Photo credit: Alliance for Excellent Education
My two biggest pieces of advice if you’re thinking of majoring in music:
Remember that 99% (best guess :-) ) of college music programs in the country require you to audition on a primary instrument. You need to pick an instrument, look up audition requirements, and focus on being the best you can be. Once you’re in college you can play other instruments and be in other ensembles, but to get in the door you need to show excellence on one instrument.
Also remember that it’s easier to get off the music-degree-train than it is to get on it. I strongly encourage you to pursue the music route now, while you have these awesome skills!
Opportunity 1: Keep playing!
Look for ensembles open to ALL students at universities
Community ensembles
Local symphonies (get paid!)
Church gigs (get paid!)
Wedding/party gigs (get paid!)
(after this, opportunities are in no specific order)
Opportunity 2: Summer camps
High school level – mostly playing opportunities
Collegiate level – orchestral playing, chamber music playing, conducting, teaching opportunities
Ask your teachers, ask me, look at: astastrings.org —> Learn Strings —> Find a Summer Camp (also a tab here to find a teacher)
Opportunity 3: Study to be a music teacher (@UNC: Bachelor of Music Education – BME)
There are some ways to be a classroom teacher without a license, but if you’re interested in classroom teaching I highly recommend earning a license for the most job opportunities.
Collegiate-level teaching is going to require at least 2 degrees, but not necessarily a BME.
Opportunity 4: Study to be a performer (and teacher J) (@UNC: Bachelor of Music in Performance – BM)
Perform with orchestras/chamber groups
Teach privately
Excellent degree to prepare you for graduate study
Opportunity 5: Study to be a composer (@UNC: BM in Composition)
The next Bach or Brian Balmages or John Williams (all different kinds of composers)
Opportunity 6: Study to be a music historian (@UNC: MM Music History & Literature)
Teach music history (collegiate-level teaching requires advanced degrees)
Pursue research on any musical subject
Work in music library
Opportunity 7: Study to be a music theorist (@UNC: MM Music Theory & Composition)
Teach music theory (collegiate-level teaching requires advanced degrees)
Opportunity 8: Study to be a conductor (@UNC: MM Conducting)
Teaching K-12 is often a great start for this
Usually requires experience & video evidence to even get in the door
Requires performance & history & theory knowledge
Conduct K-12, community, semi-professional, youth orchestras
Opportunity 9: Study to be a music producer (@UNC: BM Music Technology)
Sound boards, mixing tracks, recording software, digital recording
Every genre, every instrument, uses these people
Opportunity 10: Study to be in music business (@UNC: BM Music Business)
Arts Management & Entrepreneurship
Be an agent (for yourself or others), work with record labels, work with not-for-profit groups, be an administrator for summer camps
Opportunity 11: Study to be an ethnomusicologist
Study music in its cultural context
Worldwide travel, bringing research & new info to light
Nearly always a graduate level degree
Opportunity 12: Study to be a music therapist (BM in Music Therapy or a graduate degree)
Music therapy: using music to accomplish other goals (regain memories, modify behavior, process emotions)
In some places, used regularly in schools to help students. There, music therapy & music ed work hand-in-hand.
Opportunity 13: Study to help with musician wellness
Physical or mental wellness
Can require a medical degree or at least advanced graduate study
Music degree first can make all the difference!
Opportunity 14: Study to be a music journalist
Write music reviews (of ALL kinds of music) for periodicals/books/blogs
Undergrad degree in music (with English/journalism minor???) would take you far. Would also set you up nicely for a grad degree in journalism.
Opportunity 15: Study to build/repair instruments
Specialized programs around country, not many (any??) that are fully attached to a college degree
Music degree first can make all the difference!
Opportunity 16: Study music a little bit
Minor in music (or major in music & minor in something else)
Double majors are tough, if one is outside of music. Not impossible, but plan to add time (and $$$) to your college plan.
Opportunity 17 —> 1 million: created by you!!
Places to look