Making the decision to major in music
and go on to graduate school in music is one that requires serious thought
and planning. In the current environment, the number of applicants for
academic positions in music far exceeds the number of openings. It is important
for students to plan their careers carefully and think about career plans
well before they are nearing the end of graduate school. This page will
provide some specific information about issues related to this career choice.
Questions to Consider
As
a part of making the decision to major in music Joel Mott, a student at
Austin College, compiled the following list of questions to be asked of
music professionals. Learning about the experiences of others who have
faced similar decision in the past is a logical first step in the process.
What exactly are you passionate about when it comes
to music? Are you applying that passion every day? If so, how?
How was it that you came to discover your interest
in music? What path did you take to be where you are now?
How does your love of music manifest itself besides
your career?
Describe a day in your life. Are you excited about
what you’re doing? Do you find meaning and purpose in your day’s
work? How so?
What are your biggest strengths, what are you really
great at? Are you using those strengths every day, whether at work or
not?
What do you least enjoy about your career in music?
Does your passion for music eclipse those drawbacks?
Describe one or some of the most significant musical
influences you have had, whether it’s a teacher, composer, or an
experience. What did you take from him/her/it?
Worksheet Prof. Gale Odom (Centenary) has created a worksheet
to help students organize the process of graduate school selection and
application. Download here.
Graduate Schools The following list contains institutions attended
by some of the members of the ACS music faculty.
This page will list basic information
about the application process to a variety of music graduate schools. Students
are responsible for checking to see that the information is current.
As
a part of making the decision to major in music Joel Mott, a student at
Austin College, compiled the following list of questions to be asked of
music professionals. Learning about the experiences of others who have
faced similar decision in the past is a logical first step in the process.