College and University Music Programs Basics

Learn college and university music programs basics to determine where you want to attend
By Christine Pollock Learn college and university music programs basics to determine the best way to advance your musical career. No matter what your age or social status, music education in a formal setting enhances natural talent and increases your marketability.

Find a university music program that highlights your natural talent and broadens your cultural perspective. Some ways you can find the perfect educational setting for your unique talents and budget include the following strategies:

1. Determine the best college music programs for your particular talents.

2. Delve through catalogs to analyze college and university music programs basics.

3. Look for college music programs that offer scholarships and grants.

Find a list of universities with music programs that specialize in composition

Music composition and performance is very different from music education. Some colleges specialize in these fields, offering students venues for getting their compositions and instrument-playing heard.
Try:  Go to The College Board to find colleges that specialize in music composition and music theory as well as performance. The website explains what's involved in learning the language of music. Indiana University teaches students the fine details of composition from traditional style to computers. It has regular concerts open to the public and other avenues for the public to hear student compositions and performances.

Look up requirements in catalogues for music programs in universities

Search for universities with strong music programs by reading reviews and studying catalogs to determine which music programs offer what you are looking for. Different universities specialize in different types of music from music education to composition or performing. The catalogues will tell you what classes you need to take to complete the program, any prerequisite classes and the major study for the program.
Try:  Education-portal.com defines what one should look for in a music school and highlights some of the best. Its website offers links to music universities, so prospective students can determine which colleges best suit their individualized needs. MENC: The National Association for Music Education offers a series of brochures related to music education. It provides statistics and expected salaries as well as educational information for areas such as music publishing to music education.

Get a degree in music education with college music programs

When deciding whether to pursue a career in performance or music education, look at the different study plans. A music education course teaches general bands, vocals and instrument courses and offers practical experience in elementary through high school classrooms.
Try:  Illinois State University offers students a list of questions to help a musician determine whether to pursue a performance or music education path. It recommends taking courses in your main instrument while learning how to become a music educator. Berkleemusic, an accredited program, offers online courses in music education. It focuses on contemporary music.

• Visit colleges with music programs and attend classes for a day or two to determine whether the classes suit your learning style and meet your musical expectations.