First Steps
Choosing Your Major
There are several different majors within music and the 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 for those who are interested in performing 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 considering a music major from music students:
Study basic music theory on your own—know solfege, 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 and keep you going down the path.
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.
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.
There is no shortcut to success or improvement without consistent, sustained practice.
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 commissions 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.
Choosing a School
Choosing a school is one of the most exciting, yet challenging tasks to be undertaken. It is vitally important to do your research and make this choice wisely. Many factors must be considered as the list of colleges is narrowed. Some of these are:
- Types of school (community college, college/university, conservatory)
- Musical talent/ability
- Interests
- Career goals
- Academic ability
- Family finances (scholarships and financial aid help!)
- Size of campus and music program
- Geographic location
- Length of program (can you finish in 4 years?)
One of the greatest resources at your disposal is your high school ensemble director and/or private lesson teacher. However, remember that there are also other schools “out there.” There are many great institutions and music programs. Look for the one that fits YOU best, not the one that others want you to attend.
While financing a college education can be scary, you should always remember that college is about the experience and is an investment in your future. While you don’t want to get buried in debt, make sure you also get a quality education and the most for your money. Quality education can be found in many different settings.
As you create a list of schools you are interested in, be sure to visit their websites. This is the easiest and fastest way to get information and should help you start to create a “short list” of schools you are most interested in attending. When you get this short list, you should try to visit the campus in person. You want to see if you like the atmosphere on campus, how you are treated, is the school too large or too small.
While visiting the campus, ask to meet with conductors, applied faculty, music education, and other teaching faculty in the music department. If possible, consider setting up a private lesson with the applied studio teacher to gauge whether it will be a good fit and sit in on some rehearsals and classes. Doing this allows you to get an ‘inside look’ at the school and the people you will be working with, and also to be known to them before audition day.
Do your research, meet people, and ask questions. You want to be confident in your choices before you start applying, as there will be many long forms to fill out, essays to write, and application fees to pay. Try not to waste your time or money. In addition, only some of those that audition can be accepted each year. Early connections and good impressions, along with good academics and strong musical ability, can help you get into the school of your choice.
Overall, remember that no school is going to be perfect and full scholarships are rare. Find a program that feels like it is the best fit for you, get accepted, and then work out the details. This is the first step toward your career in music!
Auditions
Students desiring admission to music programs are usually evaluated on musical skills and knowledge as well as potential for success. Audition committees vary at each institution but are usually made up of applied faculty (private lesson teachers), and sometimes conductors, music education professors, or other faculty members. Most music schools in the United States require prospective majors to perform music from Western European/American traditions on a band/orchestra instrument, keyboard, or in the bel canto vocal style, for entrance and scholarship auditions.
Unless you are being specifically recruited and know exactly where you want to go to school and you have a confirmation that you will be accepted, it is generally a good idea to audition at three or more schools. Multiple auditions give you more options, in case one doesn’t work out as well as the ability to make more informed choices. Prior to these auditions, it would also be a good idea to set up a mock audition at your high school in order to get the experience of the process, get a runthrough of your material, and get some valuable feedback from individuals that you trust.
As you prepare for this process, do your homework! Look at school/department/program websites for detailed information and schedules. Contact each school early to schedule visits and audition dates, learn about the procedures and requirements, and ask questions. If they are not listed on a website, you should ask if there is a prescribed set of pieces required for the audition in addition to clarifying exactly what will be expected during the audition such as scales, sight-reading, aural skills, theory, or piano exams. Make sure you reserve your audition time early as time slots can fill fast. Below are some general, practical suggestions to help you prepare.
What to Prepare
For Everyone
- If you can select your own audition music, choose music that shows off your strengths. Choose pieces that can be played well every time (even when you are nervous!). A common mistake is to choose music that is too difficult and then perform poorly. The faculty listening to your audition, and deciding who gets accepted, want to hear an expressive and polished musical performance. Other important criteria include (in no specific order): good rhythm, good intonation, and good breath support or bow control. If possible, work with a private teacher or ask one of your current or former music teachers for help in preparing the audition. Bring original copies of your audition music for yourself and your accompanist, if needed. Please do not bring copies. See below for more information on audition music recommendations.
- Be prepared to answer and ask questions. Personal interviews can also be a part of the audition as the committee wants to learn about you, your experiences, your goals and career aspirations. Here are some questions you may want to ask: What are the strengths of this music program? What opportunities will I have for performing, conducting and teaching? What is the graduate school and job placement rate of the graduates?
- Be prepared to sight-read or sight-sing melodic and rhythmic excerpts.
- Practice and Prepare! Good programs are competitive and have limited openings each year.
For Instrumentalists: Brass & Woodwind
- Prepare at least two contrasting pieces. Make sure that one demonstrates technique and one demonstrates lyrical, musical performance. At minimum, prepare one technical study or etude and one solo work (no band music). Check with the institution to determine if there are minimum or maximum time frames or specific requirements.
- Practice all of your scales. Many auditions will require scales. At the minimum, be prepared to play a chromatic scale covering the full range of the instrument and all major scales from memory. Some programs may also ask for minor scales, arpeggios, or other technical patterns.
For Instrumentalists: Percussion
- Prepare an excerpt (30–60 seconds) of a solo or etude on as many of the following instruments as possible: snare drum, timpani, keyboard (preferably marimba), drum set, and/or multiple percussion. If you are selecting your own music, be sure to choose pieces that demonstrate a variety of skills, styles, and interests.
- Be able to play all major scales and a chromatic scale from memory on a keyboard instrument and 40 rudiments on snare drum. Some programs may also ask for minor scales, arpeggios, or other technical patterns on the keyboard.
For Instrumentalists: Strings
- Prepare at least two contrasting pieces. Make sure that one demonstrates technique and one demonstrates lyrical, musical performance. At minimum, prepare one technical study or etude and one solo work (no orchestra music). Check with the institution to determine if there are minimum or maximum time frames or specific requirements.
- Practice all of your scales. Many auditions will require scales. At the minimum, be prepared to play a chromatic scale covering the full range of the instrument and all major scales from memory. Some programs may also ask for minor scales, arpeggios, or other technical patterns.
For Instrumentalists: Piano
- Prepare 10–15 minutes of standard literature including two prepared pieces in contrasting styles. Memorization is required.
- Be ready to play scales, arpeggios, or other technical exercises you have studied.
For Vocalists
- Prepare two art songs in contrasting style. Memorization is required. At least one of these pieces usually must be in English and the other, likely, in Italian, German, or French. One of the selections may be an opera or oratorio aria. Musical theatre songs are sometimes acceptable, but you should contact each school at which you plan to audition to see what their policy is regarding these song choices.
- Don’t be surprised if you are asked to do tonal memory exercises. This simply means the faculty member may play a pattern on the piano and ask you to sing it back.
- You may only have one quick run-through with the supplied accompanist or you might be expected to bring your own. Accompanist policies differ. You should check with the school where you are auditioning. Either way, make sure that you have a copy of the accompaniment (in the right key) with you at your audition just in case.
- One very important piece of advice: Don’t talk about the cold you’ve had for the last two weeks! It sounds like an excuse and, if it’s true and having a negative affect on your sound, those listening will be able to tell anyway.
Non-Musical Aspects: During the Audition
Your audition begins the moment you walk into the room. Be early, dress-up, be friendly, respectful, and confident. Try to relax and smile. Know that mistakes will happen (we all make them) and you should just keep going. Due to time constraints, it is very common for the committee to cut a performer off before the end of a piece, this is not a signal of a bad audition. At the end of the audition, be sure to always be gracious and thank the committee (and your accompanist).
Non-Musical Aspects: After the Audition
As you make your college choice, one of the most helpful things you can do is to check the general education requirements of the university to see where you will stand and what questions you should ask. It could benefit you greatly to look at all general education requirements (especially foreign language, English, math, social studies and science) and discuss these in depth with an advisor as early as possible. Check for any dual-credit, Advanced Placement (AP), or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits that may be able to be applied to your degree. (Every school will handle this a little bit differently.) Any credits waived or transferred into the university will save time and money on the path toward graduation.
You should also determine if any credits can be transferred in, or courses waived, due to completed credit courses from high school. For example, many universities require you to take a foreign language as part of your degree if you did not take enough credits in high school. It is common to require two semesters of foreign language at the university (8–12 credits) unless you have taken three years of a single foreign language in high school. If three years of high school foreign language are successfully completed, then the collegiate requirement is completely waived.