Music (MM)

Overview

• Graduate curricula provides advanced preparation for professional work as a teacher and/or performer 
• Students must successfully complete placement examinations in music theory and music history/literature (or the review courses MUS 500a, b) and a performance audition (if required for the student’s specialization)
• Certificate degrees are designed to appeal to teachers seeking additional professional training and career opportunities
• Many students choose to pursue a certificate alongside an MM, with certain courses counting toward both degrees

What can I do with a degree in music?

Competition in the music industry is keen. Individuals who develop advanced artistic skills in their instrument or voice, or further their abilities in pedagogy have the most professional prospects. 

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships are available to students pursuing the Master of Music. Numerous positions are available: 

• Piano accompanying
• Suzuki
• Jazz
• Band
• Orchestra
• Voice
• Theory
• History 

Assistantships include a tuition waiver for required courses of study and a stipend. Please contact Dr. Andrew Greenwood, graduate program director, at agreenw@siue.edu for an application packet.

Emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy

The Master of Music program offers an emphasis in Suzuki pedagogy. Graduate assistants teach private lessons plus a two-hour group class each Saturday.

SIUE is the first long-term Suzuki teacher training institution in the United States. Our Program was founded by John Kendall in 1965 and we are happy to continue the tradition he began. Our Masters students complete a Master of Music Performance or Master of Music Education degree and simultaneously receive specialization in Suzuki Pedagogy. During their two years in our program, students teach in our Suzuki Program, receiving firsthand teaching experience, while also learning from our Teacher Trainers and observing all the experienced faculty teachers in our historic program. We offer registered Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) teacher training in violin and cello, and viola players may pursue violin training.

Graduate assistantships are available with a tuition waiver and stipend for qualified applicants, and undergraduate students may also take our Suzuki coursework.

Long-term trained Suzuki teachers are in high demand at Suzuki schools around the world, and our graduates have a very high job placement rate at established Suzuki schools, school string programs, and as independent Suzuki instructors.

Weekly Schedule

• A weekly master class
• Three hours per week of Suzuki pedagogy
• SIUE Orchestra
• Required and elective courses

The specialization awarded may be in performance or music education with an emphasis in Suzuki pedagogy. Registration of Suzuki books 1-8 is arranged with the Suzuki Association of the Americas for either specialization.

Fiscal Arrangements

• Graduate students are paid for any lessons that are taught beyond their requirement.
• Graduate students are actively involved in playing gigs in the area to earn extra money. Many weddings and receptions are booked through the Suzuki Program office.
• Graduate assistants are granted a tuition waiver.

Questions regarding the Suzuki Program may be submitted to Erika Lord-Castillo, interim director of SIUE Suzuki, at 618-650‑2839.