Clemson University’s new Master of Music Education (MME) program, designed to advance the careers of working educators, is now accepting applications for Summer 2025.
The summer-only model is intended to meet the needs of working music teachers, especially those working in K-12 schools. The 33-credit hour degree program is designed to be completed after a total of three summer sessions.
The degree program is delivered entirely through face-to-face instruction with coursework focused on skill development in applied research, conducting, history and philosophy of music education, teaching methods and music program administration. It features two tracks: choral and instrumental.
“I am delighted that the Board of Trustees supported this new initiative from our Department of Performing Arts, and I am excited to be welcoming our first cohort of students,” said Nicholas Vazsonyi, founding dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
Music education needs to be sustained in our state because music goes to the core of who we are as humans. It can be a path to mental and emotional health, which is more important than ever for our young people.
NICHOLAS VAZSONYI, FOUNDING DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Students will learn from a dynamic faculty with years of experience and expertise in performance and music education. They will study at Clemson’s Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, which recently achieved All-Steinway School status, ensuring students perform with high-quality instruments in an enriching environment.
The MME program will be led by Associate Professor and Director of Music Anthony Bernarducci. A choral director and composer, his compositions have been performed around the world and on notable stages such as Carnegie Hall, Severance Hall, Mechanics Hall and Heinz Hall. He holds a Ph.D. in music education from Florida State University, a Master of Music in conducting from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Music Education from Westminster Choir College.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first class of students for the summer MME program,” Bernarducci said. “We look forward to engaging with these talented educators on their academic journey as we continue to provide the best music education to students and communities.”
The program will include courses such as Foundations of Music Education, Pedagogy of Teaching and Learning for Music Educators, Advanced Conducting and a capstone project. Full course descriptions can be found here.
Application due in early 2025
The application deadline is February 15, 2025. Prospective students will begin filling out an application to the Graduate School. Candidates must submit a vita/resume, statement of teaching philosophy, sample teaching or rehearsal video that is a minimum of 10 minutes and three references. Questions can be emailed to Bernarducci at bernar5@clemson.edu.
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