2.1: Choosing Your Major

There are several different majors within music, and programs and requirements vary from institution to institution. Some of the most common are music performance, music education, composition, music production, music business, church/sacred music, and arts management. As mentioned in Chapter 1, it is often possible to double major in music and another field, however, it may take additional semesters to complete both degrees.

A Music Performance degree is primarily for those who are interested in performing classical music professionally. This degree often focuses on individual skill development and performance techniques with an emphasis on private study which often allows students to spend more time in the practice room than some other degrees. There are usually concentrations in voice, keyboards, and all instruments. In addition to performance skills, you will receive a comprehensive music degree including studies in music theory, aural skills, and history.

Some schools also offer specialized performance degrees that are focused on specific genres. Musical Theater is a great choice for those interested in performing professionally on stage. This degree is usually a combination of theater and musical studies. A degree in Jazz Studies focuses on individual skill and musical development while focusing on the specific skill sets and foundations of jazz music and performance rather than classical/art music.

Some advice for a high school student interested in majoring in music from music students:

Study basic music theory on your own—know solfège, key signatures, and scales before college.

Start practicing and playing piano! Learn how to practice. Practice as
much as possible!

Identify your “why” and write some ideas down. Remembering why you got into something can be very motivating.

Some advice for a high school student interested in majoring in music from music performance faculty:

It’s a difficult and competitive path, but highly rewarding in terms of interactions with audiences, colleagues, and students. It’s time consuming—prepare to practice. There is no shortcut to success or improvement without consistent, sustained practice.

Be sure that you love multiple aspects of music—not just the social components of ensembles or the thrill of performing. You will spend MUCH more time researching, practicing, and preparing than you do actually performing.

In general, music is like a sport. If you think you want to do it for a career, you have to be working on the fundamentals of theory, aural skills, technical proficiency on your instrument, and the passion for making music. You will want to do it at the highest level there is.

Music Education is for those interested in teaching music. The most common path is teaching children in preK–12 public and private schools while some individuals teach at a college/university later in their careers. Many collegiate ensemble conductors/directors taught public school and gained valuable experience before pursuing collegiate teaching. Music education majors complete core music courses including music theory, aural skills, and music history, take multiple “methods” courses to learn how to teach as well as spend time in local schools working with teachers and students throughout their degree program.

You can find advice from music education students, practicing teachers and music teacher educators in Part III.

Music Theory/Composition is a degree for those interested in writing original music or arranging and orchestrating. There are a wide variety of opportunities, from working for a publisher, to writing compositions for professional and school ensembles, to film and video game scoring, to teaching theory and/or composition in colleges or universities.

A Music Production degree is more commonly found in schools where music/recording studios are more abundant. This degree is for those interested in working in a music studio as a sound engineer or producer. The course of study includes music core courses as well as audio editing, recording, technology, and often, business courses.

Music Business degrees are becoming more popular and can offer a variety of options. This degree provides a foundation in music and business. Some common career paths for this degree include management, such as serving as executive director of a symphony, music academy, or theater. Others include working in music publishing, music licensing, artist management, concert management, or intellectual property/entertainment law. This is a degree that provides foundations in music and prepares you for a career in music that is not focused on being a performer or teacher.

Music Therapy is a health-related field for those interested in using music as a source of healing and comfort in hospitals, rehab centers, and many other settings. Music therapy is frequently used for rehabilitation for brain injuries, as well as therapy for PTSD, dementia, and autism. There are various areas of specialties including pediatric, geriatric, and rehabilitation. While there are some programs with bachelor’s degrees, graduate school is required for licensure. Many earn a bachelor’s degree in music performance or education and go on to graduate school to complete a masters degree in music therapy.

Musicology and Ethnomusicology are degrees for those interested in making a career of studying music throughout Western European history or music-making in cultures around the world. Many musicologists and ethnomusicologists are employed as college professors and music librarians.