College help! Majoring in music, preferably in GA.?

Question

I'm in 10th Grade, so I hve a nice amount of time to think about it, but I have been looking at colleges and cannot decide. I would like to major in music (most likely edu.) and I play Flute, piccolo, some piano and i'm learning French horn and mellophone. I march in my high school band. I would like to go to college in GA, so I can use the HOPE scholarship, although i'm pretty much capable of going out of state. Last time I checked I was at a flute level of Grade 5 (If i'm correct) NFA standards, that is. I would pass out, cry and kiss everybody around me if I was allowed to go to Juilliard or Curtis. Any advice or reccomended GA colleges? Thanks!

I suppose I wasn't clear: I would like to major in music education. I have considered being in an orchestra or symphony for part of my music career, but I love teaching!

Answer 1

Don't, do not, DON'T only major in music. There is NOTHING you can do with it unless you are EXTREEMLY musically talented and original. I am a fantastic jazz singer and a violinist but I still know I can't major in music. Get that education degree with it so you can have a reliable job. Also, going to a school that is only for music can be a huge mistake. credits won't transfer, and if you discover that you can't support yourself off of whatever degree you got there then you're ******, and you have to start regular college from the beginning. My brothers both considered music schools and decided not to go. Both are now in touring bands but they also have regular degrees to fall back on. Take lots of music courses at a regular university. I know many may people who have gone to art schools and have come out with no where to go except back to college. I only know one who has made a living off of his art school music degree. He is the most talented violinist I can imagine and is still barely making it. Think long and hard about this. Be honest with yourself about how talented you are and what options you will have when all is said and done.

Answer 2

An audition for a major in music at any DECENT music school is tough. You must perform well on your instrument or voice, according to the list of pieces they suggest you to choose from, and know scales, arpeggios, etc. You should know some fundamental theory - at least how to read music, etc. - the more complicated aspects will be taught to you there. No, you CANNOT get a degree in something else, then go get a Masters degree in music - a masters degree means knowledge BEYOND the bachelors in that specific area. They can be related - you can have a Bachelors in Music Education, and then get a Masters in Music composition - but you cannot have a Bachelors in English, then get an Masters in Opera. Yes, you can be admitted to the COLLEGE first, as an undeclared major, just to see how you do with college life and a college workload, and then audition LATER to transfer into the music school. This is not all that common; many music school take only a certain number of each kind of performer, so that there is a place for them to be in orchestra, opera, chorus, band, etc. There is seldom a back-door, around-the-corner way to get in. Many peolple THINK that they want to major in music, because they had fun in HS, or they THINK they have talent. If you were not AMONG the best in your own HS, and already picked up some proof of that (honors groups you have been in, awards, etc.) then you do not stand much of a chance of getting in - sorry, but true. Oh, there are some colleges that will take you not matter how bad you are, as long as the check clears - we have one up the road from here - but then, nobody that graduates from there ever keeps a job. We have hired FIVE grads from there in my district since I have taught here - not one survived more than 2 years.

Answer 3

Music education? Still...

Try the University of Georgia. Don't sleep on 'em. The music eduaction program is great. i was in a high school band in Athens, and had two directors who were UGA grads. They were great! Consider joining the Redcoats while you're at though, truly one of the finest marching bands in the land, and certainly the best in the state. The Symphonic Band is about as good as any as well.

Answer 4

You should also check out the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They just got brand new facilities and they have excellent programs.

In Georgia, check out the University of Georgia in Athens. They have all the music degree types covered and Athens is a cool place with a good music scene.