innovation. This is one of Ball State’s enduring values, and we are committed to being creative, responsive, and progressive in everything we do.
Summer 2020, Ball State goes online Master of Music: Concentration of Musical Education degree. Designed for professional music educators who want to do more to inspire their students, this new degree has already produced its first two graduates.
In fact, the new program has already exceeded its original three-year enrollment goal of 30 students just one year after its launch. The student roster is primarily made up of Indiana-based educators, but the program currently includes educators from California, Florida, Alabama, and even Japan.
according to Dr. Kevin GelityAssociate Professor and Coordinator of Music Education, the new degree is a practical and cost-effective option for the changing teacher progress environment.
education and assessment
For quite some time now, Dr. Gerrity has said, “Teacher promotion and compensation has more to do with a teacher’s reputation than with someone’s educational qualifications.”
“That does not mean at all that the school system does not value or reward advanced degrees,” he continued.
MA in Music Education, Kevin Gelity.
So when it comes to Ball State’s new Master of Music: Music Education Degree, it’s offered entirely online, so teachers don’t have to quit their jobs to qualify.
“We believe we have met a great need by building a new degree with a level of flexibility that allows educators to continue working while pursuing this master’s program,” said Dr. Gerrity. Told. “Having to take a career break to pursue an advanced degree was always a big hurdle to overcome, but we were able to alleviate that concern. For those looking to pursue a degree, this degree provides the perfect foundation to do just that.
“Many of our students have family, home and other obligations,” he continued. “Besides being able to keep their jobs, the cost of a degree makes for a solid package.”
what to expect
New Master of Music Students: Degree in Music Education Complete 30 credits of coursework, including climax experiences designed to meet professional and educational goals. The climax experience options include a thesis, a creative project, a research paper, or a kindred (his six hours of intensive study in an area of focus).
Courses offered include a good balance of selected courses in music history, music theory and music performance, allowing students to prepare for teaching and/or training for live classroom rehearsals, conducting, professional conferences and more Or participate in virtual mentorship with performance faculty.
“We firmly believe that our new degree will make great music teachers even better,” said Dr. Gerrity. “We believe this is a very solid investment.
Alumni Perspective
Caitlin (Katie) Helms is a K-12 music teacher. Bloomfield, Indiana. , school district. She is also one of the first two graduates of her new Master of Music: Music Education program.
Helms said he had considered pursuing an advanced degree “for a while” but “couldn’t afford to quit his job for it.”
“But a few years ago I Indiana Music Education Association Join us at our annual conference to hear about the new online masters offered at Ball State. I looked at a few other options, but the Ball State program outperformed me not only in terms of course content, but also in terms of being able to stay in the job and being flexible enough to fit what I needed. It was great,” she said. “I can’t say enough good things about the professors who care about me and do everything they can to help me succeed.”
Helms received a raise from his employer upon finishing his degree at Ball State University. He also has a message for other music educators considering advanced degrees.
“Don’t think for a minute that you can’t do your master’s degree in your current job,” Helms said. “I firmly believe that by doing this, I have not only become a better educator, but have been well positioned for the future. It will do the same for you.”
Updated December 19, 2022.
