|
|
Pursuing a Music Degree
Pursuing a degree in music is no more difficult than pursuing any other degree; however, it does tend to be more time consuming. It is also much more intense than participating in a high school band or chorus. In addition to a typical class load of about 15 hours per semester, a music major will take private lessons weekly, practice hours daily, participate in ensemble groups ( e.g., band, choir, chamber, opera theater, etc.), and give performances both in a class setting and in a public setting.
Most music schools expect a minimum competency in keyboard skills - scales (major and minor), chord progressions, sight reading, etc. If you don't already have a minimum level of keyboard skill, then you'll be taking piano lessons in addition to your primary instrument.
Subjects taken in a class setting by all music majors typically include music appreciation, theory, sight reading, and music history. Music education majors will take education and pedagogy classes in addition to music classes. Voice majors will take classes in diction (English, Italian, German, and French) and literature study.
In addition to the course load mentioned above, music education majors will typically do a one semester internship at a local school and pass teacher certification exams, both a general exam and a subject specific exam.
Preparing for a Career in Music
There are lots of colleges and universities that have high quality music programs. If you want to become a performance artist, do particular research on the teacher that you will most likely study privately with. Get some feedback from current and/or former students if possible. The person you study with privately will be of great influence, and the relationship will most likely last for years rather than months.
Make sure that your teacher is someone that you feel comfortable with. While offering you a challenge to hone your skills and develop as an artist, your teacher should treat you with respect. In addition to having a high level of technical knowledge about his or her instrument, your private teacher should also have the teaching skill to impart that knowledge. Making music and teaching music require different sets of skills. Make sure your teacher has both!
Careers in Music
This depends on your particular interest relating to music. In the area of performance, musicians can work with an established group (e.g., orchestra, opera company, church, etc.), create a new group (e.g., band, chamber group, etc.), or work as a soloist (e.g., recitals, concerts, etc.). Musicians can do live performance or sell copies of their recorded performances. To market yourself, you'll want to do your own research and consider hiring an agent.
Musicians can also expand their skill set to work with and coordinate people as directors and teachers. In addition to working with people, a musician can expand into related technical and creative fields such as sound engineering and composition.
|
