What Music Means to Me
Veteran music educator and composer shares his thoughts on the intersection of music and living.
Episode 38: So You Wanna Be a Music Major?
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Over the years many aspiring musicians, and their parents, have approached me with various questions pertaining to preparing to major in music in college. I encourage anyone considering such a career path to check out this episode, entitled "So You Wanna Be a Music Major." In less than 20 minutes I present and explain six important things you can do to prepare for a university course of study in music.
Posted by Dr. Scott Watson at 5:36 PM | 3 comments
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After I posted this episode, I realized that I didn't explicitly highlight one great preparation for being a university music major: some study of keyboard/piano. Since virtually all college music major programs involve some piano proficiency, it is advised that non-pianists take some keyboard lessons prior to college. This actually fits into the area I called "Vary Musical Experiences," but I should have mentioned it specifically!
I cannot emphasize Dr. Watson's comment enough. Study some piano before you arrive at college as a music major. I think this is three-fold.
1. You will have to take piano regardless of your major instrument. Showing up clueless does not mean you have less work to do. I remember piano courses that everyone, regardless of skill level, had to take. With my piano background, I didn't have to spend hours working on that class. My friends with little or now piano struggled the whole semester.
By the way, failing means you don't graduate.
2. Embedded in piano is music theory. So many music majors struggle with simple scales, chords, arpegios, modes, etc... The difference with piano is the notes on the instrument are visible. You'll "see" the theory right in front of you.
3. Whether you're an educator, therapist, or performer, you will play piano as part of your job someday. Trust me; you will!
Wow, looks great. Your site seems to be very interesting and so useful to most music teachers like me. Thank you for those six important things and guidelines on how to effectively prepare oneself for a university course of study in music. Your thoughts are helpful to many newbies as well as to those Music Major wannabes. I agree that choosing to teach music is not mainly a career or a profession but also a vocation, a commitment to love and live with. I must say that I love what I do now and I just made the right decision that I will never ever regret. Keep on posting and featuring more and more creative and innovative music teaching resources to help our fellow music teachers out there elevate their levels of motivation and determination in teaching their crafts. Keep up the good work and see you around. Til your next posts!