music as college major?

Question

what are the classes like for a music major? I want to become a professional piano player. Do they teach u music theory even though u didn't take it in high school. Will u have to know how to read music at a certain level to major in music?

Answer 1

depends on the school you will go to. some schools are easy some are not.

important thing: you need to know how to read music. that's the 1st thing you are going to do there. i think having knowledge in theory is a plus. you will learn it on the way.

oh yeah! you shouldn't be tone deaf! there are some solfeggio classes you have to attend.

i think you should probably take piano lessons first before majoring on music. kudos!

Answer 2

The classes for a music major are not easy. I can tell you that right away. Theory, Form analysis, Sight Singing and Ear-Training are all very difficult subjects. And yes, you will be required to take theory. If you need remedial theory, they will give it to you.

My question to you is, how much experience with piano do you have? It doesn't sound like you have much, otherwise many of the basics of beginning theory you would have down cold and not be afraid of.

A performance major will require not only rigorous amounts of discipline, but a very solid piano background, a fantastic sight-reading ability, the ability to solidly memorize, the ability to work out complex rhythms, and solid technique. If you don't have these things, you will probably be switched to a music minor, or a BA in music without performance. Only the most amazing students these days are allowed to persue Performance degrees because due to a variety of factors, the demands placed upon concert pianists and professional players have gone up dramatically.

If you have little or no piano background, then by all means try to learn as much as you can, but don't be suprised if you don't get into the performance program/ degree track.

Ask a piano faculty member if they would be willing to hear you play a little, talk to you a little bit about your background, and discuss with you whether or not they thought you might have what it takes to be a performance major.

Also, I recommend that you ask a question about auditions and what you can expect.

Answer 3

That will depend on what kind of university you're getting into.

In a Conservatory or a kind of it, you will learn your major like for 80% of your credits, and the other classes are theory, Solfege, etc.
While in a more global university you wil learn your major less, and get other classes such as theory, solfege, harmony, history, philosophy, aesthethic, antrophology, counterpoints, harmony, score anylize, Pendagogy, etc.

They will offcourse have a theory class, strating from wich point (basic or advance) will depend on wich university

There are standard of skill, knowledge, ability of music (more on yor major) for entering, The standard will also depend on the university.

Well, this is my advice...
1. You will need to ask alot about music study, music profesion, etc. to one that experienced enough, be sure to ask detailedly;
2. You must ask yourself, what do you really want, i am talking about what kind of musician that you want to be, what kind of work will you want to do;
3. Then you'll need to take a survey to some university that you're interested into. What kind of university are they, what do they provide, what do they teach, How is their entering standard, etc. (when you know what you want this should be easy);
4. Then you'll need to achieve those standard by practicing, learning, drilling, etc.
5. Then go for it...

Best of Luck
I hope that you'll found what you're looking for...

Answer 4

yes u can major in music at most colleges

Answer 5

uh