When I first went into undergraduate studies my goal was to come out with a BM in music education on move on to a single subject teaching credential program; however, that was not the case. I ended up graduating with a BA in music with no concentration. The BM demands so much time, concentration, and passion, and I know many of you may agree with me when I say that it is too overwhelming when we also have activities outside of academia to deal with.
Throughout my entire time at my institution I felt overwhelmingly stressed and could not keep up with the material while many of my colleagues grasped concepts at a much faster pace (especially theory, musicianship, and pedagogy). Eventually I gave in and could handle it no longer, dropping the BM and switching to a BA.
I had no idea what I would do after graduating, but I can tell you that it has not been easy. As of now the only activity that I do, music related, is teaching saxophone privately while working a part-time as a retail worker with varying hours every week. It's difficult to find a career in music when there is so much competition and employers only want the best of the best (even for entry level positions!), and it's not just the field of music. You will come to learn people of every major (even the sciences) are having trouble finding anything in their field. Sure, you could be an unpaid intern, but sometimes that is out of the question when you have to pay for rent, groceries, gas, utilities, etc.
The one thing that I wish upon all music majors (and those who have already graduated) is to NOT LOSE YOUR PASSION. Even before graduating I felt my passion for music diminish, and I believe that is because I gave up on what I set out to do. I spend much less time practicing, my teaching methods for my students has become lazy, and I am not involved in any ensemble.
Steadily I have been trying to regain the passion that I once had in hopes of regaining that dire to be a public school music teacher, but the process is not easy. I am currently in the process of taking all the tests required to enter a preliminary teaching credential program, so that's a start. I have begun to listen to more of the composers I love (Respighi, Whitacre, Dvorak, Glass, etc.), which Eric Whitacre believes is one of the best things to help you remember why you set out on this long, difficult journey.
To those who are new to the music major, DO NOT GIVE UP. I know all the piano, theory, sight singing, and demand of your private instructors will seem overwhelming, but you will get through it. Listen to your favorite piece (or song) by your favorite composer every day to help remind yourself why you are doing this. And most importantly, STAY PASSIONATE! Many of you might not feel as passionate as you used to be and not even know it because you are too distracted by all the stress. Talk to professors you're close to, especially your private instructors, for surely many of them have gone through the same thing.
I urge any of you that have ever felt this way to reply and share your stories, for all of us music majors are one big family.
I wish you all the best of luck in your studies,
Cheers!
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Post-graduation Life as a Music Major
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Double Degree Dilemma essay (written by David Lane)
The Double Degree Dilemma
Introduction
Music school admissions offices receive more and more visitors expressing an interest in becoming involved with a "double degree" program. At first glance, a double degree program seems to be the perfect solution if you are primarily interested in a liberal arts education, and are also an advanced musical performer. You just do both programs at once, right? After all, you've been juggling both interests all through high school.
The subject is much more complex than that. Actually, pursuing two diverse interests can be accomplished in several ways, and within various educational settings. Which one you choose depends on your interests and your ambitions. There is no one solution for everybody. To help make sense of it all, you first need to understand the different programs available. Then, to see how individual students find a good match for their needs, I will share some experiences I have had with visitors in a conservatory setting. To be complete, this is going to take a while—a bit over six printed pages of text to be exact. Why not get comfortable, and maybe we will have some fun along the way. I am David Lane, retired after thirty-three years as Director of Admissions at Peabody Conservatory. I will be your guide. At the end you should have a better idea of what you are looking for, how to ask for it, and what kinds of schools are most likely to offer what you want.
Getting the Names Right
One of the sources of confusion when dealing with the various "double" programs available is what to call them. Sometimes I refer to any such program as "cross-pollinated," but if you use that term no one will know what you mean. The reason a generic term would be handy is that almost every option exists out there—from being a pre-med major and simply taking piano lessons for credit, to straddling two different schools in an effort to gain two degrees at the same time. The terms most often thrown around are "double major" and "double degree." There is a big difference between the two, so let's take a moment to clear it up.
Liberal arts colleges offer "majors" within the context of a liberal arts curriculum. These programs are easily identifiable in that they lead to a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. To keep from tripping over abbreviations like B.A./S., I will just use B.A. as short for any liberal arts degree. When you declare a "major," your liberal arts program will include a curricular emphasis in a particular area of study. Numerically, a "major" is made up of about a quarter of the curriculum (figure about 36 credits). The other three-quarters are the usual liberal arts courses. Within this context, students can do "double majors," combining two liberal arts majors (one of which might be music). At the completion of the course, graduating students receive one diploma, stating that they have earned a liberal arts degree. Both majors are listed.
At this point, we might as well mention "minors." A "minor" is usually half the size of a "major," being composed of only 16–18 credits. Thus, in addition to the option of declaring two majors, most liberal arts colleges will allow you to have a "major" and a "minor." But let's get back to the subject of double majors.
A liberal arts "major" signifies that you have an extended knowledge of a subject, but does not certify you to be a practitioner of a skill. By the same token, those pursuing a liberal arts music major are not necessarily practitioners of a musical art. Said another way, the holder of a B.A. in music should be able to discuss Beethoven—his life and music—but the same individual may or may not be able to perform any of Beethoven's compositions. This ability to perform is the major component of a bachelor of music degree.
A bachelor of music (B.M.) degree is far more specialized than a B.A., and, to repeat, its focus is typically on musical performance. In a B.M. program, the word "major" refers to a musical subject or performance area (clarinet, voice, piano, music theory, etc.). A "double major" for a music student in a B.M. program might be, say, piano and music history.
The ratio of musical to non-musical study contained in a bachelor of music program is roughly the reverse of the ratio for a B.A. program at a liberal arts college. That is, roughly three-quarters of the credits are in music performance and musical academics (theory, eartraining, etc.), and one quarter are in traditional liberal arts subjects. This ratio differs from school to school, and can approach fifty-fifty at some universities where there are university-wide course requirements.
The bachelor of music degree certifies a level of knowledge about music and also a level of performance ability, but the performance level is not the same for all schools offering the degree. Here's why. Entrance to a B.M. program is usually by audition, and competition for available space at the better known music schools tends to drive the required entrance level upward. It follows that the exit (graduation) level of performance will be higher for students that go to these schools. Over a period of decades, the more selective schools earn a well-deserved reputation for turning out high-level performers. This serves to attract even higher level performers to these schools, which enhances the effect.
This brings us to the subject of "double degree" programs. Double degree programs typically take five years to complete, and lead to two pieces of paper—a B.A. or B.S. in a liberal arts subject, and a B.M. in music. Double degree programs are available in all kinds of settings, and at all kinds of schools. Listing all the options here would bore you to death. So, abrupt as it may seem, I need to bring this stage of the discussion to a close.
Instead of trying to unravel the various programs offered by colleges, universities, and conservatories, a better approach is to focus on the reasons people seek such programs. To do that, I am going to introduce you to typical visitors from my career in admissions, and then make comments. Hopefully, one of the visitors will be in a situation similar to yours. Or perhaps you will fall somewhere in between.
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Jazz drums master degree
Hello guys!
I am looking for universities with a good jazz program for a drummer, that also offers assistantships.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
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Tulane Orchestra
I am wondering how good Tulane's orchestra is. My daughter plays violin in a very competitive, high level youth orchestra right now, but does not want to major in music in college. She would like to continue, but only if the orchestra is good. Are there other opportunities for playing in ensembles etc. at Tulane? I have contacted the school but did not get clear answers, and have seen some old you-tube videos and was not too impressed. Thanks for any help.
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Off to a Late Start
Hi y'all.
I'm 19 years old, about to leave college so I can practice music and, hopefully, successfully audition into a music school. The two schools I'm looking at are Florida State and UMKC.
(a) Are there any alumni/current students of UMKC I could speak to on here about the depth of the program, strengths/weaknesses, employment opportunities after graduation, etc? I'm not finding out a lot on my own.
And, I have to ask...
(b) Anyone else off to a late start? Taking time off, changing majors...
The instrument I'll be auditioning with is voice.
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How much should I be spending on a viola?
I am feeling a little flustered here. It sounds like I need to be spending $10,000+. I guess we can squeeze it out, but it will be a hardship for us. Basically, it will have to come out of the money we saved for her college, so she better get good scholarships if we do this.
My husband keeps asking why we need to spend this much money for her instrument, before she ever even gets in. Our daughter keeps telling us she won't have a chance at getting in, if she does not have a "conservatory grade" instrument.
Help!
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Vanderbilt Blair School vs Rice Shepard School
I got accepted into both Rice and Vandy for violin performance. I really like the flexibility with double majoring at Vanderbilt. I know at Shepard School the scope is limited. The social scene is vastly different at both, as Vandy the fraternity thing is really big.
How is the quality of the music at Blair?
How hard is it to do other things besides music at Shepherd?
Any insights to these topics is really helpful!!!!
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Violin performance
Hi, I'm a senior at Interlochen this year. I'm a violin major and I would love to make this my college focus, but I'd like a better idea of where the best VIOLIN programs are, not just the best MUSIC programs. My interests also include Jewish life, political science, and journalism (especially broadcast). I'd love to have a school where all these things are available.
I'm currently looking at BU, Vandy, and Rice. At the moment, there are only two schools I've written off completely -- USC and U of Michigan. Where else would you suggest I look for the best in violin instruction? Thanks!
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University of Minnesota Vocal Performance 2017
Just auditioned at University of Minnesota for Vocal Performance last week and really liked it! But I don't know anyone who has gone there... I don't even know much about the school in general except about the Opera Program. Does anyone have any experience with this school? Do they give a lot of merit money?
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How competitive is it to get into Eastman's Horizons summer program?
I have a piano-playing son who is currently a sophomore in high school, and I would like him to explore some summer program options. He has never done a music summer program before, and I think it would be a good opportunity for him to see what it is like to be immersed in music. Is Eastman super competitive to get into for piano? I am having a hard time understanding some info. on their website. It appears that applications are not offered/accepted until January? When is one notified about acceptance?
Are there any other summer programs you would suggest for piano?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can share!
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Summer Vocal Performance Programs for High School Students?
Hi! I am a freshman in high school who is looking for summer vocal performance programs. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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Curtis, New England Conservatory and Juilliard
Does anybody know roughly what percentage of applicants are invited to audition and what percentage of those who audition ultimately get admitted? Cheers
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Looking for music ed programs
My son is applying for music ed next year, auditioning on percussion and is looking to add a few non-in state schools to his list. (We are in VA). His criteria are:
- Large university experience
- Marching band (which means a football team)
- Does not look down on drum corps participation
- Has to have an actual campus (not a "city" school - he wants traditional quads and green space etc.)
- Strong percussion studio
- East of the Mississippi
His instructors have mentioned the following but I don't know too much about them or their music programs:
U Maryland
U South Carolina
U Tennessee Knoxville
UNC Greensboro
Florida State
U Mass
Indiana
Any feedback on these, or others we might add based on his criteria?
Also, I am looking for any feedback on Virginia Tech's music/music ed programs - there is not much info out there. Thanks.
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Musical Theater and Common Application
My daughter has had lead roles in many musicals. On the college application for leadership roles, how would she describe how being the lead in a musical uses leadership skills?
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Music Education vocal emphasis
My daughter was not sure last year about performance or music education. She has discovered her passion is with teaching though she would like to continue performing as time allows. She was to study the voice in as much depth as possible in addition to being proficient on the other instruments. The problem she is running into is that very few music education programs on the west coast offer pedagogy and diction as part of the curriculum. She would have to double major which is possible as there is some crossover in the first 2 years but I am told music education majors already have more units than the other music majors. Are there others who have faces this dilemma? She could add the classes but were cautioned that she not exceed the number of units allowed. She plans on getting advanced degrees.
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American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition
Hello,
Can someone advice value of "American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition" mainly from college admission perspective?
Thanks
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Vocal Performance or Musical Theater?
Hi all,
I am a senior in high school currently auditioning for mostly VP programs, and one MT program. I have always always loved MT and its what I mainly do, and my main goal is to be on Broadway/be an actor. BUT I love to sing and what to expand my craft as much as I can, I love opera, and want an operatic career, but I'm worried if I do VP I won't get the acting and dance classes I need to be successful in MT.
Any suggestions/words of wisdom from experience?
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"Sing" workshop at Amherst?
Hi all,
Does anyone have experience with the "Sing!" program for high schoolers at Amherst? A friend just suggested it and I'd never heard anything about it. http://www.singthissummer.com/sing/
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GoForth Journal
S, HS junior, continues his jazz bass musician path.
We have experienced sort of a transition of focus. Efforts in the past have pertained to the capabilities of S himself. Discovering the ways to prioritize and address technique, repertoire, practice routine, and other habits and characteristics. With an outlook of 1 year until audition season, it seems like executing the plans that are now in place will be alright. Whether or not this satisfaction with the plan indicates that the path is laid out perfectly, there is now more time to redirect attention from S to the colleges where he would like to study. More time is now available to learn exactly which schools start to accept application on which dates and how this can lead to auditions in which months. More time to learn who are the teachers at each place and how they are regarded. More time to lay out plans for college visits over (our, not their) spring breaks.
In this spirit, S went on his first official college tour this week with a sample lesson, a chat with music admissions, and even being invited impromptu into a practice room to try out a song on the bass with a small group. S was very satisfied with what he saw of the college lifestyle.
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Stony Brook music program (piano) questions
Hi, guys
I am wondering if anyone knows about Stony Brook music program, piano program.
Specifically, I am wondering if one professor in piano is enough for undergraduate students.
I looked up the website and according to it, there are two professors for graduate performance (both of them, I heard they are really good) but for undergrad, there is just one professor.
I think usually a professor teaches 20 students, so does this mean that there are about 20 undergrad piano performance students, or there are more, and it's difficult to get a lesson?
Also, I am wondering if anyone can tell me what is on their admission music theory exam. (type of questions, level of exam...etc)
Thanks in advance.
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