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Josiah
Student
Sabetha, Kansas
3
Questions
Updated
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What are some other options other than a double major?
For a while, I was planning on double majoring in voice and piano performance. Now I'm a bit worried that a double major might take up too much time. So what are some other options? I have much more experience in piano, but I would really like to get a degree in both? I'm not really sure what to do pls help! I am planning on attending Oral Roberts University.
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1880
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Josiah !
It's good to see you back here and I would be happy to assist you with some advice. I remember that you are a singer and a pianist and would like to help out so that your career path is not so confusing. Have you situated on a college yet ? You should carefully take your time with that as I know you wanted to go to a college that didn't offer your focused study.
So, the good news is that you absolutely do not need to double major. You are correct - it would be way, way too much work, especially with a performance major. Not sure that you can double major in two separate music subjects anyway. Both of the subjects fall under a Music Major. I highly advise going with your instincts about that, plus, professionally, it is totally not necessary. The option would be to major in Music. It's really that simple because you can learn and practice music and there's usually always a singing Voice course within the Music Department. That's how I did my path when I was in college for theatre. I went over to the Music Dept. for voice and the P.E. Department for Dance. Majoring in Music with no minor needed and no double major needed will give you the focus and ability to meet all of the classwork, term papers and projects and performances that would most likely be required of you.
As a music performance major, you will get theory, history and performance classes that will sharpen your skills, motivate and inspire you. Performance majors are classroom lectures, actual solos during which the professor evaluates your level and performance and projects that may be performance so you would get a lot of experience and be required to spend a lot of time on music.
I will admit that my advice could be more accurate if I knew what college you are thinking about. Since there are no colleges in your town that offer a major in Music, you may consider exploring Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas which is 45 miles from where you live. The other colleges are also a bit of a distance, too, like the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Emporia State University in Emporia, and the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO. So I encourage you to return here and discuss which actual school you have in mind. You are on the right track, however. It's good to get these details figured out before enrolling so that you can have the best academic experience that will prepare you for the professional world.
Even though you want to get a degree in Voice and a degree in Piano, I'm not sure it works that way. Most Music majors are multitalented and already have the basic skills to perform at various levels. It would be like me as an actor thinking I could get a degree in Shakespeare and a degree in Improvisation. The subjects are covered in one whole subject major. If you major in Music, you will learn new things, sharpen the skills you already have and be exposed to opportunities to do singing and play the piano.
Once again, I urge you to visit us here again and let us know how you are coming along with your plans and continue to reach out to us with details you may be thinking about. We're happy to give advice !
It's good to see you back here and I would be happy to assist you with some advice. I remember that you are a singer and a pianist and would like to help out so that your career path is not so confusing. Have you situated on a college yet ? You should carefully take your time with that as I know you wanted to go to a college that didn't offer your focused study.
So, the good news is that you absolutely do not need to double major. You are correct - it would be way, way too much work, especially with a performance major. Not sure that you can double major in two separate music subjects anyway. Both of the subjects fall under a Music Major. I highly advise going with your instincts about that, plus, professionally, it is totally not necessary. The option would be to major in Music. It's really that simple because you can learn and practice music and there's usually always a singing Voice course within the Music Department. That's how I did my path when I was in college for theatre. I went over to the Music Dept. for voice and the P.E. Department for Dance. Majoring in Music with no minor needed and no double major needed will give you the focus and ability to meet all of the classwork, term papers and projects and performances that would most likely be required of you.
As a music performance major, you will get theory, history and performance classes that will sharpen your skills, motivate and inspire you. Performance majors are classroom lectures, actual solos during which the professor evaluates your level and performance and projects that may be performance so you would get a lot of experience and be required to spend a lot of time on music.
I will admit that my advice could be more accurate if I knew what college you are thinking about. Since there are no colleges in your town that offer a major in Music, you may consider exploring Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas which is 45 miles from where you live. The other colleges are also a bit of a distance, too, like the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Emporia State University in Emporia, and the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO. So I encourage you to return here and discuss which actual school you have in mind. You are on the right track, however. It's good to get these details figured out before enrolling so that you can have the best academic experience that will prepare you for the professional world.
Even though you want to get a degree in Voice and a degree in Piano, I'm not sure it works that way. Most Music majors are multitalented and already have the basic skills to perform at various levels. It would be like me as an actor thinking I could get a degree in Shakespeare and a degree in Improvisation. The subjects are covered in one whole subject major. If you major in Music, you will learn new things, sharpen the skills you already have and be exposed to opportunities to do singing and play the piano.
Once again, I urge you to visit us here again and let us know how you are coming along with your plans and continue to reach out to us with details you may be thinking about. We're happy to give advice !
Thank you for the advice, Michelle.
Josiah
I am currently planning on attending Oral Roberts University
Josiah
You're welcome for the advice. Oral Roberts has programs in Music Arts, Music Performance and two Music Education programs so you should be fine ! Best wishes on your education journey ! :)
Michelle M.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hey!
I can tell you that you do NOT need a degree in both piano and voice. You seem to have similar interests that I do when it comes to performance. I'm also a piano major (though piano is my emphasis instrument while studying audio production, music business and composition). I'm also a member of the touring choir at my school. As a music major, you can really pick and choose and get an education in a little bit of everything you enjoy- while still having a main thing. My main thing is production, yet I have sung a full mass with a massive choir and orchestra, toured many high schools as a choir member, and sang in many concerts and in many different contexts. I've also played a LOT of piano even though that isn't my main focus either. I've done chamber music, accompanied choirs professionally, played half my senior recital on the piano, and have premiered 5 pieces on the piano (1 choir piece and 4 vocal solo pieces). My point is: you can do ANYTHING in music school while still focusing on your major instrument/ focus.
I can also say that even though double majoring is a lot of work- you don't have to cram your degree into 4 years. It is completely normal (encouraged even) to take 4.5 or even 5 years to finish your degree. I'm on the 4.5 year course and so are a lot of my friends. Heck- some people even take longer and that is OK. Music school shouldn't be solely about the degree- it should be about all the experiences and all of the cool things you get to do. Choose the thing you have the most interest and experience in as your major but then fill your schedule with whatever interests you!
If you really really want to also have voice in your career, simply include your experience with voice in your resume. That way if there's opportunities for one or the other- you will be more likely to get gigs.
I can tell you that you do NOT need a degree in both piano and voice. You seem to have similar interests that I do when it comes to performance. I'm also a piano major (though piano is my emphasis instrument while studying audio production, music business and composition). I'm also a member of the touring choir at my school. As a music major, you can really pick and choose and get an education in a little bit of everything you enjoy- while still having a main thing. My main thing is production, yet I have sung a full mass with a massive choir and orchestra, toured many high schools as a choir member, and sang in many concerts and in many different contexts. I've also played a LOT of piano even though that isn't my main focus either. I've done chamber music, accompanied choirs professionally, played half my senior recital on the piano, and have premiered 5 pieces on the piano (1 choir piece and 4 vocal solo pieces). My point is: you can do ANYTHING in music school while still focusing on your major instrument/ focus.
I can also say that even though double majoring is a lot of work- you don't have to cram your degree into 4 years. It is completely normal (encouraged even) to take 4.5 or even 5 years to finish your degree. I'm on the 4.5 year course and so are a lot of my friends. Heck- some people even take longer and that is OK. Music school shouldn't be solely about the degree- it should be about all the experiences and all of the cool things you get to do. Choose the thing you have the most interest and experience in as your major but then fill your schedule with whatever interests you!
If you really really want to also have voice in your career, simply include your experience with voice in your resume. That way if there's opportunities for one or the other- you will be more likely to get gigs.
John Graham
Music Producer
55
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Josiah!
This is a great question, and it really depends on your goals. If you're looking for a career in music, a Music degree can be helpful and you will learn some things that will be applicable to several areas - but it's not required.
For example when you learn music theory (dry topic, but quite useful in some key areas) and performance as Michelle has mentioned, those can be applied to songwriting, instrumental improvisation, arranging, and vocal harmonies. Since you already have some proficiency in piano, you may want to focus on singing for awhile - but it just depends on what you're looking to do. If you want to pursue producing, then Music Production, especially audio engineering (recording, editing, mixing, mastering) might help a little more.
I recently worked with a singer whose background and training was principally classical, especially opera from the time she was 14. However after performing as a grand finalist of The Voice Teens Philippines, she began to branch into other genres - and we actually did a Country Pop song together. In college, she obtained a Bachelor of Music with a Major in Voice, and now works teaching voice in multiple genres including opera, Broadway, Disney style Pop, Soul, RNB, Ballad, Contemporary Christian worship & praise, and acoustic performance. I mention this story as an example of how to capitalize on your strengths and then let opportunity guide you along the way.
Double majors sound impressive and they are. But they can fill up all of your time, for what might not be an obvious or real-time practical result (landing a job). You didn't say how many years of piano you have or what genres you've learned. I took five years of classical piano starting at age five and then shifted to training in popular music theory and arranging. That classical training has been tremendous benefit in my musical journey, and I have no regrets about it.
I would recommend choosing a single major, but trying your hand at as many musical opportunities as you can. Help out playing in a band or orchestra. Join a choir. Try out for Madrigals or sing in a group. The more experience you gain, the more it will help you decide what you like and want to do.
Best wishes and God Bless...
This is a great question, and it really depends on your goals. If you're looking for a career in music, a Music degree can be helpful and you will learn some things that will be applicable to several areas - but it's not required.
For example when you learn music theory (dry topic, but quite useful in some key areas) and performance as Michelle has mentioned, those can be applied to songwriting, instrumental improvisation, arranging, and vocal harmonies. Since you already have some proficiency in piano, you may want to focus on singing for awhile - but it just depends on what you're looking to do. If you want to pursue producing, then Music Production, especially audio engineering (recording, editing, mixing, mastering) might help a little more.
I recently worked with a singer whose background and training was principally classical, especially opera from the time she was 14. However after performing as a grand finalist of The Voice Teens Philippines, she began to branch into other genres - and we actually did a Country Pop song together. In college, she obtained a Bachelor of Music with a Major in Voice, and now works teaching voice in multiple genres including opera, Broadway, Disney style Pop, Soul, RNB, Ballad, Contemporary Christian worship & praise, and acoustic performance. I mention this story as an example of how to capitalize on your strengths and then let opportunity guide you along the way.
Double majors sound impressive and they are. But they can fill up all of your time, for what might not be an obvious or real-time practical result (landing a job). You didn't say how many years of piano you have or what genres you've learned. I took five years of classical piano starting at age five and then shifted to training in popular music theory and arranging. That classical training has been tremendous benefit in my musical journey, and I have no regrets about it.
I would recommend choosing a single major, but trying your hand at as many musical opportunities as you can. Help out playing in a band or orchestra. Join a choir. Try out for Madrigals or sing in a group. The more experience you gain, the more it will help you decide what you like and want to do.
Best wishes and God Bless...
John Morris
Instructional Designer / Musician / eLearning Creator
38
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Back in the day when I was in Music School, every student not majoring in performance automatically had a minor in their instrument (or voice). For example, if someone was majoring in Music Education (like me), Music Therapy, Composition, etc., they would also study their instrument on the side as a minor.
Voice and piano are actually quite complimentary, there is great value in a singer having piano experience. There were quite a few classmates of mine who studied both piano and voice but I never knew if they were minor or major or both.
While I do play a little piano now, I was terrible back when I was a music student and I was quite jealous of students who could play piano well. Understanding your way around a piano keyboard helps in all aspects of music.
Back then I found it comforting that we did not have to "declare" our major until the end of our Sophomore year so there was time to think about it and discuss it with faculty advisors. This is something for you to talk about with your teachers when you arrive at the University.
Voice and piano are actually quite complimentary, there is great value in a singer having piano experience. There were quite a few classmates of mine who studied both piano and voice but I never knew if they were minor or major or both.
While I do play a little piano now, I was terrible back when I was a music student and I was quite jealous of students who could play piano well. Understanding your way around a piano keyboard helps in all aspects of music.
Back then I found it comforting that we did not have to "declare" our major until the end of our Sophomore year so there was time to think about it and discuss it with faculty advisors. This is something for you to talk about with your teachers when you arrive at the University.
Éverton Backes
Saxophone teacher
71
Answers
Joinville, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Hi Josiah! I'm with Michelle on this one - her suggestion is spot on. Mastering a single musical skill is tough enough. So, when she recommends combining singing lessons with your main focus on piano, I believe it's a brilliant idea. You'll need to dedicate a good chunk of time to practice everything you'll learn in your major. Keep these points in mind and hit the books hard. I have no doubt that you'll turn out to be an exceptional musician!
I appreciate your support, Éverton
Josiah