3 answers
Braelyn
Student
Birmingham, Alabama
4
Questions
Asked
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Would I be able to become a Band Director while majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies?
I am a freshman in high school and I am looking at colleges on the website Collegevine, and lots of schools are saying they do not have music education majors, but they offer minors in music or interdisciplinary Studies. What majors/minors do I need to pursue in order to become a band director?
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3 answers
Dylan Labon
Musician
10
Answers
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
Some states only require a relevant degree in the field you want to teach and a teacher's certificate. For example, I live in Oklahoma, and to teach music, I needed a music degree (mine is a bachelor's of science in music production) and a teaching certificate; I did not specifically need a music education degree. However, other states I have tried to work in, like Texas, required a music education degree to become a music teacher. In conclusion, find what qualifications your state requires for music educators.
Thank you!
Braelyn
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1863
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Braelyn !
It is all going to depend on what you exactly mean by Band Director. There are some paths that you can take to become a stellar musician which can eventually lead you to being promoted as a Director or Conductor of certain musical niches, but you'll need to know what your exact aspirations are. Let's look at some paths that you can take considering that you will need to be an expert in music in order to eventually rise into a directorial position.
If you want to be an artistic director of a niche within the music field, I would suggest majoring in Music. A minor is not required, but you can make that decision. I actually would advise going for a Masters Degree in music which will benefit you in the long run.
If it is that you only want to be a band leader of a school band, major in Education with a minor in Music since colleges around you do not have Music Education as a major. Also seek out summer marching band programs in your locale. Music Directors need to be educated and knowledgeable in music theory, history, musicianship, and artistry. Right now, you will need to be in a marching band or participating in a community drum corps or whatever is available such as that in your town. Also try to get summer jobs assisting at summer music camps.
But a degree in Music Education is required to teach in the public school system. You can consider looking at colleges other than the ones you have been looking at to obtain your degree(s) in Music Education and then a teaching credential. It's all going to depend on how versatile you want to be, in which niches you are open to working in and if you want to move to go to a college for the specific degree that is needed as a Band Leader. So think about it a little more. Many people relocate to attend college (I did). I would advise to not major in Interdisciplinary Studies and go directly for the Music Education Degree.
There are colleges that offer the Music Education Degree. There is Alabama State University in Montgomery. The University of Mobile Alabama School of the Arts offers a Music Program that includes Teaching Certification. Alabama A & M University in Huntsville offers a Music Education program which you can major in. So, there are indeed colleges that offer this major. So, it's not so much figuring out majors and minors, it's more about looking at these colleges that do provide the degree path that you will need. These colleges all have websites that you can find online through a search and you may want to see if the individual colleges have You Tube channels. Seeing their videos can give you a visual overview and make it easier to decide which college to attend.
I am glad that you've come to Career Village to ask this question. Do return if you have any other things that you would like advice for ! Best wishes to you in all you do.
It is all going to depend on what you exactly mean by Band Director. There are some paths that you can take to become a stellar musician which can eventually lead you to being promoted as a Director or Conductor of certain musical niches, but you'll need to know what your exact aspirations are. Let's look at some paths that you can take considering that you will need to be an expert in music in order to eventually rise into a directorial position.
If you want to be an artistic director of a niche within the music field, I would suggest majoring in Music. A minor is not required, but you can make that decision. I actually would advise going for a Masters Degree in music which will benefit you in the long run.
If it is that you only want to be a band leader of a school band, major in Education with a minor in Music since colleges around you do not have Music Education as a major. Also seek out summer marching band programs in your locale. Music Directors need to be educated and knowledgeable in music theory, history, musicianship, and artistry. Right now, you will need to be in a marching band or participating in a community drum corps or whatever is available such as that in your town. Also try to get summer jobs assisting at summer music camps.
But a degree in Music Education is required to teach in the public school system. You can consider looking at colleges other than the ones you have been looking at to obtain your degree(s) in Music Education and then a teaching credential. It's all going to depend on how versatile you want to be, in which niches you are open to working in and if you want to move to go to a college for the specific degree that is needed as a Band Leader. So think about it a little more. Many people relocate to attend college (I did). I would advise to not major in Interdisciplinary Studies and go directly for the Music Education Degree.
There are colleges that offer the Music Education Degree. There is Alabama State University in Montgomery. The University of Mobile Alabama School of the Arts offers a Music Program that includes Teaching Certification. Alabama A & M University in Huntsville offers a Music Education program which you can major in. So, there are indeed colleges that offer this major. So, it's not so much figuring out majors and minors, it's more about looking at these colleges that do provide the degree path that you will need. These colleges all have websites that you can find online through a search and you may want to see if the individual colleges have You Tube channels. Seeing their videos can give you a visual overview and make it easier to decide which college to attend.
I am glad that you've come to Career Village to ask this question. Do return if you have any other things that you would like advice for ! Best wishes to you in all you do.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Braelyn
You're welcome !
Michelle M.
Pamela Knight
Student
109
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Braelyn
Becoming a band director typically requires a background in music education, which often includes coursework in music theory, music history, conducting, and pedagogy, as well as performance experience. If you are considering colleges that don’t offer a dedicated music education major, you can still pursue a career as a band director in a few different ways. Here are some steps and considerations:
1. **Interdisciplinary Studies**: If you choose an interdisciplinary studies major, try to focus your coursework on music-related subjects. Look for programs that allow you to tailor your studies to include music education.
2. **Music Minor**: Many colleges offer a music minor, which can provide you with essential music theory and performance skills. Even if they don’t have a music education major, a minor in music can be beneficial.
3. **Supplemental Music Education Coursework**: Research whether you can take additional coursework or summer classes specifically related to music education. This could include classes on educational psychology, methods for teaching music, and ensemble conducting.
4. **Performance Experience**: Make sure to stay involved in playing an instrument and performing in ensembles (e.g., band, orchestra). This experience is crucial for a band director.
5. **Teacher Certification**: After completing your undergraduate degree, you may need to pursue a teacher certification program in music education. Some states have alternative paths to certification if you have a related degree.
6. **Graduate Programs**: Consider pursuing a master's degree in music education after your undergraduate studies, especially if your bachelor's degree is in a different field. Many graduate programs are designed for students who want to pivot into music education.
7. **Network and Internships**: Get involved in local schools’ music programs, seek internships, or volunteer with music organizations to gain experience.
8. **Consult Faculty**: Once you’re looking at specific colleges, reach out to their music departments to ask about pathways for becoming a band director. Faculty can be invaluable resources in helping you plan your education effectively.
Overall, while pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree may present some challenges, it is certainly possible to become a band director by carefully selecting courses and gaining relevant experience in music.
Wishing you success!
Professional Pamela Knight
Becoming a band director typically requires a background in music education, which often includes coursework in music theory, music history, conducting, and pedagogy, as well as performance experience. If you are considering colleges that don’t offer a dedicated music education major, you can still pursue a career as a band director in a few different ways. Here are some steps and considerations:
1. **Interdisciplinary Studies**: If you choose an interdisciplinary studies major, try to focus your coursework on music-related subjects. Look for programs that allow you to tailor your studies to include music education.
2. **Music Minor**: Many colleges offer a music minor, which can provide you with essential music theory and performance skills. Even if they don’t have a music education major, a minor in music can be beneficial.
3. **Supplemental Music Education Coursework**: Research whether you can take additional coursework or summer classes specifically related to music education. This could include classes on educational psychology, methods for teaching music, and ensemble conducting.
4. **Performance Experience**: Make sure to stay involved in playing an instrument and performing in ensembles (e.g., band, orchestra). This experience is crucial for a band director.
5. **Teacher Certification**: After completing your undergraduate degree, you may need to pursue a teacher certification program in music education. Some states have alternative paths to certification if you have a related degree.
6. **Graduate Programs**: Consider pursuing a master's degree in music education after your undergraduate studies, especially if your bachelor's degree is in a different field. Many graduate programs are designed for students who want to pivot into music education.
7. **Network and Internships**: Get involved in local schools’ music programs, seek internships, or volunteer with music organizations to gain experience.
8. **Consult Faculty**: Once you’re looking at specific colleges, reach out to their music departments to ask about pathways for becoming a band director. Faculty can be invaluable resources in helping you plan your education effectively.
Overall, while pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree may present some challenges, it is certainly possible to become a band director by carefully selecting courses and gaining relevant experience in music.
Wishing you success!
Professional Pamela Knight