
Summer Music Studies & MM in Music Education
Join us for the 2023 UArts Summer Music Studies program! Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Master of Music in Music Education or fulfilling a professional growth opportunity, the Summer Music Studies program has a course for you.
2023 Summer Music Studies
Session 1: June 26–30
Location: University of the Arts
Session 2: July 10–14
Location: Villanova University
Session 3: July 17–21
Locations: Villanova University and Radnor High School
Session 4: July 24–28
Locations: Villanova University and Radnor High School
Online: June 12–Aug. 4
For the fastest response time, direct questions and inquiries to sms@uarts.edu.
Contact our office by phone at: (215) 717-6006.
Growth & Creativity Through Music
The Summer Music Studies program offers graduate-level coursework for expanding students' pedagogical, technological, musical, and instructional skills in all genres of music classrooms. Renowned faculty from UArts and content experts from across the country provide week-long graduate-level instruction in making and creating meaningful music. Courses are offered on multiple campuses.
The Master of Music in Music Education degree can be completed in as few as three-four summers but must be completed within seven years of matriculation. All coursework is offered in conjunction with the Summer Music Studies program.

Classes & Registration
Professional development courses for Music Educators that foster growth and creativity for all genre of music classrooms.

Tuition & Policies
Review tuition and fees for courses, and learn about program policies.

MM in Music Education
The MM in Music Education is designed for music teachers and others interested in studying music education at the graduate level.
News & Events
By: Jenny Neff, Director Summer Music Studies
It’s back to school time! For teachers it can be an exciting time that brings on thoughts of getting back to it. But it also brings a long list of to-dos. We often talk of “time on task” for students, but how much time do teachers have to stay on task with a long list of things to accomplish? How can we minimize the time we spend on things we have to do, while maximizing the time we spend on things we want to do—like teaching kids through music?
When we think about the word “productivity” we often associate it with terms like efficiency, production, yield, or capacity. In our world as teachers, productivity can mean any of these things, but mainly it translates to “getting it done.” But what about on those days when you feel like you have no time, the list is taking over, or you can’t find the motivation to tackle it? Recently, I changed my job and was faced with a new set of to-dos. Along with reflecting on and redesigning my current systems, I also explored new ways to prioritize and get things done.
Systems for getting organized and prioritizing to-do lists have evolved, from the forever handwritten lists, to Palm-Pilots (remember those?), to more recent bullet journals and apps. How do you organize and prioritize your day without feeling overwhelmed? What helps you execute a project? How do you get done what you need, while staying on top of your teaching game?
I recently read a book by David Allen entitled Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. While the idea of “stress-free” was not so familiar to me as a music educator, there were many ideas that struck a chord. He presented things I had used over the course of my career in some fashion, as well as suggestions that could be easily adapted to the “Teacher To-Do” list.
Read Jenny's tips on expanding roles and getting things done.
Summer Music Studies Director Jenny Neff was recently interviewed on the Working Musician Podcast, hosted by David Pedrick. They covered all things music and education, from activism and institutional history to the Teaching with Primary Sources program.
When asked about her role as Director of Summer Music Studies, Neff said:
That is a creative part for me, I love working with professional development. I've helped with the planning of conferences, at the district level, so I get to reach out to a lot of connections I've made over the years and bring in what's hot, what's now and what we think is necessary for music educators at this time.
Neff received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from Michigan State University, where she studied horn.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Doors/welcome desk opens at 12:15PM and Conference runs from 1-4:30PM.
Where: University of the Arts, Terra Hall, 211 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Music Education alumni Kimberly Chimento (MM'18) is a vocalist and percussionist. She currently teaches K-6 general music, directs four elementary choirs, and is an active member of NNJOSA. Additionally, Kimberly recently recorded for Eric Whitacre’s “Deep Field Virtual Choir 5.” She also serves as a featured mezzo-soprano at Sacred Heart Church.
"The University of the Arts provides an exemplar masters level education, along with supportive and dedicated staff and professors. Students are given the opportunity to customize their program as well as pursue additional levels and certifications. Quality, flexibility, and community are what separate this university from the rest. Thank you to The University of the Arts for an unforgettable college experience."
Director, Summer Music Studies and MM and MAT in Music Education
Jenny L. Neff is an active educator, presenter, guest conductor and clinician. Prior to UArts, she taught for 25 years in public schools, primarily in instrumental music. Jenny holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, as well as an MM and a BM in Music Education from Michigan State University.
Looking for More Programs for Teachers & Educators?
The Professional Institute for Educators offers creative educational programming to serve the professional development needs of K-12 teachers. Courses offered in Arts, Inclusion, Literacy, Educational Technology, and Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources.
Questions?
Request more infoContact Summer Music Studies
sms@uarts.edu
Graduate and Professional Studies
211 S. Broad St, Terra Hall 905
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 717 - 6006