Is Music an Easy College Major?

Is music an easy college major? Students who want to make a career out of their love for music often ask this question, and for good reason: music education has taken a backseat in this country. It is up to  students who have a passion for the field to enter it and keep it alive for future generations. Here’s a quick guide to understanding how easy, or difficult, a music major will be at the university level.

Prior Experience

The best way to determine whether or not a music major would be an easy path forward for you is to gauge the experience you have with music. Have you’ve spent playing an instrument, singing, partaking in musical theatre or recitals in high school? The more experience you have, the easier the music major will be. However, if you haven’t delved into music theory, history, or composition, the major will be difficult. Because this is a university-level degree, students must understand the complexities of the field. Related: 10 Best University Jazz Programs

Universities or Conservatories

Majoring in music at the university level requires you to make a decision. Will you attend a regular university that is well known for their music program. Or will you take a leap of faith and audition to join a conservatory? Universities offer you the chance to change the major to something non-arts related. Conservatories are built for students dedicated to majoring in music, performance, art, and more. They can be more rigorous, expensive, and competitive than universities. But they come with the added benefit of providing you with a specialized education around your career. While university music programs are easier, conservatory programs are much more comprehensive. You stand a better chance of getting a job once you complete the program.

Specialization

Depending on your area of specialization, music can be a difficult major. Most music programs come with specialization tracks, including:

• music theory and history
• performance
• composition

Some schools even have specializations focused on different types of music or instruments. If you choose a general music major you will probably have an easier time than a student who specializes. However, the latter will be better able to find a job after graduation. Additionally, specializing in one track will lead to a more comprehensive and difficult review of the field.

Lifestyle

If you are dedicated and committed to music being your career, then the lifestyle changes that are required during university will not come as a surprise. For others who are majoring in music in hopes of sailing through the degree, the lifestyle requirements will come as a shock.  Not only do music majors attend classes, they must also attend:

• rehearsals
• master classes
• recitals
• performances, and more

Most of these are required by the program and can seriously eat into a student’s social life. Between classes, rehearsals, and performances, music majors are often quite busy and rarely have downtime for themselves. Therefore, it is not the easiest major for any student. Music education is incredibly important for everyone, particularly because it is one of the avenues in which one culture can learn about another. While music is not the perfect major for anyone, for creative students, it can be a great outlet. Related Resources:

• What Can You do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music?
• What Can You do With a Doctor of Musical Arts?
• What is the Employment Outlook for Professional Musicians?
• 5 Great Scholarships for Jazz Musicians
• 5 TED Talks about Music
• 5 Tips for Nailing Your Undergraduate Music School Audition
• 5 Up and Coming Jazz Musicians
• Manhattan School of Music