A Brief History of the Music Major
Music studies are generally associated with the teaching and learning of music. The first music type school was created in 1717 in Boston, as a singing school for the purpose of improving the singing skills of individuals that read music in church. Developing music skills and teaching singing lessons quickly spread and numerous music schools were been opened by the 1800′s. Early in the 20th century, actual teaching colleges were developed and degree programs were developed to be awarded to students that studied teaching at the college level. Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio was the first school to offer a degree in music education. Today, music education degrees have endured notable expansion and are offered at various learning institutions across the country. Some degree programs include (but are not limited to): concentrations in music education, music history, music engineering, music composition, and music performance.
Delving Into the Music Major
Music degrees are offered at a number of colleges and universities and are available to students that are looking to pursue associate, bachelor, master, or doctorate degrees in the field. Students looking to earn a degree in music will be required to take courses about the history of music, the different types of music, and learn about composers and instruments. While degree requirements and courses will vary between learning institutions, students are typically taught the same type of material. Some common courses include humanities, science requirements, ensembles, chamber music and coaching, piano classes, music theories, music electives, and applied music, according to the music core curriculum at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Aside from the material covered in the courses required in music degree programs, students are also likely required to submit a number of musical pieces, create music, and perform musical pieces for evaluation by their professor and/or peers. Students are also likely required to read books and/or novels and be tested over the material at a later date to ensure students are learning what they need to in order to excel in their performances.
Degree Levels:
Associate
An associate’s degree generally prepares students with the basic knowledge and concepts they will need to pursue entry level careers in their desired fields. An associate degree in music generally takes students about two years to complete and is focused on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Graduates of associate degree programs in music will be prepared to perform in musical ensembles, be able to compose music for different media, can critique different types of music, and have the ability to conduct orchestras or choruses. Graduates will also have the skills they need to be able to teach music, either privately or in an educational setting.
Bachelor’s
A bachelor’s degree program in music expands more into the appreciation, teaching, performance, and history of music. Getting into more detail, the courses in bachelor music degree programs enable students to get more training and knowledge in the field and generally take students about four years to complete. Graduates of bachelor degree programs in music have a solid musical grounding and have experience in lessons, chamber music, ensemble participation, aural skills, music theory and history, and keyboard and piano proficiency. Graduates will also have knowledge on historical art and philosophical topics, studio instruction, musical analysis, improvisation, sight singing, voice-leading, and harmony.
Master’s
A master’s degree requires a large amount of theory research and performance and generally take students between one and a half to two years to complete. Graduates of master’s degree programs in music have an advanced understanding and education in many aspects of music including performance, composition, and conducting. Students will have a comprehensive overview of the psychology and philosophy of music from both the past and present ages. Some of the skills graduates will be prepared with include (but are not limited to): knowing a wide range of music traditions, familiarity with technology and advancements in production, and recording and mixing different types of music.
Doctorate
The doctorate degree in music, the highest level of degrees, is an advanced study of music. Doctorate degrees in music are typically focused on music theory and music composition and require a large amount of research. Graduates of doctorate degree programs in music have the advanced education to complete research in the field or teach music in educational and learning settings. Some of these advanced skills include those in music theories, literature and history, composition, performance, conducting, and education.
Supplementing Your Music Major
Some of the different concentrations within music degree programs include choral conducting, jazz studies, music and art history, music literature, composition, vocal performance, orchestra, instrumental performance, music education, theatre, keyboard, string, and vocals. Music degree programs offer graduates a versatile degree that allows graduates to pursue a number of careers in the field. Supplementing a bachelor’s degree in music with a minor concentration as well is a good idea for those individuals that would like the opportunity to study and have knowledge in another area. A minor concentration would also likely open more job opportunities for graduates as you would have knowledge and training in another field as well. Minors that would pair well with music degrees include those in business or business administration and education. Graduates that have a music degree with a business minor have the opportunity to start their own music or music related businesses and may qualify for management and upper level careers that relate to the music and entertainment industry. Graduates with a minor in education may also be able to look into teaching jobs at schools or how teach lessons privately. In addition, a minor in another music related concentration would prepare students for more opportunities in the music industry and field, and helps to become knowledgable about more concentrations in the field.
Learn More About the Music Major
- The National Association for Music Education
- Music and Theater Arts Open Courseware
- Journal For Music-In-Education
The Music Major in the Job Market
Graduates that have completed music degree programs have the knowledge, training, and skills they will need to enter the professional world and pursue music related careers. In music degree programs, graduates will have learned the performance, theory, history, practical, and academic sides of music. Some of the skills graduates learn include (but are not limited to): a solid musical grounding, the ability to create and perform different types of music, the ability to compose music, and familiarity with a number of different types of instruments and music genres. Students will also develop the skills needed to be able to identify different music, teach music, have knowledge on music theory, history, and composers, and be able to evaluate and critique different types of music. All of these skills are skills that will most likely be required by employers that have businesses in the music and performing arts fields, according to the University of Delaware. Those individuals with the experience and training necessary, as well as those with an education in the field should have the best job opportunities. A degree in the field proves to employers that individuals have the knowledge, training, and creative talent needed to excel in the field. Graduates of music degree programs can pursue a number of sectors in the field including business, production, performance, theory, composition, and entertainment. Some of the common career paths that music degree graduates pursue include (but are not limited to): teaching different aspects of music, becoming a music consultant, music engineer, producer, technician, director, consultant, specialist, editor, or becoming a performer in bands, ensembles, groups, recorded venues, or soloist. Another career option includes becoming a music therapist which is related with also working in the healthcare profession with regard to the ill. Music therapists are commonly employed in alcohol and drug related treatment centers, hospitals, nursing and geriatric homes, correctional facilities, and colleges and universities.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
