What Can I Do With A Major In Music ?

Introduction

The mission of the Department of Music is to provide a comprehensive instructional program in music that will develop teachers, performers, composers, scholars, and informed audiences. The Department of Music offers both professional and liberal arts degrees in music at the undergraduate and graduate levels. An academic minor is also available to students majoring in other disciplines. Recognizing this University's strong commitment to providing a broad-based liberal arts education, the Department of Music and School of Fine Arts have further been charged with serving as the principal location for professional training in fine arts. Through its historic mission and proven reputation for offering high quality education, the Department of Music continues in its role as the provider of the state's only graduate level programs in music.

Learning goals for students in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education include the following:

  • To develop the aural and analytical skills required to enter into graduate studies or the professional music world.
  • To display a high level of technical skill and a capacity for artistic expression on their chosen musical instrument in both solo and ensemble situations.
  • To achieve a minimum level of keyboard proficiency necessary to work in music professions and to satisfy NASM accreditation requirements.
  • To experience a varied and diverse selection of musical experiences both through performance and perception.
  • To acquire the historical and cultural knowledge to engage in scholarly research and critical inquiry for the purpose of musical interpretation and in preparation for possible graduate studies.
  • For B.M.E. students: to develop the skills and competencies to gain certification and become outstanding music teachers.

    The Department of Music offers professional and liberal arts education in music. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and integrated instruction in music. Course work in the Bachelor of Music degree strives to render intensive professional training for students interested in a career in the field of music. Students interested in a liberal arts education with an emphasis in music are served by our Bachelor of Arts degree. The Department of Music offers Bachelor of Music degrees in Composition/Technology and Performance (piano, voice, organ and orchestral instruments) and a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Teaching Certification is offered as an option for students seeking licensure to teach in the public schools K-12.

    A Sample of Related Occupations

    Related Occupations
    Music Education- early childhood music educator, music professor, university school of music administrator, studio teacher, public and private school educator
    Conducting- choir, orchestra or opera conductor, band conductor
    Music Business- music dealer sales person, music dealer manager, marketing/advertising specialist, music instrument and/or accessories distributor
    Music Communications- publisher or editor of music books or periodicals, music critic, public relations specialist
    Music Technology- multimedia publisher, sound and video editor, technology-based music instruction designer
    Performing Arts Medicine- performing arts medicine (MD, physical therapist
    Instrumental Performance- orchestra musician, concert soloist, dance, rock or jazz band musician, clinician, studio teacher
    Vocal Performance- concert or opera chorus member, dance band or nightclub vocalist, concert soloist, opera soloist, studio teacher
    Composing- school music composer, art music composer, commercial jingle composer, television show composer, film score composer
    Music for Worship- organist, choir director, cantor/hazan
    Instrument Making and Repair- instrument maker, instrument repair technician, instrument restorer, piano tuner
    Music Publishing- publishing sales representative, copyright/licensing administrator, music editor, copyist
    Recording Industry- producer, engineer/mixer, artist and repertoire person, studio arranger, music copyist
    Television and Radio Industry- radio/television commercial musician, copyright clearance administrator, music license administrator, program director (radio), post production scoring, music adviser/researcher, disc / video jockey
    Music Librarianship- college, university, conservatory or orchestra librarian
    Music Therapy- hospitals, psychiatric facility, special education facility, clinic for disabled children, mental health center, nursing home, correctional facility, private practice
       
     
    Types of Employers
    Private and Non-profit Organizations
     

    Private Schools, Colleges and Universities

    Performing Arts Councils and Organizations

    Advertising Agencies

    Local Symphonies, Orchestras

     
    Government Agencies
     

    Public Schools, Colleges and Universities

    US Military

    National Endowment for the Arts

    National Endowment for the Humanities

    Related Web Links

     

    Professional Associations

    For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook