
Music Education (MMEd)
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Music Education (MMEd)
Earn a Master of Music Education (MMEd) at Azusa Pacific University
You’ll graduate transformed into a music education specialist, ready to make a lasting difference for Christ. We’ll help you enhance your teaching career by advancing your musical knowledge, engaging in relevant research, and discovering innovative classroom skills. Further hone your expertise by choosing to specialize in either choral or instrumental conducting, in addition to core academic and music courses.
Program at a Glance
The School of Music nurtures students’ faith and talents to develop and excel as world-class music professionals.
Program Units
34
Cost per Unit
$684
Base Cost
$23,256*
Location
- Azusa (Main Campus)


Gain Hands-on Experience
- Integrate faith into music education.
- Conduct research culminating in a thesis.
- Develop specialized knowledge with an instrumental or choral emphasis.
- Study alongside experienced faculty-mentors.
- Grow the adaptability and commitment needed to thrive in the classroom.
By the Numbers
Get Started

Denney Premkumar: Building Community through Music
As a music education major, Denney Premkumar ’23 discovered the value of a Christ-centered community and grew closer to God through music.
Program Details
The Master of Music Education broadens the scope and increases the expertise of current teaching professionals and those training as school music specialists. Students may select the choral emphasis or the instrumental emphasis.
Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.
Application Deadlines
Entering Spring
Priority Deadline – October 15
Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are encouraged to apply
by this date for the first priority for admission and scholarship opportunities.
Standard Deadline – December 1
Applications will be reviewed and considered for remaining scholarship funds available.
Applications submitted after this date are welcome and reviewed for admission and
scholarships as cohort space and scholarship funds permit.
Entering Fall
Priority Deadline – March 15
Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are encouraged to apply
by this date for the first priority for admission and scholarship opportunities.
Standard Deadline – June 1
Applications will be reviewed and considered for remaining scholarship funds available.
Applications submitted after this date are welcome and reviewed for admission and
scholarships as cohort space and scholarship funds permit.
Note: The standard deadline for the fall 2020 semester has been extended to July 31.
Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants
The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.
Applicants must possess:
- Bachelor’s degree in music from an NASM-accredited university or conservatory by the date of entrance
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5–2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.
Applicants must submit:
- Graduate application for admission
- $45 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s
bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate
study
An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures. - Résumé or statement of experience including academic experience and employment in the music field and professional organizations. Performance majors, please include a repertory list of major performance areas.
- Letter of intent (500-1,000 words) addressed to the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies that answers the following questions:
- Please share your interest in studying music as it relates to your emphasis (conducting, performance, composition, music education) at APU.
- What are your career goals, and how would this degree assist you?
- Share a significant experience with a work of music.
- What is your understanding on the relationship between music and religion?
- Two letters of recommendation: one from an academic and/or professional source, and one from a personal source (no family members).
Send official transcripts to:
Office of Graduate and Professional AdmissionsAzusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]
Application is not complete without:
- Complete an entrance exam to qualify for admission. Contact Alisa Barsegyan at [email protected] for requirements.
- Submit a statement of purpose and statement of philosophy, and schedule an interview with the director of graduate music education. View the submission requirements below for more information.
What to Expect
After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.
Admission Requirements—International Applicants
Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).
To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.
International applicants must also:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
- Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
- Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
- Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.
Send official transcripts to:
Office of Graduate and Professional AdmissionsAzusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]
What to Expect
After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.
Tuition (per unit) | $684 |
---|---|
Units | 34 |
Base Program Cost | $23,256 |
Estimated Cost Breakdown
See the tables below for the tuition charges and fees that comprise your estimated total program cost.
Cost | |
---|---|
Graduate Application Fee for U.S. Students | $45 |
Graduate Application Fee for International Students | $45 |
Tuition ($684/unit) | $23,256 |
Audit (per unit) | half-price tuition |
Music: Private Applied Voice, Instrument, Conducting, or Composition | $350 |
Intent to Commence and/or Graduate Fee | $100 |
View a complete list of university fees.
All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.
Paying for Your Program
APU offers a variety of ways to help you pay for your graduate program. From scholarships and grants, to loans and company reimbursement, we're committed to being sure that cost doesn't keep you from reaching your educational goals.
Learn more about the financial aid opportunities available to you.
Scholarships are available in all disciplines.
To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:
Admission to the Master of Music Education degree program is through successful completion of: (1) purpose and philosophy statements and (2) program admission interview with John Burdett, EdD, director of graduate music education.
- Following the prompts below, answer the questions in 4-6 double-spaced pages and send
the Statement of Purpose and Statement of Philosophy responses directly to John Burdett
at [email protected]
- Statement of Purpose. Answer the following questions in 2-3 pages: Why are you pursuing graduate study in music education? How have your previous experiences in music education prepared you for graduate study? What excites you about the nature of music learning? In what aspect of music learning would you like to focus during your graduate study?
- Statement of Philosophy: Answer the following questions in 2-3 pages: What is music? What is music good for? Why is music worth learning? Why is music worth learning in school? Who should learn music?
- Schedule the program admission interview by contacting the School of Music at (626) 815-3848 or [email protected]. This interview may be completed in person or through videoconference.
If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.
Contact Your Admissions Representative
Additional Program Contact
Alisa Barsegyan, [email protected], (626) 387-5725
School of Music
Phone
(626) 815-3848
Fax
(626) 969-7419
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Student Services Center
Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.
International Services
International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.
- Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- A degree from Azusa Pacific University is respected and recognized internationally, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Featured Faculty

Zachary Cheney
Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, College of the Arts; Chair and Assistant Professor of Screen Studies, Department of Cinematic Arts

Joel Clifft
Professor; Director of Keyboard Studies
Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Helena Mayer ’20: Reaching the Lost Through Music
At just 25-years-old, Helena Mayer '20 has built a strong career as a musician. Her songs have been streamed more than 10 million times on Spotify and she performs four times a week for more than 9,000 followers on Twitch.