Master’s Degrees for Music Educators: Demographics and Disparities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Challenges in Music Education

Abstract

In this study, I explored demographic and geographic trends among graduates with master’s degrees in music education. Between 2014 and 2023, 10,166 students graduated with master’s degrees in music education; 59% were female and 41% were male. Racially, graduates were 76.9% White, 6.4% Hispanic/Latino, 6.2% Black, 3% Asian, 2.3% multiracial, and 4.9% unknown. Master’s degree attainment among current music teachers varied by state, ranging from 91% in New York to 27% in Florida. Among current music teachers with master’s degrees, 68% earned their degree in Music, while the remainder pursued other fields of study. Findings may inform discussions about equity in professional advancement and factors influencing who pursues advanced degrees in music education.

Authors

• David DeAngelis, Syracuse University

• Matthew Robertson, Syracuse University