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As a music education major should I go straight to masters or wait and work with a school?

I am a music education freshman and am considering getting my masters in conducting. I'm wondering if it is worth it to wait before I continue schooling?

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Renee’s Answer

I would recommend at least getting some experience to make sure you will like music education for a career before investing further into it. While in school, try giving lessons, volunteering at a local school, etc --- just find ways to see what the day-to-day life will be for a music educator.

Speaking from experience: I got my degree in art education and tried to gain the experience I mentioned. However, attempting to get my own classroom proved to be much more challenging than I expected. For example, the arts usually are temporary or part-time appointments, unless you manage to build up a good network or are able to wow a school board.

An advanced degree usually means that the pay scale is different from entry level. Many schools will be shy at doing advanced pay for someone who hasn't a matching experience---but that circles back into why you'd volunteer and get that in tandem.

Ultimately, if you decide that Music Education is your passion, you will find a way to make it. It may not be in Pennsylvania. It may not be full-time at first. It may seem a bit of a hassle---but if your goal is to be a music teacher, perseverance and adaptability is key.
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Leslie’s Answer

First of all, congratulations for considering a degree in education. What an honorable and important profession! Although not someone who pursued this path myself, I will speak to you with advice as an HR professional who thinks about and speaks to people about career progression and readiness regularly. I think that this answer really depends on a person's individual situation. Not to be vague and to elaborate on my thoughts, the longer one waits, it doesn't get easier to go back to school. That said, if you are fortunate to have a teaching opportunity or related work experience upon graduation, it may be quite beneficial to get going with the work experience and then allow yourself the chance to pursue the advanced degree in conducting while working! Sometimes the ability to gain credentials through work experience is key to being able to secure the desired position. I also think that using the time you have while pursuing your undergraduate degree to speak to everyone you can who may have followed a career in this profession is really wise. Music educators can surely go a lot of different directions with their careers. Beginning to explore where you want the degrees to take you will be important for you! Enjoy this exciting time in life and gain every bit of related and un-related work experiences you can along the way!
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Maria Mercedes’s Answer

Hello Caleb, I do not think there is only one right answer to this. I would consider what your interests are. Do you want to teach at a elementary, middle , high school level, university? What do you think conducting would add to your credentials? Spending some time teaching before going back to school has the advantage that you gain professional experience that might give you a better perspective of what your options are so you would go back to school knowing what you want to get from school. On the other hand, if you decide to continue and do a masters degree, that could potentially open other professional jobs that require a higher degree. It seems you have time to decide, since you are a freshman. Continue with the good work and use these years to broaden your options taking classes in conducting and other subjects and you will find your answer when the time comes and always use the resources available to you at school, ask your advisers and mentors. Good luck!
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