The UAX Master’s Degree in Instrumental Pedagogy comprises 60 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory modules in pedagogy and music theory, and an optional specialisation block for each instrument. In this article, we break down each module, what you’ll learn in it and how the full curriculum is structured, so that you know exactly what to expect before you take the plunge.
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Table of Contents
What is covered on the Master’s in Instrumental Pedagogy?
What compulsory modules are there in the first term?
What compulsory modules are there in the second term?
What are the specialisation elective modules?
What is the Master’s Final Project?
What skills will you have developed by the end of the Master’s programme?
Who is this Master’s programme aimed at?
The Master’s in Instrumental Pedagogy is designed for instrumental musicians who wish to become specialist teachers. It is not a general course in education: each module centres on your instrument and the teaching of technical and musical knowledge to your future pupils.
The UAX curriculum is structured around two main blocks:
This model addresses a real need for musicians who wish to teach: you require both a solid pedagogical foundation and a thorough understanding of the specific characteristics of your instrument in the classroom.
The first term comprises 30 ECTS credits in subjects that lay the foundation for your training as an instrumental teacher. There are five compulsory modules:
This module provides you with the tools to analyse the internal structure of musical works and link this to their pedagogical delivery. You will learn to work with form, harmony and musical expression as elements that a teacher must be able to explain and make understandable to their pupils. This course takes musical analysis beyond pure theory and puts it at the service of teaching.
Note: there is also a supplementary course in Musical Architecture (0 credits) for students who need to consolidate their prior knowledge before starting.
Rhythm is one of the cornerstones of music education, and this module approaches it from an active, body-based perspective. It draws on methodologies such as the Dalcroze eurhythmics method, which develops an understanding of rhythm through physical movement. As a future teacher, you will learn to design activities that develop your pupils’ rhythmic perception in a practical and engaging way, something that is particularly important in the early stages of learning to play an instrument.
The ear is the most important tool for any musician, and teaching how to develop it is one of the key skills of an instrumental teacher. In this module, you will study the fundamentals of aural training, the most effective methods for developing intonation, melodic memory and harmonic perception, and how to adapt these strategies to students of different levels and ages.
Why do some pupils progress quickly whilst others plateau? How does motivation influence the learning of an instrument? This module addresses these questions from the perspective of psychology applied to music. You will study pupils’ cognitive and emotional development in relation to musical learning, theories of motivation and performance, and how to manage mistakes, stage fright or a lack of confidence in the instrumental classroom.
With 9 credits, this is the most substantial module of the first term. Here you will explore the the most up-to-date teaching methodologies applied to instrumental teaching: project-based learning, the use of technology in the music classroom, new forms of assessment, and strategies to foster pupils’ creativity and autonomy. This module places you at the forefront of contemporary music pedagogy.
The second term focuses on courses centred on direct teaching practice, totalling 12 ECTS credits:
This module introduces you to the basic principles of conducting instrumental ensembles. It does not directly train you to become an orchestra conductor, but rather prepares you to lead chamber ensembles, groups of students in performance, or small ensembles within an educational context. Understanding conducting as a pedagogical tool enables you to incorporate ensemble work as part of your students’ training.
This is the most practical module on the Master’s programme. You will learn to design teaching programmes, work units and individual lessons tailored to each student’s level and profile. You will study techniques for correcting posture and technique, time management in the classroom, communication with families and criteria for assessing instrumental progress. You will also explore the creation of your own teaching materials for your instrument.
The specialisation modules account for 12 ECTS credits and are the defining feature of the Master’s programme: they allow you to specialise in the teaching of your own instrument. They are taken in the second semester and are grouped into pathways according to instrument family.
For each specialism, you will take two modules worth 6 credits each:
| Specialisation | Course 1 | Module 2 |
| Strings | String Instrument Pedagogy | Pedagogy of the String Repertoire |
| Wind | Wind Instrument Teaching | Teaching Wind Repertoire |
| Percussion | Percussion Teaching | Teaching Percussion Repertoire |
| Singing | Vocal Teaching | Pedagogy of the Vocal Repertoire |
The subjects in Teaching (for strings, wind instruments, percussion or singing) explore the specific technical and methodological aspects of your instrumental family. You will learn to identify and correct common technical problems, to structure the learning process according to the student’s level, and to adapt technique to different ages and teaching contexts.
Repertoire Pedagogy is not simply about studying musical works: it is about learning to select, organise and present the repertoire as a pedagogical tool. You will understand which works are suitable for each level, how to use the repertoire to work on specific technical and musical objectives, and how to structure the student’s progression through the musical literature for their instrument.
The Master’s Final Project (TFM) is worth 6 ECTS credits and is carried out over the course of the entire academic year. It consists of a research project or an original proposal for a teaching intervention, directly related to your instrumental specialism and teaching practice. It demonstrates that you have integrated the skills acquired on the Master’s programme and can apply them independently.
Upon completing the modules of the Master’s in Instrumental Pedagogy, you will have developed the following skills:
This Master’s degree is designed for:
Under Organic Law 2/2006 on Education (LOE) and the regulations governing entry into the teaching profession in the arts, pedagogical training is a requirement for teaching in state-recognised institutions. An official Master’s degree in instrumental pedagogy fulfils this training requirement and strengthens a candidate’s profile in selection processes and competitive examinations for instrumental teaching posts.
The Master’s programme is delivered entirely online, allowing you to balance your studies with your musical and professional activities. Through the UAX virtual campus, you will have access to live and recorded virtual classes, course materials, forums and tutorials with the teaching staff. The flexibility of the online format does not mean compromising on quality: the teaching staff consists of practising instrumental pedagogues with real teaching experience.
The UAX Master’s Degree in Instrumental Pedagogy comprises 60 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory and optional modules and the Master’s Thesis. The compulsory modules cover the pedagogical foundations: psychology of music education, aural training, rhythmic education, pedagogical innovation; and teaching practice: lesson planning, classroom techniques and the fundamentals of conducting. The optional modules allow students to specialise by instrument (strings, wind, percussion or voice), focusing on both teaching methodology and the specific repertoire. It is an officially recognised, online programme designed for those who are wondering why they should study music and who wish to teach with rigour and pedagogical judgement.
How many credits does the UAX Master’s in Instrumental Pedagogy comprise? The Master’s comprises 60 ECTS credits, divided into compulsory modules (42 credits), specialisation electives (12 credits) and the Master’s Thesis (6 credits).
Are the optional modules the same for all instruments? No. The optional modules are organised by instrument families (strings, wind, percussion and voice). Each student chooses the pathway corresponding to their instrument and takes two specific modules: one on teaching methodology and another on repertoire pedagogy.
Is prior knowledge of pedagogy required to enrol on the Master’s programme? It is not compulsory, although it is recommended. The Master’s programme includes a supplementary module on Musical Architecture (non-credit-bearing) for those who need to strengthen their theoretical foundation before commencing the core modules.
Can the Master’s Final Project focus on my specific instrument? Yes. The Master’s Final Project is an independent project that you can focus directly on the pedagogy of your instrument: a teaching proposal, research into instrumental methodology or a review of the pedagogical repertoire in your specialism.
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