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Olivia
Student
Silver Spring, Maryland
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What is it like to be a music minor?
I’m not sure how common this is, but I would like to minor in music. This is primarily for my own enjoyment and to take advantage of my time in college for structured growth in a hobby I love. What classes and assignments do you get? What is a typically day or week like? #GivingisCaring #music #minor #college
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Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
82
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Every school is going to be a little different in what they require, but here are the basic areas of a music program:
1. Theory. This involves the understanding of melody, harmony, song structure, and more.
2. Lessons. You will almost certainly need to take lessons, in order to achieve a certain level of competence before graduation.
3. Performance. Most programs will require you to join a group for live performance. That could be the orchestra, wind ensemble, choir, or jazz band. Other schools may have other performance options, but nearly all will have those four.
A minor can be personally enjoyable, and help to give you a more well-rounded education than just your major. It's a good idea. Good luck!
1. Theory. This involves the understanding of melody, harmony, song structure, and more.
2. Lessons. You will almost certainly need to take lessons, in order to achieve a certain level of competence before graduation.
3. Performance. Most programs will require you to join a group for live performance. That could be the orchestra, wind ensemble, choir, or jazz band. Other schools may have other performance options, but nearly all will have those four.
A minor can be personally enjoyable, and help to give you a more well-rounded education than just your major. It's a good idea. Good luck!
Bethany Goldson
Human Resources Assistant, Musician
2
Answers
Corpus Christi, Texas
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
It's awesome that you love music and want to further your study!
There are some cases in which a minor in Music is a great idea - I had many friends in undergrad who pursued a music minor to build their resume for med school. However, if your goal is to take some lessons and develop a hobby alongside your major, I would not recommend a minor in music. Every school of music is a little different, but music programs often require much more time than the credit hours lead you to believe. For example, if you are in the choir or orchestra, it's likely that the ensemble will be listed as just one credit hour. What isn't listed is the four hours that group rehearsals take, plus the time it takes for you to practice and prepare on your own (usually a minimum of 7 hours per week). Most minors also require you to take music theory and history, which are both difficult subjects.
My recommendation would be to connect with the school of music and sign up for private lessons with an instructor. If you're enjoying lessons with your private instructor at the university after your first year, I would start a conversation about declaring a minor then.
I have both my bachelor's and master's in music, and I've seen how demanding the day in the life of a music minor can be :)
Best of luck in your musical studies!
It's awesome that you love music and want to further your study!
There are some cases in which a minor in Music is a great idea - I had many friends in undergrad who pursued a music minor to build their resume for med school. However, if your goal is to take some lessons and develop a hobby alongside your major, I would not recommend a minor in music. Every school of music is a little different, but music programs often require much more time than the credit hours lead you to believe. For example, if you are in the choir or orchestra, it's likely that the ensemble will be listed as just one credit hour. What isn't listed is the four hours that group rehearsals take, plus the time it takes for you to practice and prepare on your own (usually a minimum of 7 hours per week). Most minors also require you to take music theory and history, which are both difficult subjects.
My recommendation would be to connect with the school of music and sign up for private lessons with an instructor. If you're enjoying lessons with your private instructor at the university after your first year, I would start a conversation about declaring a minor then.
I have both my bachelor's and master's in music, and I've seen how demanding the day in the life of a music minor can be :)
Best of luck in your musical studies!
Steve Danielsson
5
Answers
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hey Olivia!
I was a full time music major in college, but many of my friends took music courses as electives, or as a minor. They got a chance to do things like perform in ensembles, take the music classes that interested them and continue their musical growth, which many have continued far into their life after college.
Only thing I'll add, is that as much as you the motivation for studying music may be out of joy and interest, you'll be surprised the amount of real life skills you learn in your part time study of music as well.
I was a full time music major in college, but many of my friends took music courses as electives, or as a minor. They got a chance to do things like perform in ensembles, take the music classes that interested them and continue their musical growth, which many have continued far into their life after college.
Only thing I'll add, is that as much as you the motivation for studying music may be out of joy and interest, you'll be surprised the amount of real life skills you learn in your part time study of music as well.
Jillian Leonard
Process Engineering Manager
14
Answers
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Updated
Jillian’s Answer
This is not exactly an answer to your specific question, but it's adjacent :) I majored in English with an emphasis in writing (which has proven to be very beneficial in my business career today, by the way!) I minored in Art. I had taken AP Art in high school, so I had some training and experience, but I was not interested in making it my career. However, I enjoyed the art department & the faculty at my university.
With this type of minor, I was required to take various Art history courses, as well as experiment with different art mediums. I also had to put together a senior gallery exhibit. I would imagine a music degree would be similar.
I don't regret that choice, even though I have pretty much never done art again. It was a great way to balance out the pressures of my other course loads by doing something I enjoyed.
With this type of minor, I was required to take various Art history courses, as well as experiment with different art mediums. I also had to put together a senior gallery exhibit. I would imagine a music degree would be similar.
I don't regret that choice, even though I have pretty much never done art again. It was a great way to balance out the pressures of my other course loads by doing something I enjoyed.