Dance & Aux Forum

Majoring In Music Ed

Posted by JayPolk on July 11, 2011 at 5:49pm

Well, it seems like people choose to major in music often JUST because they enjoy being in the band so much. With the ridiculous amount of people wanting to pursue music education as a career, and the shape that the school systems/fine art departments are in, is majoring in music education as cracked up as its supposed to be. For those who have/is majored in music how competitive was it for you at your school? Is finding a job difficult? And for those who THOUGHT they wanted to major in music what stopped you from going through with it?

Im headed into my first year of college. I have a strong passion for music and teaching but i want to be as logical about the situation as possible and have a decent living experience after college. So, any help or advice would be great.

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Replies

  • 2duqpzglmw0wr July 11, 2011 at 6:16pm
    You better major in something that's hiring because right now it's hard to find band directing jobs so be mindful of what you major in. Right now, finding a job is very hard for music majors. I know two guys who have just graduated in May and they haven't found a job yet. 
    • number1 > 2duqpzglmw0wr July 11, 2011 at 9:44pm
      Where were they looking? There were quite a few job openings around here.
  • Philharmonic July 11, 2011 at 8:44pm
    I know of several band director jobs and assistant jobs around here in Arkansas but you must be certified! As long as you meet the qualifications I don't see a problem with employment!
    • KapellMaster > Philharmonic July 11, 2011 at 8:58pm

      Yeah, these days...as long as your certified and got a lil talent....u'll b fine. While music may be in decline in public education, it will neva go completely away. My suggestion is to spend mo time focusing on developing ur craft and gaining as much real world experience as possible before you try and enter the field professionally. 

       

      The problem i see with most graduating college students is they dont respect their craft enough to develop it and neva gain any real world experience while they're in college. Sure havn a degree is nice but it guarantees nothing but a bigger network to open sum doors. Let ur talents n hard work set u apart...

  • 1906_ma3stro July 11, 2011 at 11:10pm
    i'm a music ed major now at huston-Tillotson Univ and from what i have seen as long as you apply yourself and market yourself there shouldn't be a problem getting a job. One thing Ilke about my institution is they get you prepared to work with all levels of music under the music ed degree and its not just focused on instrumental/vocal but all around music. I also encourage you to pursue what you love to do. I'm a firm believer in: if you want to be successful in your job you have to like the field you are in and be passionate about it. Also a good thing to do is work with local schools in the area of your university and that will help you get your foot in the door. I have two job offers already because of networking and working with schools in my hometown, and knowing fine arts directors and i dont graduate until next may.
    • number1 > 1906_ma3stro July 11, 2011 at 11:21pm
      We have a thing called Field Experience where we have to go assist, observe, and teach a certain number of hours in a local classroom in your field of study for each high-level education class that you take. So it helps you see the different levels of music in an actual classroom setting(as opposed to a textbook) and makes the adjustment to student teaching much easier.
  • AG July 11, 2011 at 11:39pm
    If you don't want to work hard, then don't try it just cause. I know a few people who switched majors.. Music isn't easy despite what people think.. a lot of things go into getting your degree in Music Education.. understanding of chords and their functions/development of your ear/ learning solo's and practicing your horn (which is something I need to do more of), there's a lot of times where you have to learn to balance things out and as a Freshman it's hard but you need to learn how to cope with the time.
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