Summers-only versus the academic year master of music in music education degree: Perceptions of program graduates

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of summers-only MM (SO) graduates to academic year (AY) graduates. Research questions included: (a) How do program graduates describe their experiences in the SO or AY program, (b) What are the similarities and differences in the perceptions of the two groups (SO and AY), and (c) What suggestions do participants have regarding the advantages and disadvantages of various MM program designs? This study used a qualitative formative program evaluation design. Data included an online survey, email journals, and individual interviews with nine program graduates. Findings include descriptive participant profiles as well as themes organized by the following categories: (a) motivations for and reflections on the degree, (b) issues of time, and (c) experiences within a community.