How to decide if majoring in music is right for you
If you’re anything like me, music has been your life for as long as you can remember. You’re in all your school’s ensembles. You perform in the all-state band, orchestra, or choir. You nail your performances at Solo and Ensemble every year. Music has become a huge part of your identity, and you’re passionate about it.
But, you wouldn’t be alone if you’re not sure if you actually want to major in music in college.
Many high school students grapple with this decision, weighing the pros and cons of dedicating their undergraduate years to the study of music. As a college counselor specializing in guiding aspiring musicians, I'm here to shed light on this journey and hopefully help make this decision a bit easier.
Understanding Different Degree Types
For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to be talking about the more “traditional” music degree routes offered by many colleges with music programs. This includes classical and jazz music, and some academic areas of music.
First, let's explore the various types of music degrees typically offered by colleges:
Music Performance (Classical or Jazz instruments/voices): Ideal for those who aspire to become professional musicians or solo performers. This degree focuses heavily on honing instrumental or vocal skills through rigorous training and performances.
Music Education: Suited for individuals passionate about both music and teaching. This degree combines music performance, technique, and pedagogy with classroom training to prepare students for careers as music educators in schools or private settings.
Composition: For those with a passion for creating music, pursuing a major in composition may be the perfect fit. This degree program immerses students in the art of composition, providing opportunities to study various musical styles, techniques, and forms under the guidance of experienced composers.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music: A versatile option for those interested in a broader music curriculum. This degree allows for more flexibility, enabling students to explore areas such as music history, composition, and ethnomusicology while still emphasizing performance or education. This major also more easily allows you to double major in another academic area.
Balancing Academic and Music Coursework
The balance between academic studies and music coursework varies depending on the degree program and institution. Performance majors typically dedicate a significant portion of their time to private lessons, rehearsals, and performances, while BA in Music students may have more room for academic exploration.
Consider whether you prefer a more performance-oriented or academically diverse curriculum. Additionally, think about the level of commitment required for music studies and how it aligns with your academic and personal goals.
Minoring in Music and Extracurricular Participation
If you're passionate about music but hesitant to commit to a full-fledged music major, minoring in music can be a fantastic option. It allows you to pursue your musical interests while majoring in another field, providing a well-rounded academic experience.
Furthermore, participating in extracurricular music ensembles can offer valuable experiences that quench that musical hunger without having to major in music. Whether it's joining a choir, orchestra, jazz band, or world music ensembles, these opportunities allow you to collaborate with peers, improve your musical skills, and gauge your interest in pursuing music at the collegiate level. If this is your jam, look for schools that have ensembles that are open to anyone, not just music majors. (Pro tip: some schools will offer special scholarships for non-music majors to encourage them to participate in ensembles!)
No matter what you decide, music often has a deep hold on people that is hard to let go. It’s also an amazing creative outlet! Find ways to engage with music that inspires you and allows you to be yourself.
Tips for Deciding to Major in Music
Making the decision to major in music requires careful consideration and self-reflection. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:
Sample lessons with faculty: Arrange meetings or sample lessons with music faculty at prospective colleges to learn more about their teaching style and expertise. Ask them about what they expect from their music majors, and what the overall “vibe” of the music school is (highly competitive? Highly collaborative?).
Watch university YouTube videos: Dive into university YouTube channels to watch ensemble performances, recitals, and student showcases. This will give you a glimpse into the musical opportunities and performance level at each institution.
Take a music theory class: Enroll in a music theory class at your high school or local community college to explore fundamental concepts and assess your interest in music academia. College music majors will take A LOT of music theory courses!
Reflect on practice habits: Evaluate your dedication to practicing and improving your musical skills. Are you willing to put in the time and effort required to excel in a music major? Performance majors will be expected to practice on their own several hours each day, participate in multiple ensembles, and attend masterclasses regularly. It requires a lot of self-discipline and time management.
Talk to current college music majors: Reach out to current college music majors to hear about their experiences, challenges, and insights. Their firsthand perspectives can provide valuable guidance as you weigh your options.
Explore music-based careers: what career can you see yourself doing with the skills you’ve developed as a music major? There is more out there than just becoming the next solo superstar, concertmaster of a major symphony, or teaching music in a school setting. (Stay tuned for more articles about the many careers out there that require a music background!)
Talk to your own music teacher: do they think you can succeed in a conservatory-type institution? Or would a program that allows for more academic exploration be a better fit for you? Get honest feedback about your skill level, even if you’re the best performer at your school.
Deciding whether to major in music will require careful thought and self reflection. Go for what works for you, but really examine your reasons for choosing to major (or not major) in music. By exploring different degree types, balancing academic and music coursework, and engaging in extracurricular music activities, you can gain a clearer understanding of your passion for music and its role in your future academic and professional pursuits.
Remember, the journey to a music major is as much about self-discovery as it is about musical proficiency. There is no wrong answer for what you want to pursue! Trust your instincts and seek guidance from mentors and peers to embark on this transformative journey. Whether you choose to pursue a music major or explore other academic paths, your love for music will continue to enrich your life in profound ways.
