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sav
Student
The Colony, Texas
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Why do universities cram so many courses into four years for music majors?
I’m applying to university to major in music education, and I’m looking through course pathways. I’ve heard from many people that the music program is like a five year course stuck into four years.
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5 answers
John Morris
Instructional Designer / Musician / eLearning Creator
38
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
I was in music school a long time ago, but maybe this still applies.
I recall that there were quite a few classes that met 3 times a week for 2 credits or 2 times a week for 1 credit.
I was rather concerned with this at first when I compared my course of study with friends in other majors. But after a while I realized that the music classes (like those described above) were my favorites and doing the work was fun and fulfilling. I also found that the out of class workload was not necessarily in keeping with the credit hours for these classes; in other words a lot of classes did not necessarily mean a lot of out of class work.
I was at a university that gave bachelors' degrees. That meant that for the first two years every student (to include all music students) had to take a bunch of required general education classes like science, math, and writing to qualify for the degree. For this reason I didn't really feel that different than any other student, we were all studying the same things at the same time, at lease during those first two years.
By the third year I was an experienced student and my schedule was filled almost entirely with music classes. I loved music, I worked, but it was fun.
I recall that there were quite a few classes that met 3 times a week for 2 credits or 2 times a week for 1 credit.
I was rather concerned with this at first when I compared my course of study with friends in other majors. But after a while I realized that the music classes (like those described above) were my favorites and doing the work was fun and fulfilling. I also found that the out of class workload was not necessarily in keeping with the credit hours for these classes; in other words a lot of classes did not necessarily mean a lot of out of class work.
I was at a university that gave bachelors' degrees. That meant that for the first two years every student (to include all music students) had to take a bunch of required general education classes like science, math, and writing to qualify for the degree. For this reason I didn't really feel that different than any other student, we were all studying the same things at the same time, at lease during those first two years.
By the third year I was an experienced student and my schedule was filled almost entirely with music classes. I loved music, I worked, but it was fun.
Charles Thompson
IT Consultant
3
Answers
Wellington, New Zealand
Updated
Charles’s Answer
I wouldn't go by "what people say". I've heard that about Math, Economics, Engineering, etc etc etc (actually at my school, Engineering *is* a five-year course).
You might find that the topics covered in a Music degree are many and varied, as befits an area rich with history, variety and ideas. You may also find that the Education aspect (e.g. High School Music Teacher) has an even wider range of topics to learn.
My advice is to look at the detailed curriculum of your chosen college and decide for yourself whether those subjects are interesting to you. Remember that you won't achieve the degree unless you follow the curriculum rules, so it's not all about individual freedom.
You might find that the topics covered in a Music degree are many and varied, as befits an area rich with history, variety and ideas. You may also find that the Education aspect (e.g. High School Music Teacher) has an even wider range of topics to learn.
My advice is to look at the detailed curriculum of your chosen college and decide for yourself whether those subjects are interesting to you. Remember that you won't achieve the degree unless you follow the curriculum rules, so it's not all about individual freedom.
Anasa Lattibeaudaire
Career Counselor
24
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Anasa’s Answer
Hi Sav,
During your first two years of college, you'll most likely be taking general education courses, which is required for every major. These courses are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education by covering a range of subjects outside their major. For example, you'll be taking certain math courses, English composition, history, natural sciences, social sciences, and even arts and humanities. These requirements vary by institution so it will be important that you check with your school's curriculum to see what courses you will need to complete.
As for your music education major, your classes again will vary depending on your school's curriculum. You can generally expect to take courses in music theory, music history, and performance. You might even study composition, music technology, and participate in chorale or ensembles. These are considered your major courses for a music major. Be sure to check with your institution and/or speak with an academic advisor, as they will ensure that you are taking the exact course requirements for your music major. They will also be able to tell you when you are expected to complete your program.
Best of luck!
During your first two years of college, you'll most likely be taking general education courses, which is required for every major. These courses are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education by covering a range of subjects outside their major. For example, you'll be taking certain math courses, English composition, history, natural sciences, social sciences, and even arts and humanities. These requirements vary by institution so it will be important that you check with your school's curriculum to see what courses you will need to complete.
As for your music education major, your classes again will vary depending on your school's curriculum. You can generally expect to take courses in music theory, music history, and performance. You might even study composition, music technology, and participate in chorale or ensembles. These are considered your major courses for a music major. Be sure to check with your institution and/or speak with an academic advisor, as they will ensure that you are taking the exact course requirements for your music major. They will also be able to tell you when you are expected to complete your program.
Best of luck!
Kyle Mattingly
Pianist, Music Director
17
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
I wondered the same thing when I started my music degree. Music isn't the only hard degree to get in college but it requires a lot of different classes to get the education you need and want. If doing a lot of music classes doesn't sound like fun then perhaps music might not be the best career field because it takes a lot of work to make a living in this field. However, I found that doing so many classes gave me the opportunity to learn new things and be around other musicians who were different and better than me. It's a lot of work but was totally worth it for me. At the end of the day, unless you're doing music education, a music degree itself isn't what will get you work in the music field. How much you know and how well you can perform is what people care about. And so all those classes will probably come in handy.
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Sav,
While some programs may be 5 years, you could potentially look into taking summer courses at the university or at nearby accredited universities that allow you to potentially graduate earlier than 5 years.
Best of luck
While some programs may be 5 years, you could potentially look into taking summer courses at the university or at nearby accredited universities that allow you to potentially graduate earlier than 5 years.
Best of luck