Overview

The Music programme at Western Kentucky University offers a sophisticated curriculum designed to foster professional competence and scholarly excellence. Students engage in a rigorous academic environment that balances practical performance skills with deep theoretical understanding and research methodology.

This Master of Music degree provides four distinct areas of concentration to suit various career goals. Students can choose to specialise in Conducting, Pedagogy, Music Education/Teacher Leader, or Conducting/Teacher Leader, with options for choral, orchestral, and wind band focuses.

The curriculum is structured to preserve and extend cultural heritage while enhancing the individual student's ability to interpret and communicate musical knowledge.

Why Music at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University provides a supportive environment where graduate students work closely with expert faculty advisors to develop a personalised planned programme of study. The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, ensuring high educational standards.

The programme features specialised facilities and resources that support advanced research and performance. Distinctive teaching features include the integration of teacher leadership competencies, which allow practitioners to meet specific certification renewal requirements and rank changes.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 17907 per year
National fee: USD 16506 per year
Local fee: USD 10926 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of a core music component followed by concentration-specific modules. All students must complete placement exams in music theory and history before finishing their initial twelve graduate hours.

Modules may include:

Theory Seminar
Music Literature
Research Methods in Music
Music and the Human Experience
Advanced Conducting
Conducting Seminar
Graduate Capstone Project
Foundations of Teacher Leadership
Music Curriculum in the Elementary and Middle Schools
Secondary Music Curriculum
Music Education Workshop
Advanced Pedagogy
Applied Music Principal
Applied Music Secondary
Independent Directed Study/Music Education
Independent Directed Study/Theory-Literature

Careers with Music

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for leadership roles within the arts and education sectors. The degree provides the necessary credentials for rank changes and certification renewals for professional teachers working within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Those completing the pedagogy concentration often pursue national certification to enhance their standing as private instructors or conservatory teachers. Other graduates find success as professional conductors, music directors, and researchers within various cultural organisations and academic institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Literature
Research Methods in Music
Music and the Human Experience
Advanced Conducting
Independent Directed Study/Music Education
Choral Union

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-16 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

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6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Baccalaureate degree in music.
Applicants who are alumni of WKU teacher preparation programs seeking the Music Education/Teacher Leader and Conducting/Teacher Leader concentrations must submit a current, valid teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility for P-12 Music Certification (Integrated, Vocal, or Instrumental).
Candidates who are alumni of WKU baccalaureate music degree programs seeking the Conducting and Pedagogy concentrations must submit an application.
Applicants who have undergraduate degrees from all other accredited universities will be admitted without a qualifying GRE score if they have a minimum 2.75 GPA for all previous coursework (undergraduate and graduate) and if required for the concentration, have or are eligible for a teaching certificate. A copy of the certificate or statement of eligibility must be submitted with the application if applicable.
Audition on primary instrument or voice.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17907 USD / year

≈ 17907 USD / year
Out-of-State

16506 USD / year

≈ 16506 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10926 USD / year

≈ 10926 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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