Music School

Aspiring musicians can receive either formal or informal training by studying with experienced artists and professional musicians. Many such students choose to attend music school at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Earning a degree in music or music education enables graduates to earn a living not only as a practicing musician but also by teaching others in primary and secondary schools or in private lessons. With a master’s or doctoral degree in music, graduates can also teach at the university level or at a conservatory.

When considering music school, people often think of the classical music training offered by one of the many fine conservatories or university-based music programs in this country’s. In these programs, students typically spend four years studying various aspects of the instrument or instruments of their choice, including voice. They also study musical history, composition (the writing of music) and theory. Students may choose a school or conservatory because of a particular faculty member, or members, with whom they wish to train. Thus, music school sometimes becomes the setting for a traditional apprenticeship.

Like so many other fields of education, music school is changing. More and more students want to be trained as future businesspeople as well as musicians. Many wish to take courses in management and business administration, so they can make wise choices as musicians, agents or music industry professionals. Still others plan to become arts educators or administrators, fundraisers or concert promoters.

Music schools are also increasingly providing training in the technology of music making. Students can study how to use or design sophisticated sound equipment and mixing boards. Whether they wish to work as musicians themselves or to support other recording artists, it is critical for them to understand the technology behind the music.

Music School and Music Education

The music industry is competitive and extremely selective. It is often a hard industry to break into without the formal training one receives from a music school. Music school provides the background needed to pursue a wide range of careers in music, including: performance, songwriting, production, engineering, music business management, music education, music therapy, and electronic production and design.

Music education has been part of American culture since 1857 when the Peabody Institute, now part of Johns Hopkins, established the first Academy of Music. Now, there are hundreds of schools that offer music degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs. These schools offer students the opportunity to pursue all aspects of the music business with programs such as: music education, vocal arts, composition, audio production, and recording. The National Association of Schools of Music, which is a member of the Council of Arts Accrediting Association, evaluates the degree and non-degree programs offered by music schools and grants accreditation. Accreditation helps students ensure that the music school has met the quality standards developed by an independent authority.

In order to attend a music school, one must be willing to share his musical talents during the application process. Many music schools, particularly those offering degree programs, require applicants to perform live or submit a recorded audition.