Crane School of Music Launches New Fully Online Option for Master's Degree in Music Education

SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music Announces Fully Virtual Master of Music Degree in Music Education (Grades K-12)

Potsdam, NY (02/20/2026) — SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music is pleased to announce a new fully online option for its longstanding graduate program in music education -- expanding access to one of the nation's most respected programs in the field.

Designed for working and aspiring music educators, the virtual format offers a more flexible pathway to advanced study while still providing full access to Crane's expert faculty and rich academic tradition.

Learn more: Graduate studies in music at The Crane School of Music

"We are thrilled to open this new door for teachers who want to deepen their skills and advance their careers in music education," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith. "Crane has long been a leader in preparing outstanding music educators, and this fully online master's program ensures that the quality of a Crane education is accessible to talented educators everywhere. This initiative reflects our drive to expand opportunity and enrich communities through the transformative power of music."

Just like Crane's longstanding in-person summer graduate program, the online master's degree leads to New York State teacher certification for Grades K-12, and is structured so students can complete the program in two years. Coursework is delivered in a carefully balanced sequence of academic, pedagogical and field-informed classes, with students typically taking two courses each semester (fall, spring, and summer), and one course in the final summer term.

"We are pleased to be able to provide an online option for early-career music educators for whom coming to Potsdam in the summer is not feasible, thereby expanding access to Crane's Master of Music Education degree. We took our time in building this new program, as we needed to ensure it met our high standards, and I am so proud of, and grateful for, the dedicated faculty who have made this possible through their hard work. Having this option, alongside our longstanding summer in-person, helps us better meet the needs of today's graduate students," said Crane School of Music Interim Dean Dr. David Heuser.

The online program's development reflects Crane's commitment not only to pedagogical excellence, but also to supporting the evolving needs of music educators who balance demanding careers, performance commitments and family responsibilities. That flexibility is by design, according to Assistant Professor of Music Education Dr. Jonathan Schaller, one of the faculty members who helped to develop the pathway.

"Dr. Judy Lewis and I were tasked to develop an online program that could maintain the strengths of our in-person program and be responsive to the needs of potential students who cannot enroll in the summer sessions. We believe this program will encourage K-12 teachers to deepen their knowledge and understanding of music teaching and learning while allowing them the opportunity to explore and put into practice new ideas immediately in their current teaching contexts," said Dr. Schaller, who is also the graduate program coordinator.

By offering a fully remote pathway, Crane will expand its reach to teachers across the United States and beyond who seek opportunities to grow as educators, scholars, and artists -- without pausing their work in the classroom.

Applications for the graduate program are now being accepted. The application deadline for the online master's program is June 1. For more details on admission requirements, curriculum and financial aid, visit the Crane School of Music graduate page.

About The Crane School of Music:

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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