The Best Online Master’s in Music Programs

Overview

A master’s in music offers advanced training in performance, conducting, composition, music education, production, and other specialty areas within the musical arts. Graduates often pursue careers in teaching, directing, composing, performing, or arts administration. For example, elementary school music teachers earn an average annual salary of $62,310, while music directors and composers earn a median salary of $63,670, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many graduates also move into freelance or professional performance roles, where earnings vary based on experience and demand.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that average annual tuition for graduate programs is $23,654, making an online master’s in music a flexible and accessible option for advancing your artistic and professional goals.

How to Choose an Online Master’s in Music Program

1. Choose your area of study

Your first major decision is determining which type of graduate music degree best aligns with your goals. Online programs may be offered as:

• Master of Music (MM)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)

While every institution structures its curriculum differently, MM and MFA programs typically emphasize performance, composition, and other creative or studio-based tracks. MA and MS programs tend to focus more on academic, pedagogical, or technical disciplines, making them strong fits for future educators, researchers, or music technology professionals.

Many programs also offer concentrations so you can tailor your studies. Some common ones include:

• Composition
• Performance
• Music education
• Production or sound engineering
• Music business
• Music history
• Theater or musical theater
• Film scoring

If you already have a defined career path in mind, prioritize programs whose coursework and faculty expertise closely match your ambitions.

2. Research schools and programs

Limit your search to institutions that hold regional accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education–recognized agency (e.g., NECHE, NWCCU). Regional accreditation ensures academic quality and preserves your eligibility for federal financial aid and credit transfer.

For music-specific training, look for programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)—the primary programmatic accreditor for collegiate music programs.

As you compare schools, consider:

• Faculty expertise and industry experience
• Graduate outcomes and job placement trends
• Student support services, including academic advising, tech support, and career resources

To learn more about your shortlisted programs, explore each school’s website, speak with an admissions counselor, attend a virtual open house, or connect with current students or alumni.

3. Prepare for tests and applications

Each program sets its own admission standards, so build a personalized checklist for deadlines and required materials. For example, some institutions require standardized testing, most commonly the GRE, while others are test-optional.

Typical application components include:

• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement or an artist’s philosophy
• A resume or CV
• An audition or portfolio, depending on your concentration

All materials are submitted online along with the application fee. Always verify requirements with the admissions office before applying.

4. Select your program

After researching your options, narrow your list based on curriculum quality, cost, faculty, and overall fit. Consider how many applications you plan to submit, as application fees can add up quickly.

Before choosing your program, clarify your expectations:

• Will you study full-time or part-time?
• Do you prefer a fully online program or a hybrid option with some on-campus components?
• Do you learn best through asynchronous coursework (self-paced) or synchronous classes (live online sessions)?

Your program should align with your schedule, learning style, and long-term goals.

5. Determine how you will pay for the program

Graduate music students have several avenues of financial aid to explore. Public, in-state universities often offer the lowest tuition rates, but support options vary widely by school.

Other potential funding sources include federal, state, and private scholarships, grants, fellowships, graduate assistantships, work-study programs, and employer tuition assistance (if applicable).

Begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then consult each school’s financial aid office to understand program costs and available funding. Many departments offer music-specific scholarships, ranging from modest awards to large competitive grants.

What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Music Program?

Online master’s in music programs are structured to provide advanced training in performance, composition, education, production, or another specialized area of the musical arts. While formats vary, most full-time students can expect to complete the degree in approximately two years, typically across four structured semesters. More flexible or accelerated programs may allow for a shorter timeline, while part-time students often take three years or longer to finish.

Credit requirements vary widely by institution and concentration, generally ranging from 30 to 50 credit hours. Many programs culminate in a capstone or thesis project, such as a recital, a composition portfolio, a research paper, or an applied project. This final requirement is typically reviewed by a committee of faculty to demonstrate mastery of your area of study.

What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Music?

An online master’s in music opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities in performance, education, composition, production, and arts leadership. While some graduates pursue careers on stage or in the studio, others apply their skills in academic, administrative, or technical settings. Graduates may work as performers, composers, arrangers, conductors, educators, or arts administrators. Many also pursue careers in music technology, sound production, or music therapy, contributing to the evolving creative and cultural economy.

*These figures reflect U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data as of the latest available reporting. Actual salaries vary by location, employer, and level of experience.

Online Master’s in Music Degree Frequently Asked Questions