Music Education

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Music Education Graduate Commencement 2025

Ryan Scherber
Assistant Professor
Director of Bands
Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education

Lisa Huisman Koops 
Professor
Head of Music Education
Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education

The Music Education program at Case Western Reserve University offers a robust framework that emphasizes small class sizes, personalized faculty mentoring, practical experience, and active participation in teaching. Our dedicated faculty guide students through both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, equipping them to become proactive scholar-practitioners and leaders in the field.

Degree Programs

For graduate study, we offer several pathways: 

  • PhD in Music Education
    Designed for individuals pursuing careers in higher education, research, or leadership within the field of music education.
  • MA in Music Education
    Tailored for those with an undergraduate degree in music education, aiming to further their academic and professional expertise.
  • MA with Licensure in Music Education
    Ideal for students with an undergraduate degree who seek both a teaching license and graduate study in music education.

Our graduate program is well-supported with significant funding opportunities, including tuition waivers, and graduate assistantships!

Graduate assistants play a vital role, contributing to various areas such as ensembles (bands, choirs, orchestras), research initiatives, music technology, and undergraduate music education courses.

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Faculty and Research Areas

Christopher Clark
Instructor; Director of Choirs

Matthew Garrett
Professor; Director of the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE)

Benjamin Helton
Assistant Professor; Director of Spartan Marching Band

Kathleen Horvath
Professor; Director of Orchestras

Lisa Huisman Koops
Professor; Head of Music Education; Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Education

Nathan Kruse
Professor; Department Chair

Ryan Scherber
Associate Professor; Director of Bands; Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education

  • Adult Learning
  • Arts Education Policy
  • Assessment
  • Community Music
  • Culturally Relevant Music Pedagogy
  • Early Childhood Music
  • Inclusive Vocal Pedagogy
  • LGBTQ Studies in Music Education
  • Music Cognition
  • Musical Engagement
  • Musical Leadership
  • Musical Parenting
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Pitch Perception
  • Preventing Performance Injury 
  • Rural Communities
  • Science of Teaching and Learning
  • Teacher Education
  • Teaching Musculoskeletal Skills
  • Trans and Gender-Expansive Students in Music Education
  • Vernacular Music 

Ensembles and Performance Opportunities

The Music Education program is fortunate to house and oversee ensembles in the three primary performance areas within the Department of Music: orchestras, bands, and choirs. The Music Education faculty strongly believe in connecting pedagogy with practice by facilitating and demonstrating quality experiences for our students. Our shared philosophy of supporting and encouraging lifelong music-making is key to our ensembles as many groups include members across campus and from the community. 

Music Education students pursuing academic coursework may participate in our various music ensembles. View the Participation Information page to learn more about ensemble offerings, audition details, registration requirements, and helpful resources for students participating in musical activities.

Choir and Orchestra MPAC Nov 2022