Preparing to Be a Music Major
Your student has participated in their school’s music program since sixth grade, is now taking private lessons, consistently makes the all-state band, and attends a selective music program each summer in Michigan. Oh, and they know every Beethoven symphony inside and out. If this describes your student, a music career could very well be in their future, but before that future can become reality, musical assessment, reflection, and preparation are needed.
As they begin their journey as a potential music major in college, carefully consider the following five areas:
1] Assessing musical abilities and interests: Before creating a college list, it’s critical to first obtain an accurate and honest assessment of your student’s abilities. That begins with performing for an experienced music instructor (or performer) who has the necessary perspective to determine whether they “have what it takes.” The music advisor will consider areas like tone, intonation, phrasing, technique, and above all…musicality. Secondly, invest some time in determining your student’s primary musical interest. Is their true love classical, jazz, pop/rock, hip/hop, or none of the above? Instead, maybe their love is music production or the technology that makes recordings possible. Assuming they have the requisite performing ability and a defined musical interest, your family can then move forward with confidence.
2] Defining a clear career goal: Because music careers come in various forms, it’s critical to ask your student what they want their career to look like after college. Their vision might be playing in an orchestra, or perhaps they see themself directing a high school chorus. Maybe they want to compose video game music using composition software or work in post-production for movie soundtracks. A concrete career goal will help your student choose the college music program that will best prepare them for that future.
3] Building a music resume: Any reputable college music program is going to want evidence of one’s ability, and that’s where a solid resume helps. For prospective performance majors, that could mean summer music camps, participation in bands and ensembles, recitals, or any musical recognition or awards. Additionally, it’s crucial to include links to performance videos. For music production/technology majors, that resume should show knowledge of and proficiency in one or more of the common production suites. It’s also crucial to include tracks one has produced using said software and to show proficiency in mixing techniques and knowledge of production gear. A detailed resume will prove that your student has the ability and knowledge that college programs want and thus increase their chances of admission.
4] Choosing a music conservatory or traditional college program: One of the biggest decisions for music majors is whether or not to pursue the conservatory route. What differentiates a conservatory from a traditional music major? Conservatories focus 100% on musical skill and knowledge and thus offer an intensive environment that caters to students who want to live and breathe music 24/7. Conservatories also tend to attract the most highly skilled performers–-those who have shown exceptional talent from a young age. And last, conservatories generally prepare students for careers in orchestral or operatic performance (think LA Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, or Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra).
Most music majors, however, attend traditional colleges or universities, where the music instruction often includes non-performance options such as ethnomusicology, composition, and even music therapy. Traditional college programs also offer curricula that are balanced by non-music coursework, which results in a more diverse student body. These qualities make for a more academically and socially varied college experience, one that many students prefer.
5] Auditioning: The single most important component in applying as a music major is the audition, so it’s critical for students to take it seriously; after all, they’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and no one wants to blow their chances at the finish line! That said, each college’s audition process will be different. Applicants will need to know exactly what pieces to prepare, how many, and of which genres. Additionally, each college will likely have a different file submission format and/or method; students should familiarize themselves with each well in advance of the deadlines, not at the last minute. And last, some colleges will ask for in-person auditions as well, which requires planning ahead for flights, hotels, rental cars, etc. Planning auditions well in advance will maximize your student’s chances of hitting a musical home run.
Though pursuing a major in music can seem daunting and even risky, the payoff can be an incredibly rewarding career in a field that your child loves. With sufficient reflection, research, and preparation, your family can make that career a reality.
Erik McLeod, a Director of College Advising at International College Counselors, is the writer of this week’s blog. As a former “band nerd” himself, he has had a lifelong love of music, following the world of classical music and jazz especially closely. Favorite composer? J.S. Bach. Favorite jazz artist? Marian McPartland. For over 13 years, Erik has helped students learn about and apply to many of the country’s top music programs, and he continues to get a charge out of seeing future musicians succeed.
International College Counselors
For help with choosing a major or which colleges to apply to, the Common Application, essay writing, and more, work with an advisor from International College Counselors. Contact us at 1-954-414-9986 or http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com.