Music School

Music is important to most people. Music often speaks a language that can only be communicated through instruments and singing. It can help us express ourselves and make us feel emotions that would not be felt otherwise. For those looking to pursue music as an undergraduate level career, music school can immerse a student in a particular specialty so he or she can focus on an individual aspect of music that fits the student’s career goals. However, as job opportunities are limited, and generally low paying, a person should get an undergraduate degree in this field because they love music, not for monetary gain.

Composition is a common specialty taught in music school. Composition studies orchestration, tonal harmony and instrumentation. Students also study music literature from various centuries. Jazz composition is another specialty. A music school will teach students interested in this field about melody, rhythm, harmony and formal techniques used to compose jazz music. Those majoring in music education receive an overall education in all aspects of music, such as music theory and history, composition, improvisation, orchestration and arranging. The classes must meet licensing standards for the state. A music school may also teach music technology, which incorporates music with digital technology. Students learn sound engineering and audio recording. Those looking for a professional singing career will want to study voice. Voice students spend a lot of time practicing singing a variety of styles and vocal pieces. They often work with private instructors so that they receive individualized attention and feedback.

A contemporary music school will focus on the latest trends in music, as well as focus on specialized study in instruments, such as guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. A contemporary music school typically confers three main credentials: bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and a certificate. A certificate takes about a year to complete and gives students a solid foundation in knowledge, technique and performance in an instrument of the student’s choice. Associate’s degrees often take 2-3 years to complete and often combine an instrument with a specialization, such as audio engineering or film production. Some may include general education classes, although more and more schools are focusing on the music aspect so that students take only necessary classes. The bachelor’s degree at a music school can be very intensive and comprehensive, with some degree programs requiring more than 200 units. Students can focus on performance, conducting, arranging, theory, ear training and their choice of music type.