Most colleges and universities expect music majors to take 60 core credits in subjects such as math, science and philosophy. In addition, students typically take 30 credits in music courses and have another 30 credits to take additional music classes or other electives. Completing all of these classes along with other department-specific requirements will lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. When a student applies to become a music major, he also may have to give an audition to the school's department chair. Students can sing or play the instrument of their choice depending on the college's specific requirements. Most colleges expect a minimum of a C average in any class related to the student's major. Many schools also require students to take performance classes, participate in campus concerts and do a senior recital to complete their degree.
The University of Pennsylvania, also known as UPenn, is an ivy league school in Philadelphia. UPenn offers one of the highest rated music major programs in the country. The music department faculty at UPenn is made up of a plethora of professionals, including six musicologists and three composers. At UPenn, students will study music theory, music history, orchestration and more. Music majors will also take performance classes for at least four semesters during their college career. Two music minor programs are also available through this university.
The Shepard School of Music at Rice University, located in the heart of Houston, Texas, is another top school for music majors. Students attending Rice have two options for majoring in music. One option is to receive a Bachelor of Music degree, which focuses intensely on the study of a specific instrument. The other choice given to students is to obtain a traditional Bachelor of Arts degree with music as their major. Potential students should set up a meeting with one of Rice's faculty members to discuss their post-graduation goals and decide which path would be best to follow. Prospective students also need to audition to be accepted into the music department. General admission into Rice University does not guarantee a slot in either music program.
Sometimes parents may be worried about their teen becoming a music major for fear that they will not be able to find a paid performance job after graduation. It is important to remember that a music degree can go much further than the stage. One popular method of study is to double major in music and education. By doing this your son or daughter can teach music to others upon graduation. Majoring in music and minoring in marketing can lead to a career in advertising music-related products. Other music majors go on to take jobs as choir directors and vocal coaches. Your son or daughter can also go on to get a master's degree in a subject like psychology and work in the growing field of music therapy.