Why music education matters: Advancing your career through a master’s in music or conducting

Music is more than an art form—it’s a language that shapes minds, inspires communities and enriches lives. Those who teach and lead through music demonstrate how music encourages creative expression and collaboration. Pursuing an advanced degree in music education or conducting not only deepens your artistry but also expands your career opportunities and influence as an educator, leader and servant in your community. 

In an era where the arts must continually demonstrate their value, ethical and thoughtful leaders are essential. Graduate-level musicians become advocates for music’s enduring importance—championing access to arts education and ensuring its relevance for future generations.

Why music education is important

Music education develops far more than performance skills. It cultivates cognitive growth, emotional intelligence, collaboration and leadership—all qualities that benefit individuals well beyond the classroom or concert hall. Research consistently shows that students who participate in music perform better academically, demonstrate stronger critical thinking abilities and develop higher levels of empathy and perseverance.

From early childhood classrooms to university ensembles, music educators play a vital role in shaping how people learn to listen, create and connect. A master’s degree in music education or conducting empowers professionals to take that impact further by preparing them to teach, mentor and lead with both artistic excellence and ethical responsibility.

Music education emphasizes that learning is not only intellectual but deeply human. Beyond career advancement, those who pursue graduate study in music join a broader mission to sustain and elevate the arts in society. They foster spaces where individuals learn to listen to one another—an invaluable skill in today’s increasingly complex world.

Preparing for success through graduate study

A master’s in music or conducting at Messiah University builds on foundational skills while introducing advanced coursework in performance, pedagogy and theory. “We seek applicants who want to refine and expand their craft of teaching and performing,” says Rachel Cornacchio, director of the graduate program in music. “Students benefit from conducting labs, ensemble participation and opportunities to collaborate with peers and faculty mentors.”

Messiah University has the largest NASM-accredited Master of Music conducting program in the U.S and the only accredited online Master of Music program in Pennsylvania.

Graduate study allows musicians to:

• Hone interpretive and technical proficiency.
• Learn advanced rehearsal and conducting techniques.
• Explore research in music theory, history or education.
• Gain experience in teaching and ensemble leadership.
• Develop professional networks that support long-term career growth.

Expanding career opportunities in music education

Many professionals pursue a graduate degree in music to enhance their credentials and qualify for higher-level music education jobs. The field offers a diverse range of career paths, each requiring both musical expertise and strong interpersonal skills.

Teaching and academic roles

Earning a master’s degree can open doors to advanced teaching positions in K–12 schools, colleges and private studios. Many schools and districts now prefer or require teachers to hold graduate credentials, especially for leadership or curriculum design roles. University-level positions in ensemble direction, music theory or applied instruction also often require a master’s or higher.

Conducting and performance leadership

For those drawn to the podium, a master’s in conducting provides the technical and interpretive training needed to lead choirs, orchestras and bands with confidence. Conductors not only refine musical performance but also cultivate collaboration among diverse groups of musicians. This form of leadership calls for precision, patience and the ability to inspire—qualities strengthened through graduate-level study and performance experience.

Arts administration and program leadership

Graduates with a background in music education and leadership often move into administrative roles such as department chairs, program directors or community arts coordinators. These positions require the ability to balance artistic vision with organizational and ethical decision-making, ensuring that music programs remain accessible, sustainable and impactful.

Community and nonprofit arts work

Music educators frequently extend their influence beyond schools into community and nonprofit settings. They may manage youth music programs, coordinate outreach concerts or develop curriculum for community arts initiatives. These roles allow professionals to combine creativity with service, using music to foster inclusion and well-being in diverse populations.

Salary expectations for conductors and music educators vary depending on geographic location, the size of the employer’s school or organization and seniority and experience of others in the field.

Ethical leadership in music education

At its heart, music education is about service—helping others discover their voice and potential through the power of sound. Graduate programs in music emphasize not only artistic mastery but also the ethical responsibilities of leadership.

Educators and conductors often serve as mentors, guiding students and ensembles through technical challenges and personal growth. The most effective leaders model integrity, respect and humility, setting a standard for collaboration and excellence.

Although faith is integrated into the curriculum of Messiah University’s music education and conducting programs, Cornacchio explains that the most meaningful connection occurs through instructors’ examples—their stories, experiences and deliberate efforts to connect faith with vocation.

Take the next step toward leadership in music

If you feel called to lead, teach or inspire others through music, a graduate degree can help you take that next step with confidence. At Messiah University programs in music education or conducting equip you with the tools to elevate your artistry, expand your career options and serve and inspire others with integrity and creativity. Programs are flexible, online and rigorous.

Now is the time to invest in your growth as a musician, educator and leader. Explore how a master’s in music or a master’s in conducting at Messiah University can help you use your talents to make a lasting impact in schools, communities and the world of the arts.