What can I do with a music degree, anyway? Will I find a job? I want to be a music major but I don�t want to spend the rest of my life playing on a street corner in New York City! What should I do? Read on to find out about the different kinds of music majors that are available and what jobs you could do with those degrees�
Music Performance
The music performance major is the one that people automatically think of when they hear that someone�s going to study music. Performance majors have the most performance requirements in college, and they are the ones that get to study with the flute professor in schools where not all the students do. Performance degrees are the least practical, though- it�s like getting a degree as a basketball player. People with performance degrees would be eligible to become professional musicians in ensembles, to tour as a soloist, or to be a college flute professor. The market for these jobs is incredibly slim, though, with just a handful of openings for performance-major jobs each year and a ton of graduates. That�s not to say that it is impossible to be a successful performer; many people are. This field takes tremendous talent, and a lot of luck.
Music Education
An almost equally popular field. Music Ed students study performance in college, but not as extensively as a performance major, and they also take classes in conducting and education techniques, and learn to play and teach other instruments. The music ed degree prepares a student to be a certified teacher in band, orchestra, choir, or general music, K-12. Potential teachers must also take and pass a teacher certification exam given by the state in which they live. Reciprocity agreements exist between most states in the U.S.
Music Therapy
This is a relatively new field but one that is growing rapidly. Students study music and medicine in order to be prepared to practice music therapy. The music therapist uses music as a tool to help people with disabilities. The job market is better because this is a more unusual major, and the demand for music therapists is growing.
Music Composition
Students focus on music theory, music history, and composition techniques in this major. The program prepares students to be composers. Like performance, the chances of success in this field are ambiguous; the main source of income is commissions for new works.
Other Majors
Although these are the four most common music majors, there are others that exist. Another option is to look for a masters� program; many schools offer a wide variety of masters� degrees in fields as diverse as Audio Technology and Wind Band Conducting. These programs generally require any kind of bachelor�s degree in music. If you are interested in a more specialized field, though, this may be the way to go.
No Degree Required
It is possible to have a job in music without getting a music degree. Music performance and music composition are two examples of fields where talent is more important than the education received. One job in music that does not require a degree is that of a private teacher. Although it might be easier to attract advanced students especially with a music degree, any talented flutist/teacher could be qualified to give lessons- even without a music degree.
So you have a major: Here's what you should know...
1) It's not just about playing the flute. You will take classes in music composition, conducting, singing, ear training, analysis, education, music history, piano... Many of these classes may not relate to your specific field within music, but still expect to take them. If the idea of studying all possible aspects of music (including the ones you might not be so good at) is not exciting to you, you might want to find a different major.
2) It's a lot of work. Expect lots of time committment and a LOT of practicing. And the practicing will be required, so you can't just decide to take a day off whenever you feel like it. No matter how much you like to practice now, you will get sick of it at some point. Are you willing to practice anyway?
3) It's probably not a four year major. At most colleges, music education is a five or six year program, although performance and composition might be able to be done in four years. Check with the individual colleges.
4) The job outlook is not good. If you are a performance major, expect to get a master's degree before you find a job. Orchestral positions are rare and colleges will not hire someone with only a bachelor's degree. The outlook for music education is better- a job should exist for you somewhere; you may have to move to get one. Check for teaching license reciprocity between your college's state and others in the U.S. Composition is a difficult field to get into.
5) It's hard. There will definately be days when you will hate music. Understand that this is normal, and be prepared for it.
So why does anyone want to me a music major at all?
Although music is a difficult major, I firmly believe that it is one of the most rewarding there is. Can you imagine spending every day of the next four years living, breathing, and sleeping music? If this sounds like a dream come true to you than it probably will be. Although it is difficult, always remember that "the greatest rewards come with the greatest efforts;" the more you put into the experience the more you will get out of it. College is an amazing chance to learn how to be the best musician (teacher, composer, conductor, therapist) you can be from some of the most outstanding musicians there are: your professors. With the right attitude and understanding, being a music major can be an incredible experience.
Check out these other pages for more info...
College selection and audition tips
College comparison chart
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me. I have been through this process and would love to answer any questions you might have.
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