Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T. Music)

The art of teaching, like the art of music, demands lifelong learning. Whether you are a seasoned music teacher or a musician who is looking to enter the teaching field, Rhode Island College has a master's degree program to meet your needs. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.-Music) is for candidates who hold a bachelors degree in music (or the credit-hour equivalent) but who do not hold teaching certification. Completion of the M.A.T. program results in certification and requires 43-45 credits, including 16 credits of undergraduate professional courses. Since it usually includes practicum and student teaching, the M.A.T. requires courses offered during daytime hours in the regular academic year. Our program is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Individualized Approach

Each candidate's program is individually developed by the candidate and the graduate advisor, based on information derived from the candidate’s application, audition, department entrance audition, and personal interviews. After all the admissions steps have been completed, the candidate and the graduate advisor work together to develop a formal Plan of Study which, when approved and signed, becomes the candidate's degree curriculum.

Beginning Your Program

A graduate student may start taking courses in the program before the Plan of Study is formulated, especially if the application process has begun and if the courses are expected to be included in the Plan of Study. However, a maximum of nine credit hours taken before formal admission can be included in the candidate's program. Depending on the agreed Plan of Study, a maximum of six credit hours of graduate course work may be accepted in transfer from other institutions.

Three "Tracks" from which to Choose

Every graduate degree program includes the requirement of an exit project. There are three different options from which to choose: thesis, recital, or conducting.

1. The traditional exit project is the completion of an original thesis, researching an issue of the candidate’s choice. The research proposal is developed and implemented by the candidate with guidance from his/her advisor. The thesis document is written by the candidate and reviewed by the graduate committee.
2. If a candidate wishes to substitute a Graduate Recital for a thesis, application for such a substitution is made to the Graduate Committee; it is granted only for candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance skills.
3. A recent addition to the curriculum is the program in Conducting. Candidates who pursue this avenue must qualify by virtue of their talent and skills, will study conducting as a performance track, and will perform appropriate conducting recital(s).

Admision Requirements

• A completed application form accompanied by a fifty-dollar nonrefundable application fee.
• A baccalaureate degree in music or at least 50 credit hours of music.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in undergraduate course work.
• An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
• Scores on the entrance examinations in music education, theory, history, and literature.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Evidence of musicianship.
• A plan of study approved by the advisor and appropriate dean.
• An interview.

Note: Additional courses may be required as prerequisites for certification, depending on a student's educational background and the results of their entrance examinations. These courses may include various class instruments, conducting, large and small ensembles, theory, history, literature, applied music, and non-Western music.

Course Requirements