The Music Education MA allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of teaching music to others. You will have a strong grasp of how music and education are interrelated, involving practical experience within a robust theoretical framework.

You will also have advanced skills within music and education as separate disciplines. You will be knowledgeable and skilled as musicologists, composers, performers and/or teachers, and will have honed personal and professional skills valued in the education sector, including skills in planning, course design, and management. Musical knowledge may involve a range of styles of repertoires, a range of methodologies for studying music, and experience of the benevolent roles of music in educational, community and healthcare settings. You will develop a focus on critical enquiry and creative thinking around music education. You will become reflective practitioners, with excellent leadership skills. You will consider music education in the round, focussing not on styles of repertoire but on musical knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively about music.

The programme is studied in a multi-disciplinary environment, involving interactions with musicologists, composers, performers, and professional educators. You will understand the mutual relationship between theory and practice, and may additionally have worked with scholars and practitioners in other fields, such as linguistics, journalists, and stage performers.

The course provides you with an excellent preparation for further study as postgraduate researchers (including practice-led research), as well as honing your skills and extending your knowledge for a successful career in music education. The high-level key skills gained (including communication and critical thinking) are also eminently transferable to other professions.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

A broad curriculum that develops your theoretical understanding of music pedagogy while also building your skills and experience through practical application.

A contemporary course that brings fresh perspectives on music education, focussed on employability.

Taught by experienced staff in education and music education.

A flexible programme that allows you to explore your own areas of interest within Music Education.

Careers

This programme is designed to prepare students for a career in music education by providing a thorough foundation in theoretical and conceptual frameworks as well as providing you with many opportunities to put such ideas into practice, through demonstration and observation. Employability prospects are excellent, with a wide range of career options available in the fields of music and education. The programme is appropriate for students already working in music education, and who wish to develop new skills, knowledge and ideas, and to advance their careers. The programme is also appropriate for those intending to teach music privately. It will complement a PGCE for those undertaking a career in school-teaching. Other opportunities for employment exist within arts organisations (e.g. as education officers for orchestras and opera companies), the media, journalism, publishing, librarianship and information management, and various web-based industries.

For international students, completion of this programme may help students from music backgrounds to secure jobs in primary or secondary schools. On return to their home country, international students may also become self-employed, offering private music education. In many countries (e.g., China), childhood music education (4-12 years old) is in high demand, and this programme will help graduates to fill that gap.

Transferable skills gained from studying music and education at Masters level fit graduates for entry into the civil service, industry, and other professions.