Best Online Master’s in Music

Best Online Master's in Music

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With one of these best online master’s in music, you’ll be able to make your passion into your career while mastering your art. 

Best Online Master's in Music

It’s not hard to understand the appeal of getting a master’s in music, even for non-musicians. Music is something that can move people to tears or cause joy, and those that learn to master this subject are able to cause others to feel alive. Imagine teaching the gift of music to others and the impact you could have on thousands of other lives. These are some of the things that drive people to pursue a master’s in music, so if what we discussed so far sounds exactly like what you want to do in your life, keep reading to learn more!

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is an Online Master’s in Music? 

An online master’s in music program will teach students an in-depth understanding of music theory and how to apply this theory into your playing. These programs can be coupled with coursework in education, ministry, or another field of education. 

A master’s in music degree may have classes in a particular music concentration, but many of the online degrees will offer classes in music theory, music history, music composition, and research classes. Many of the following online programs require students to complete a research project, which requires a comprehensive knowledge of research techniques. 

How Much Can You Earn With an Online Master’s in Music?

The amount of money you earn after graduating with your master’s in music will be determined by the career you end up pursuing upon graduation. Many graduates of music programs end up becoming musicians, especially instrumental musicians, and earn around $28.15 per hour. 

If you start getting sweaty palms just thinking about working for an hourly wage, then you may want to consider a salaried career as a music director or postsecondary music teacher. Music directors can earn a comfortable annual salary of just under $50,000, while a postsecondary music teacher can expect to take home $69,960 per year. 

What Is Required to Attend an Online Master’s in Music? 

Most of these online master’s in music programs are going to want to see your official undergraduate college transcripts, along with your professional resume. Some of the programs will require you to audition to the heads of the music department, while others won’t require this performance. 

In your application packet, you’ll likely be asked to submit three letters of recommendation, which can help the school select students appropriate for their program. Of course, all students pursuing this degree should be passionate about playing music and the theory behind the art as well. 

What Are the Most Affordable Online Colleges?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses student satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other U.S. institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the U.S. Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Let’s take a look at the 5 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Music! 

The Baptist College of Florida

The Baptist College of Florida

Quick Facts

  • 30-credit hour program
  • Comprehensive Examination to receive degree
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Programs Offered Online

14

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

16%

100%OSR Score

The Master of Arts in Music and Worship Leadership from the Baptist College of Florida is the ideal degree for those wanting to obtain a deeper understanding of music theory while strengthening their faith. The degree focuses on both the practical and research aspect of music theory and worship. Students are required to complete either a recital project or a thesis in music and worship to be eligible for graduation. 

Eastern Illinois University

Quick Facts

  • 32-credit hour program
  • $380.25 per credit hour
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Programs Offered Online

6

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

4%

84%OSR Score

The Master of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Education is a program constructed by Eastern Illinois University to prepare graduates to teach others music theory. During this program, you’ll learn advanced music theories as well as how to design and implement an effective curriculum to teach your future students. Students wishing to graduate from this program will be required to complete a capstone project and attend a one-week in-person residency. 

University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Quick Facts

  • 36-credit hour program
  • Three start dates per year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Programs Offered Online

7

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

5%

80%OSR Score

The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Music Education offered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney was created for teachers already educating students and music enthusiasts. The program consists of four core classes and lets students select the remaining credit requirements from the school’s 20 elective courses. The final capstone project allows students to research an area of interest or perform a piece of music incorporating ideas learned throughout the program. 

Rowan University

Quick Facts

  • 32-credit hour program
  • Eight-week modules
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

5

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

4%

79%OSR Score

Rowan University offers a Master of Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies that was designed for individuals who want to pursue a career as a musician or are looking to enter into a doctorate program. Around 18 credit hours of coursework are dedicated to the program’s concentration, with a total of 11 courses required to complete this degree. There are two start dates each year with one in the fall and one in the winter. 

Calvary University

Calvary University

Quick Facts

  • 33-credit hour program
  • $427.00 per credit hour for online students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

15

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

78%OSR Score

Those hoping to one day run a ministry and lead a choir will want to check out Calvary University’s Master of Science in Worship Arts with a concentration in Music. With the Music concentration, students will take classes in each of these three areas: music history, music theory, and applied lessons. After completing this program, students will be equipped to pursue a variety of paths, including music ministry, doctoral work, and teaching in colleges. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.