Preparing to Be a Music Major in College

Do you love performing music so much that you want to make it your college major? Maybe your high school music teacher had such a big impact on your life that you want to provide future music students with the same experience. Whatever the reason, studying music in college takes a good amount of preparation. You can get ready for your collegiate music experience with these tips.

• Play with Other People: You’ll be more prepared for college auditions and curricula if you join musical ensembles while you’re in high school. Aim to join choirs, bands, orchestras, and musical theater groups. These will focus more on music reading, blending, and following a conductor.
• Start Singing: Singing is typically required in all music major programs. Take advantage of every vocal ensemble offered in high school. Whether it’s your school chorus or a faith-based choir, try to join groups that focus on actually reading music rather than just ear-learning.
• Play Piano: Many college music programs also require you to play piano. If you used to play and fell out of practice, dust off your old sheet music. If you’ve never learned, try to take some lessons before you get into your program.
• Study Theory: Students who begin college programs without prior knowledge of music theory often struggle within their major. This is particularly true of aural musicians, such as vocalists and drummers. Take advantage of AP music theory classes if you have the chance.
• Study Privately: As helpful as joining music ensembles are, the best preparation comes from having individualized attention. Studying music with a private teacher can help train both your ears and eyes to read music and prepare you for the workload you’ll have as a music major.

Grace Music School offers music lessons for a variety of instruments as well as for voice. All of our music instructors have either conservatory or music school training, and most have professional performance experience. They can work with you or your child to prepare for the challenge and excitement of being a music major. To schedule a music lesson with us, call us at 631-239-6169 (Fort Salonga) or 631-470-9705 (Melville).