What (besides practicing) is the best to prepare me for a music education major? How much should I practice? (I want to either major in instumental or be a double major with vocal) I play four instruments - piano, clarinet, tenor sax, and bassoon. Should I focus more on certain instruments? Should I try to be involved in other bands/orchestras? Should I do lots of solo work? I will go to a liberal arts college, specifically Calvin College (http://www.calvin.edu) or possibly Lawrence College.
2006-11-21 03:10:00 · 6 answers · asked by sir'slady 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
It sounds like you are off to a good start. You are going to need piano regardless, so don't give that up! Bassoon is a relatively uncommon instrument, and your best bet for a scholarship I imagine.
Lots of clarinet players also play sax (and vice versa) so keeping both of those is an option.
If you can get a theory class, that's great. If not, ask your piano teacher to help you if you're not getting that in your lessons already. Also, once you make your decision, try to find out what the "piano proficiency" requirements are, and work toward that. If you can do that at the beginning of your studies you will save some time and money!
If possible, try to get some conducting (directing) experience. Maybe your band director will let you conduct something at your final concert. This will really give you a "feel" for what you are getting into!
Good luck, it's a tough major, but worth it if you love making music!
2006-11-21 13:39:21 · answer #1 · answered by snide76258 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its great that you have so many interest but you probably should narrow it down to one instrument. Even as a Music Ed. Major most schools want you to have one applied area. I would pick the instrument that you feel the strongest connection with and enjoy the most. It sounds like you would be best suited for Band or Choral Education. Music Ed. Majors usually have to learn every instrument now matter what, so you're already ahead of the game. Its great that you have piano skills because Music Ed. majors at every school I can think of have to reach a certain level in Piano. Some schools even require this of all of their Music Majors. You sound like you are in great shape I would just try and narrow it down to one instrument and work on your performance skills. You will most likely have to do an audition and perform a recital by the time you are a senior in college. I hope this helps!
2006-11-21 03:47:52 · answer #2 · answered by pianogirlrach 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately it is hard to prepare for a Music Education degree. Practice will always be a big part of it. Make sure you can do scales (major, minor-natural, harmonic and melodic) for the full range of your instruments at a good steady pace (e.g. playing each note as 16ths at 100bpm for the quarter).
Decide which area you want more, vocal or instrumental. If you go instrumental, you have to choose one of the instruments and focus on it. Most schools if you do piano make you be a vocal emphasis anyway. For clarinet and tenor sax, be prepared to learn and play all "family members" of that instrument as most professors will not let you be just a tenor player, for instance. You can have one as your primary, but be prepared to be able to play all the others just as well.
I wouldn't push yourself to be in other bands or orchestras as they are just pulling away from your focus. You'll have to be in at least one performance group each semester, and while more certainly don't hurt to have the experience, you will be less focused, which doesn't help. You'll have a lot of solo work to do when you get there anyway, as most schools want you to perform at least one solo piece a semester, if not more.
My best recommendation is that if you want to go to one of those schools, talk to their music department. They have advisers that know what they want and need and can easily communicate that to you. Set up an advising appointment with them and they can spell it all out really easily.
2006-11-21 06:54:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey that sounds great.
I would recommend a good 45 minutes to 2 hours each day of practice.
I also would recommend learning a string instrument as well. You have a GREAT range of instrumental knowledge, and widening it to strings would look great on college applications!
Solo work is good to get yourself out there, but that's better for a performance major. Excelling on piano is excellent for an education major. I would join as many orchestras/bands that you can...and you sound all set. Also...study up on your music theory! That's MOST important in an education major.
Make sure you know your scales, and can sight-read and you sound well on your way to doing good. :)
Good luck. :)
2006-11-21 03:57:08 · answer #4 · answered by myotheremail108 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with snide...
Practicing is something everyone will be doing. Continue with that, but if you want to really help yourself out get some music theory under your belt. Intervals and chord theory, especially.
Also, practice your sight reading on all your instruments and also your voice. Sing intervals in the car. If you can get a head start on theory and applying it to your practice routine, you will find the first year of classes far easier (but not easy).
2006-11-22 04:48:50 · answer #5 · answered by listen68 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im also going into music education... basically what ive been doing is practicing like crazy, and doing my theory even though i hate it and all that other stuff they will teach you, thats why its college. and i hope you have your audition piece picked out
2006-11-22 00:53:00 · answer #6 · answered by claire annette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋