Thinking About A Bachelor’s Degree In Music Performance?

One of the most asked questions about getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance is, “What can I do with a Music Performance Degree?”  Usually, this question is asked with the general knowledge that all performing jobs require an audition and the best-qualified (performing) musician will be awarded the position.  While this is true, the entire point of getting a formal education in “Music Performance” IS TO MOLD the aspiring musician INTO THE BEST musician for the job!

There are many reasons to consider a Music Performance Degree beyond a broader understanding and increased academic knowledge of music including: working with and developing a social relationship with a well-known and well-skilled music mentor/teacher, opportunities to compete and compare musical skills with other like-minded performers, instruction in self-confidence building, “on-stage” preparation, building social and professional networks, exploration into public relations and self-promotion, and a broader understanding of technology as it relates to the performance
track.

If you decide to pursue a Music Performance Degree make sure that you give ample thought to the following considerations:

• What is the reputation of the school offering the degree?
  ~There are many well-known colleges and universities that offer music performance degrees.
  ~If you are looking to be a top-notch performer then going to one that   is well-respected and produces graduates that are successful in obtaining performance-related jobs is a necessity.
• Who will be your primary music instructor?
  ~Where have they/do they perform?
  ~What is their academic and professional backgrounds?
  ~Have you listened to any of their recordings or performances?
  ~Do you think that you can learn under them (have you visited and talked with them…)?
• What are the non-performing requirements of the degree?
  ~Most colleges and universities offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance will require a number of non-music courses to be taken in addition to the multitude of music courses.  Schools that are considered to be Music Conservatories or adhere to the ideas of a
  “conservatory approach to music” will usually require less of the non-music courses (sometimes called “General Education Requirements or ‘Gen. Ed.’”) while those that are more aligned to a traditional “Liberal Arts approach” to education usually will require quite a bit more.  There is no “right” choice for everyone, only what is “right” for what you are trying to accomplish with the degree and your future.
• What performing ensembles, groups, events, and opportunities are available for you as a student within the Music Department?
  ~Usually schools that offer a Music Performance degree program will have plenty of performance opportunities for students. Typically, larger music departments and colleges/universities will offer more performing opportunities –but some smaller Music Departments also offer a wide array of performing opportunities as well –it’s always best to check.
• What performing opportunities are available outside the Music Department?
  ~Colleges and Universities situated in larger population centers will typically have more outside performing venues and opportunities than those based in smaller populated areas. Many colleges and universities will also have ties with local performing organizations and venues.

Finally, any successful Bachelor’s Degree graduate will be able to further their formal education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in a variety of related academic disciplines.

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