Music Paths |
PURSUING MUSIC AFTER HIGH SCHOOL |
Planning for your future is exciting - here are some resources to help you find the right way to keep music in your life.
Amateur/Enthusiast
The "ama-" prefix in amateur comes from the Latin word for love. Amateur literally means "one who loves what they do." An amateur musician continues to play for the love of playing and sharing music, not as a career. Many colleges have opportunities for non-major students to become involved in their school's music program. Additionally, there are oodles of good community orchestras in the Cleveland area (and elsewhere) that provide skilled non-professional string players the opportunity to continue to make music.
Community Orchestras in the Greater Cleveland Area
Music Minor
A music minor takes the seriousness of their study up a notch to become a part of their collegiate program. Some great musicians have minored in music while getting their main degree in a more traditional program. This allows one to pursue some collegiate music classes while having a solid career "Plan B". Each college has its own set of admission and course requirements, so it is best to ask each college you are considering about the specifics of its music minor program including 1) How do you get accepted to the music minor program, 2) What courses are required and can you specifically take the ones you are most interested in, 3) Will you study with the schools' professors or with Grad. Assistants, 4) Will you be able to perform in the same ensembles as music majors.
Music Major
Music Majors and students who do a Double Major in Music and another field (see music minor reference to career plan B) are all-hands-on-deck up to their eyeballs in music: Music Theory, Music History, Aural Skills, Piano Skills, Ensembles, Chamber Music, Private Lessons, not to mention four hours a day in the practice room. If you're an education major, music therapy major, composition major or audio engineering major there are additional branches of classes to take.
Should I Be a Music Major? |
Where Should I Apply? |
