About the course

The Music Education Area at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) offers a comprehensive program dedicated to providing public and private schools with highly skilled education professionals at all levels. Undergraduate study leads toward the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree and provides for concentration in one or more of two teaching areas: choral/general music, and instrumental music (band or orchestra). A State of Hawai‘i Teaching Certificate is reciprocally recognized in over 30 other states.

　　During the past five years, more than 80% of the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students who graduated from the UHM music education program obtained full-time music positions in the state of Hawaii. They are now teaching in general music, choral, and instrumental settings. Among these positions, some new jobs have been created due to strong evidence of the positive effect music has on keiki.

　　Our undergraduate and post-baccalaureate programs are designed to meet local needs while fulfilling national standards. The music education program at the UHM is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Music education majors are equipped with skills and knowledge in both music and education. In addition, we collaborate with local schools and community music organizations, providing more than 200 hours of structured fieldwork, including observation and teaching in K-12 music settings prior to student teaching. This process offers a valuable experience for students to develop knowledge and skills relating to teaching, build personal reflective skills, measure current competence, and plan for future professional growth.

　　UHM also offers MA (with and without teaching certification) and PhD Degrees in Music Education. Over 90% of our music education graduate students are currently full-time music teachers who teach in the state of Hawaii. These full-time teachers take approximately four credits per semester, offering the opportunity to complete the degree at their own pace. Beyond required classes, graduate students are encouraged to play in instrumental, choral, and ethnic ensembles and to take applied voice, instrumental, and conducting lessons. Students also have the opportunity to take ethnomusicology classes that can increase their exposure to Asian Pacific music. Other graduate level musicology and theory/composition classes are also offered. Scholarships are available for graduate students. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	Honolulu
Fall (August), 2024	Honolulu
Spring (January), 2025	Honolulu
Fall (August), 2025	Honolulu
Spring (January), 2026	Honolulu

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Hawaii - Manoa

A master’s degree in music education is preferred, but an equivalent background is acceptable.

　　A minimum of two years full-time music teaching in a public or private school at the elementary, intermediate, or secondary level.

　　Three confidential letters of recommendation must address the applicant’s teaching ability, at least two of these letters must be written by a past or present principal or other supervisor.

　　One of the following: (a) a videotape of a teaching demonstration (or actual teaching), or (b) an in-person teaching demonstration. A lesson or rehearsal plan must also be provided.

　　The evaluation of submitted teaching demonstrations (taped or in person) will constitute part of the applicant’s qualifying examination in music education. and

　　for non-native speakers of English a TOEFL score of 560 or better.

　　TOEFL score of 560(P), 220(C), or 83(I). At minimum, the applicant needs to demonstrate above average academic performance (B average, usually a 3.0 on a 1.0-4.0 scale) for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 83.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomes

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　201st / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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