Coursework that bridges theory, research, and classroom application
- Opportunities for action research and scholarly writing
- Flexible elective options in conducting, performance, and theory
- Supportive faculty who are both educators and researchers
- Community of peers who bring diverse classroom experiences
- Preparation for doctoral study or advancement in K-12 education
What can you do with a Music Education concentration after graduation?
Graduates of the MM in Music Education pursue careers as:
- Lead K-12 music programs in schools and districts
- Become department chairs or curriculum specialists
- Teach music education at the collegiate level
- Work in arts advocacy or educational leadership
- Pursue doctoral study (PhD or DMA)
Featured Courses
Specific courses are dependent on the student’s MM concentration. Visit our Graduate Degree Requirements for more information.
MUED 520 Research in Music Education
Definition of research problems, data collection and analysis, and research report writing. Application of knowledge of research techniques to analysis of existing research literature in music education.
MUED 560 Advanced Studies in General Music
Current trends, methodologies, and strategies appropriate for general music classroom. Study of Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, cooperative learning, critical thinking. Practical application for teaching students K-8.
Meet the Faculty
Our music education faculty are passionate teacher-scholars with decades of combined experience in K–12 and collegiate settings. Nationally recognized for their research, leadership, and commitment to welcoming, high-impact teaching, they mentor students to become confident, reflective, and innovative educators in classrooms and communities alike.
Fuller Lyon
Teaching Professor, Assistant Director of Bands, Associate Director of Marching and Athletic Bands
Laura Leigh Spillane
Associate Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education
Michael Stewart
Director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, WJ Julian Professor of Bands
Jessica Rae Wiseman
Teaching Assistant Professor of Elementary/General Music Education
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an advanced music degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
There are Music Education Graduate Teaching Assistantships open for 2026-2027. Click the link to learn more.
