Hi, I’m starting my first year of college at a liberal arts school this september and I’m trying to figure out if I should pursue a BA in music and also get a teaching certification or get a BME. I would also like to double major in environmental science. At my school, you can double major if you choose 2 BA degrees, or you could take a 5 year dual degree track with a BM degree and a BA. I don’t really want to do the 5 year track due to the amount of money it would cost. However, I am worried that if I graduate with a BA in music I will be less likely to be hired in a public school than someone with a BME. Will my future employers care if I only have a BA?
Thanks
Hired for what sort of position? A public school band director really requires a BM due to classes teaching the various instruments. I think this is largely true for orchestral instruments and voice, although there might be some wiggle room. If you want to teach general music you might be ok with a BA supplemented by your states license requirements.
But beware, a BM in music ed requires a lot of units, especially for instrumental ed. When I got mine years ago there was no way to double major (outside of music) with that degree in 4 years. Even if my gen eds had been waived with something like AP there would have been no way (they weren’t by the way, my school didn’t offer AP at that time).
I would say major in what you want. There are grad programs for music education or you may find you want to go to grad school for performance and teaching at a college level, or privately. That said, if you love environmental science, there is nothing wrong with studying that and doing private lessons for music, performing in extracurriculars and so on.
I think you may be trying to squeeze too much in:) It would be nice if you could enjoy these years.
I would check with your school to see if BA music students get the same opportunities as BM in terms of teachers, performance opportunities and classes. If not, and you really want to do music, I would do the BM. Unless you are passionate about teaching in public schools.
There are many career options for those who major in music, in and out of music, and grad and professional schools too (including med and law). So if you want to do music, do it, and figure out the job part later. In the meantime, look for internships or volunteering that helps clarify career goals.
Good luck!