Masters

Music - String Pedagogy

Overview

The Master of Music in String Pedagogy at Illinois State University prepares students to become skilled, thoughtful string educators equipped to teach in a variety of settings. Through applied study, pedagogy coursework, and practical teaching experiences, students develop both their musicianship and their effectiveness as teachers.

A defining feature of the program is the opportunity to teach in the ISU String Project, where students work directly with young string players in a supervised, supportive environment. This hands-on experience allows students to apply pedagogical concepts in real time, refine instructional strategies, and develop confidence in working with learners at different levels.

Coursework emphasizes the connection between theory and practice, including sequencing, repertoire selection, and instructional approaches. Students explore effective teaching strategies while building strong communication skills and a flexible, student-centered approach to instruction.

Students benefit from close faculty mentorship in a collaborative environment that encourages reflection, growth, and the development of a personal teaching philosophy. These experiences prepare graduates for teaching in private studios, public and community programs, and other educational settings. Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in string education and for further study at the doctoral level, equipped with the musical, pedagogical, and professional skills necessary to support student learning and success.

Point of Pride

Through extensive teaching in the ISU String Project, students gain hands-on experience working with developing string players, applying pedagogical concepts in real time while building the practical skills and confidence needed for successful careers in string education.

Dr. Angelo Favis
(309) 438-8960
Cook Hall 402

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in music (or the equivalent for international students) and earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate enrollment.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Application Materials

A student applying to this program must:

Fill out a School of Music application (included within the university application)
Include three current letters of recommendation
You must have a live or recorded performance audition on your primary applied instrument. Find suggested repertoire of your specific instrument/voice.
Write a statement of interest (approximately 250 words)
Submit a video of a teaching episode (private or group)
Interview with string faculty

The GRE is not required.

Additional Admission Requirements for International Students

International students applying to the program will also need:

English translation(s) of official transcript(s), verified with fresh seals and signatures
A Declaration of Finances
An official English Proficiency Exam Score.
A copy of your passport.

The documents listed above for international students need to be sent to the Office of Admissions.

English Proficiency Scores for International Students

International students from non-native English speaking countries are required to submit English proficiency scores, dated within two years of application, from one of the accepted testing agencies unless English waiver qualifications are met. See the minimum English proficiency scores by test.

Application Deadlines

Fall Term — January 15; will review after if space permits
Spring Term — November 1; will review after if space permits
Summer Term — Not available

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Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
be in good-standing
be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Graduate School Tuition Scholarships

The School of Music awards a limited number of Graduate School Tuition Scholarships on a competitive basis to incoming students who show promise for success and who have not received an assistantship or other awards funding tuition costs. These tuition scholarships are awarded upon recommendation of the faculty and approval by the Graduate Advisory Committee and are contingent upon funding from the University.

Incoming students who have been admitted into graduate programs in the School of Music must be enrolled full-time and have a minimum entrance GPA of 2.8 to be eligible. In addition, incoming summers-only MMEd students may be eligible to receive these scholarships but must be full-time teachers and not already receiving funding from their employing school district.

Review more information about graduate funding options at Illinois State University.

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources.

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