Changing Tunes For Life
If music is your passion and you dream of a life where it is center-stage, then getting a music degree is the right decision for you! Music school can equip you for a plethora of musical professions: vocalist, musician, producer, conductor, songwriter, composer, booking agent, teacher, therapist, etc. Armed with the right degree, you can make your foray into the music industry and start building a successful career. The best part is that even if you change your mind, an education in music gives you skills that are valuable in various other professions. Many music school graduates go on to enter unrelated fields like law, advertising or education; they are living proof of the usefulness of a music degree across professions!
With more and more students enrolling in music degree programs before applying for jobs, your qualifications will help you secure the right job at the right salary. There is a wide range of programs to choose from in the US, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Some of the top music schools in the world are located in the US, including Harvard University and Princeton University – both are top-ranked Ivy League institutions that offer music programs. The Berklee College of Music is another top choice, with a world-class faculty and 12 majors to choose from.
If you want to teach music to others, then you should consider the more specialized subject of music education. Music education degrees are offered by various reputed national universities as well as specialized music and fine arts schools in the US. Jacksonville University offers students numerous performance, recording, and production opportunities, while Arkansas State University boasts a skilled and active faculty to train students. Other strong options include Oakwood College, Colorado State University, and Full Sail University (which also offers online programs). It is best to choose a school that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Undergraduate programs cover general studies, music, and teaching, while postgraduate programs enable you to develop more advanced capabilities and may allow you to choose a focus area like music history, choral music, and so on.
If your ideal profession is disc jockeying, then you can chart your path accordingly. Becoming a disc jockey is a great choice for someone who is passionate about sharing their love of music with others. Radio disc jockeys and club disc jockeys are the two broad categories in this field. As a radio disc jockey, you would be in charge of broadcasting music over radio. This involves conducting the program, providing commentary, running contests and commercials, and liaising with other staff members like technicians and directors. Club disc jockeys, on the other hand, play music at clubs. Their main goal is to get people onto the dance floor, using extensively compiled playlists. You might also play at restaurants, weddings, and other party venues. This can be an extremely lucrative career for those who are successful.
Your training and education requirements depend on the type of disc jockey you want to be. Aspiring radio disc jockeys should complete a degree in journalism, radio broadcasting, or communication. You should also try and get some practical work experience, either through school internships or related part-time jobs. Those who want to be club disc jockeys will need to develop different skills, like sound engineering, operating music software, and audio production. Schools and conservatories offer degrees and training courses focused on these, although many disc jockeys do not get a formal education at all. Instead, they learn through apprenticeship, online tutorials, and work experience. Whichever road you take, keep in mind that becoming a successful disc jockey demands high levels of passion, dedication, networking, and investment in equipment.
