Program highlights
- Supportive mentorship. Learn from full-time faculty who are active performers and pedagogy experts and who support students in developing their teaching skills, musicianship and personal teaching philosophy.
- High-quality performance and teaching resources. The program offers access to:
- 70+ practice rooms
- An 822-seat concert hall
- A 231-seat recital hall
- More than 350 public events annually
- Dedicated facilities for group piano and teaching observation
- Extensive supervised teaching. Gain hands-on experience teaching students of varying ages and levels through supervised pedagogical practica. You’ll receive individualized feedback from faculty and observe experienced instructors in action.
- Generous funding. Graduate assistantships and scholarships are available to support students throughout their studies.
- Accredited program. The BGSU M.M. program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
100% of recent graduates from the College of Musical Arts at BGSU found jobs within six months of graduation.
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Career opportunities
Skilled piano teachers are in demand across private studios, community schools, collegiate programs and arts organizations. Our graduates frequently combine teaching with performing, accompanying or community arts leadership to build flexible and sustainable careers. Our program equips students with the training and experience to excel in roles such as:
- Independent studio teacher – Build and manage a thriving private studio teaching children through advanced high school and adult learners.
- Group piano instructor – Teach collegiate piano courses, community music-school programs or adult group classes.
- Preparatory program teacher – Work in university-affiliated preparatory departments or arts academies, designing curriculum and leading instruction.
- Pedagogy specialist – Consult on curriculum, method books, repertoire sequencing or instructional design for programs or teaching studios.
- Academic track – Pursue further graduate study (DMA or Ph.D.) leading to collegiate teaching roles in piano pedagogy or class piano coordination.
Career paths
- Private studio owner and teacher
- Community music-school instructor
- University piano instructor
- Preparatory program faculty member
- Curriculum designer for piano programs
- Music educator
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The Master of Music (M.M.) in piano pedagogy at BGSU offers a comprehensive curriculum that develops pedagogical, performance and scholarly expertise. Students gain advanced training in:
- Individual and group piano teaching
- Principles of music learning and effective practice strategies
- Pedagogical literature and curriculum planning
- Piano repertoire and stylistic interpretation
- Musicianship and applied performance
Refine your teaching and musicianship through:
- Applied lessons
- Supervised teaching practica
- Pedagogy seminars
- Piano literature coursework
- Academic study in music theory and history
The program culminates in a final project (thesis, recital or portfolio) and a public workshop presentation on a pedagogy-related topic.
Experiential learning opportunities
Students teach under direct faculty supervision, observe experienced instructors and participate in workshops, master classes and departmental events. Graduate assistants often gain valuable professional experience in instructional settings by teaching group piano or support class piano labs.
Sample courses
- Piano Pedagogy I and II
- Group Piano Pedagogy
- Piano Repertoire I and II
- Applied Piano
- Graduate Music Theory and Music History Electives
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Applying and funding
Applicants to the Master of Music in piano pedagogy program must complete an audition and interview as part of the admission process. Applicants are encouraged to schedule auditions early and confirm specific requirements with the College of Musical Arts. See current requirements and audition dates.
If you are applying for a graduate assistantship, a live interview (either in person or virtual) is required. Assistantship opportunities may include group piano teaching, class-piano lab support or other pedagogical roles.
Updated: 01/12/2026 08:45AM