Majoring in music is not easy. Mastering musical skills is hard work and it requires devotion and sometimes even sleepless nights.
But since you clicked on this title, it means that you are interested in a music major. The enthusiasm alone doesn’t cut it – what you need is passion.
Depending on the school, there are many stages of auditioning to get into the program. But one thing they all have in common is that students applying for the course are mad about music and ready to put all their efforts to reaching their goals.
So, when choosing a program that’s creative and demanding in nature, you need to prepare.
Here are some useful tips for prospective music majors. They will help you prepare for the programs efficiently and complete the studies successfully.
Take Private Lessons
Before you even apply for a course, it would be wise to take private lessons.
Some colleges also require students to take lessons for both primary and secondary instruments or vocals. In other cases, you will only need to learn one.
Find an excellent instructor who has a degree in music, with some experience in professional performances. To get into a music program, it is recommended that you find an instructor that’s a good mentor, because not every great musician is a great tutor.
Study Music Theory
Students who don’t have any prior knowledge of music theory often find themselves struggling in college. To overcome these obstacles and troubles, devote your time to studying theory.
Further, it would be wise to apply for Music Theory class in High School Advanced Placement, as it will give you the needed theoretical knowledge. If local education doesn’t offer anything of the sort, search the Internet for relevant videos and courses.
Practice with Diligence
You will need to spend plenty of time practicing. If you’ve been playing your instrument for any length of time, this should not be a foreign concept to you.
Plan a personal schedule and don’t cheat yourself out of practice time. With a dozen things to concentrate on, a strict routine might be the only way to find the needed time to practice regularly.
There are other ways of effectively managing your time, especially if you find the homework demanding. Getting help creating an essay outline can be helpful.
There are online services offering highly competitive services to assist students with both the school and academic works. Right from drafting essay outlines to crafting an elaborate research paper, these platforms help students in completing the most challenging tasks.
With their help, you can stay on top of assignments and free up time to practice consistently.
Work on Your Vocals
Most music colleges have vocal classes as part of the compulsory course. Why not join a choir? Vocals are prioritized there, and begin in a choir also gives you the opportunity to read music, which is always good practice for beginners.
Play with Others
Being in a band or an ensemble will boost your resume and give you a chance to improve your skills. Once in college, you will have to take part in performances and other events as a member of an ensemble.
Having prior experience working with a team could benefit you a lot. If the high school does not have a strong music program, you can always look for possibilities outside. There are many opportunities you can pursue at community and private music schools, junior colleges or religious centers.
Improve Your Skills
Traditional skills like music reading, blending or tuning can’t necessarily be gotten in band practice.
As a music major, you will need to learn how to follow a conductor and work in a team context.
If you are going to apply for a serious music college, try to find a local ensemble with skillful players who can help you to master new music skills.
Get Familiar with Technology
Computer notation programs play a significant role in the industry these days. Sooner or later you will need to learn how to use them. So, it’s time to work on the basics.
Finale and Sibelius are the most common standalone notation programs. Logic includes a larger platform with MIDI, notation and digital audio.
There are also many PC-based music applications which can do a lot more than notation. It is no longer an aspect of music These are powerful tools everyone who wants to start a successful career in music should learn.
Listen to Music
The easiest way to advance your rhythm and timing skills and continually challenge yourself is to listen to music.
Sure, it’s something you do all the time. But adding some new music styles to your library and actively listening can help you make new discoveries.
If you are listening to rock or jazz every day, download some hip hop or neoclassical and listen to them every morning.
Know What to Expect
Preparing for a music major also includes knowing how the program works.
A music major has requirements in terms of credits, often making it necessary to take more classes for fewer credits.
They must also start on their coursework right away. Required courses extend beyond theory, ear training, private lessons and ensembles, because they will be required to take general courses.
Music majors should expect fully and busy semesters.
Final Thoughts
Now you have a better idea of what to expect as a music major. But if you love music, the work won’t seem too demanding to you. You can focus on self-improvement and enjoy every step of the journey.
- What You Should do Now to Prepare for Your Music Major - May 29, 2019
