A music bachelor’s degree can prepare you for a variety of careers in the field, such as education, performance and the music industry. These occupations necessitate extensive self-discipline, problem-solving abilities and interpersonal communication abilities.
Many people mistakenly assume that a bachelor’s degree is only intended to serve as a starting point for further study. While this may be true for some students, it shouldn’t be their primary consideration when choosing whether or not to pursue a music degree.
Majors
If you have an interest in music production, technology, or simply have a deep love for the art form itself, there are numerous majors to choose from. All that’s necessary is an intense love of music, an eagerness to improve constantly, and willingness to practice regularly.
A Bachelor of Arts in music is an interdisciplinary degree designed for those seeking a double major or who want to complement their studies with another field. The program requires 30 credits of required music courses, plus students may add on a minor in jazz studies or music technology.
A Bachelor of Music (BM) degree is comparable to a conservatory degree but requires greater depth and academic rigor. It’s ideal for those pursuing performance, composition or music education with aspirations of graduate school admissions. These programs usually feature extensive core courses in music theory, history and technique/pedagogy.
Concentrations
Music majors can choose from a range of concentrations, such as performance, composition, music industry or music education. Each concentration requires specific courses for graduation.
For instance, a performance concentration aims to prepare students to perform classical art music. It involves weekly one-on-one lessons with faculty members and participation in large ensembles to develop musicianship and instrument specific skills.
Many students in these programs go on to pursue post-baccalaureate training and careers in professional music performance or teaching.
Music composition concentrations equip students with the ability to analyze and create original pieces of music for film or other media. They learn essential principles of music theory while using modern technology to hone their composition skills.
Other popular degree concentrations, like music industry and audio production, provide an interdisciplinary approach to the genre. These degree programs teach students the fundamentals of both music business law, marketing strategies, and management practices.
Admissions
If you’re interested in a career in music performance, education, arts administration or music industry management, earning a bachelor’s degree can give you the edge to succeed. Many of these degrees are accredited by regional or national organizations to guarantee high consistency from school to school.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers several bachelor’s degree options in music. You can select from a BA with concentrations in music education, performance or theory/composition, or pursue an elective studies-only BME with music education as your elective focus.
Each program has unique admissions requirements, so be sure to review the individual schools’ websites for more information. Students must also perform an audition in order to be accepted into a music program; while this won’t guarantee acceptance, it does give you an edge over applicants who do not audition. Typically, this involves filling out a supplemental application form followed by either an interview or live audition. Colleges typically charge application fees ranging from $25-$90; however some lower income individuals may qualify for fee waivers.
Graduation
Graduation can be a moment of intense emotion. As you part ways with your old school and friends who have supported you along the way, but also welcome in a new chapter in life that will test you on many levels, it’s an emotional time.
That is why a graduation song is essential: to acknowledge your achievement and help you process all the emotions associated with such an important milestone in life. There are plenty of songs that can put you in a good mood and provide motivation as you navigate this time in life.
This song by TSwift is the perfect choice to listen to when you’re feeling low, as it’s packed with positive messages that will motivate and focus you on your goals. You’ll likely play it over and over again in your head as you strive towards graduating college.
