Music

If you want to develop your compositional voice and prepare for a career as a composer, arranger, or educator, Montclair State University’s Master of Music in Composition can help you take the next step. 

You’ll explore a wide range of practices—from traditional techniques to cutting-edge electronic music—while refining your skills through coursework and one-on-one lessons. Studies in orchestration, arranging, counterpoint, analysis, style and history will give you a strong foundation, while opportunities to experiment with new sounds and technologies encourage creative exploration. 

Your original works will be performed in masterclasses, recitals and workshops, giving you the chance to hear your music come to life through peers, guest artists and faculty mentors. Guided by faculty who embrace diverse styles and approaches, you’ll graduate prepared for professional work in composition or further study at the doctoral level. 

For more information, contact Dr. Aaron Helgeson 

See the curriculum.

Passionate about shaping the next generation of music makers? Montclair State University’s Master of Arts in Music Education prepares you to advance music teaching practice at every level—elementary, middle school, or high school—through a curriculum that blends artistry, theory and socially-just pedagogy. The Master of Arts in Music Education encompasses three graduate level tracks to choose from, based on your goals and previous studies: The Mast of Arts in Music Education, Advanced Certificate in Music Teaching and a Post-Baccalaureate for applicants who do not already hold a bachelor's degree in music. 

Led by nationally recognized faculty, these programs emphasize progressive instructional strategies, democratic practice and social justice as core values in music education. You’ll take small, interactive classes, connect with fellow educators and apply your learning directly to your own classroom projects. The program includes music core courses, specialized music education coursework and an action-research project, culminating in a comprehensive exam. 

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Education programs emerge as thoughtful leaders and change agents, ready to enrich public schools, inspire students, and elevate the role of music in education. 

For more information, contact Dr. Marissa Silverman 

See the curriculum.

If you want to use music to support health, healing and well-being, Montclair State University’s Music Therapy Concentration gives you the advanced training and clinical experience to turn that passion into a rewarding career. 

In this program, you’ll study assessment, clinical improvisation, group music therapy, teaching and supervision, while applying what you learn in carefully selected clinical placements. You’ll also have the option to explore related fields such as psychology, gerontology, child life and special education for a broad, interdisciplinary education. 

With internationally recognized faculty and access to New York City’s vibrant healthcare and arts communities, Montclair provides an ideal setting to grow as a music therapist. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue board certification and careers in hospitals, schools, psychiatric facilities, community programs and private practice—or dedicate doctoral study to this field. With a Music Therapy BA and music therapy certification eligibility, the graduate program can be completed in four semesters. 

For more information, contact Dr. Brian Abrams 

See the curriculum.

Music (MA), Music Education Concentration

• Admissions Requirements:
  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • Applicants must hold a U.S. teaching certificate or have completed an alternate routed music education program.
  • *F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.
• Application Checklist
  • Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Copy of U.S. Teaching Certification
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Please answer the following prompt:
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? 
    • Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.

Music (MA), Music Therapy Concentration

• Admissions Requirements:
  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
• Application Checklist
  • Application Deadline: December 15 for Spring, July 15 for Fall
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Statement of Purpose: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions.
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.

Music (MA), Composition Concentration

• Admissions Requirements:
  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
• Application Checklist
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Statement of Purpose - Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.