About Master’sProgram,
Northwestern University has been in the forefront of music education for decades, producing literally thousands of teachers that can be found throughout the world.
Flexible programs offer a wide array of coursework as well as options for double majors, added certification, and many opportunities for independent study. Classes are small so that students receive individual attention from faculty who are vitally interested in issues of creative and critical thinking, philosophically based education, student-centered learning, issues of social context, and music technology.
The Doctoral Research Center CSEME (Center for the Study of Education and the Musical Experience) engages graduate students in creative study side by side with faculty, a feature that makes this program especially innovative.
The graduate student support provided to PhD students includes year-round tuition and stipend and fully subsidized health insurance.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
GRE scores are not required to apply to the MM or DMA program. There is no minimum score requirement.
The Master of Music degree combines the study of performance, pedagogy, music theory, music history, and scholarly research and writing. Individualized programs, developed in consultation with an advisor, may be developed through the use of electives.
- One-year MMprogram is available in music education (for those entering with certification).
- Two-year MMprograms are available in brass, conducting, jazz studies, music education (for those entering without certification), music theory, musicology, percussion, piano, strings, voice and opera, and woodwinds.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
During the average academic year, the Bienen School of Music awards over $7 million in merit-based assistance in the form of graduate tuition grants and work assistantships. All graduate students who demonstrate exceptional ability during the admission process are eligible for these awards. Master of Music students have the opportunity to receive partial or full tuition grants. All DMA students receive a full-tuition scholarship, stipend, and fully subsidized health insurance.
The Bienen School offers numerous graduate assistant positions designed to provide experience in a variety of areas. Positions include performance studio managers, teaching non-major lessons, faculty research assistants, accompanists, ensemble managers, seminar chamber musicians, admissions, clerical, technology, etc. Applicants to the graduate programs will provide information on interest and ability in various areas.
Application Requirement,
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Resumé
Personal Statement
English language proficiency.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2025
Application Fee,
non-refundable $100 application fee
