Confused Music Major (Or Not?) Needs Help

College Majors Music Major
1

Hi!

I’m a senior in high school, about to go into college this fall. For three years, I’ve been studying classical voice with music teachers off and on, with some contemporary styles thrown in a little bit. I got accepted into my local uni (haven’t auditioned for the music program yet), and I’m considering being a voice major (classical style only).

However, here’s the thing: I have no interest in pursuing classical voice as a career - honestly, I want my career in music to be contemporary styles only. Yes, I am quite good at operatic styles, and often enjoy it, but I don’t see myself giving years of energy, time and money to this side of music.

So, since this school only does classical vocal styles, would it be smart to study, write and play contemporary styles of music on my own time outside of college, and in school, still develop my classical voice? That way, I’m developing my voice, but also developing my own interests in music. Or, would these two styles clash eventually?

I don’t even know if I’ll have a lot of time to study contemporary music outside of college anyway - classical music programs are pretty rigorous (so far, mine’s requires hours of practicing, joining one music ensemble, lessons with teachers, recitals and more, I’m sure), I have other interests I want to pursue outside of class time (contemporary music, film, writing), my other classes + studying for those, and of course, a social life and time with my family.

The only saving grace is that due to dual enrollment credits, I’ve knocked out almost all of my general ed’s, so I’m technically a sophomore when I enter college.

So…what to do…

Thank you everybody!

2

Are you a 22 year old senior in HS? Or are you using someone else’s login? You might want to change that since it is outside the TOS.

3

No, this is my own login. And I’m a 18 year old senior in HS.

Don’t know what’s happening there, but if anyone can help me with my questions, that’d be great!

4

sorry—based on kay234’s previous post : see history login: kay234

you might check with the admin’s and see whats going on

5

I don;t know a lot about voice, so probably cannot answer your main question.

But a few comments. Since you have gen ed requirements mostly or all out of the way, I hope you will be able to take classes that explore your other interests, such as film and writing, and maybe something you have not yet discovered.

Does your university have a music school and is that where you are headed?

If you do not want to do classical voice, you could find someone to work with on contemporary singing and major in something else Or, you could try to transfer to a school like Berklee, Belmont, Miami Frost or other music schools and colleges that would allow you to study what you really want to do.

Now, someone more knowledgeable than me can come on and tell you that classical training will help you in what you want to do. But, as you say, classical training is rigorous and if it is not what you really want to do, you may get disheartened. The theory, music history and other components of the program may or may not suit you.

There are also schools like Bennington or Sarah Lawrence where you can come up with an independent plan, and combine interests in interdisciplinary work.

If finances are an issue but financial aid is not accessible, you may want to do the state university, but there are merit scholarship options and there are schools that will want your talent and hard work.

If you do want to stay where you are, and are in the music school (BM) see how you like it, talk to people in the department honestly, and continue to explore other interests. You can always switch to a BA in music or some other subject.

Voice experts can answer about the usefulness of classical training and whether the two genres will confuse your voice. They can also answer whether you can major in anything as an undergrad and still do voice in grad school.

6

Hi Compmom! Thank you for your response.

Yes, my uni has a music school, and that’s where I’m considering heading.

Would it be a good idea to either take this semester before entering the music program, knock out my general ed’s, then go to a music major and see how I like it? Or would that just be a waste of time?

And if anyone has any answers regarding classical vs contemporary singing (and what it’d do to my voice) that’d be great!

7

Music is a ssquential major with foundational courses, so you might want to start right in and see how you like it. But first, maybe talk to someone at the music school about our concerns and questions. Hope someone more knowledgeable than me comes on with the info you need.

8

Go to the music school direct with your concerns and desires. A good teacher there will answer your questions. I don’t really see a benefit in getting all your credits done and then entering music. As @compmom says music classes can be sequential so you could handicap yourself by not knowing the music school requirements. Many music classes can fulfill Art/Humanity requirements so it may be a good idea to try one and see how you like it and knock out a gen ed at the same time.

My D just finished a VP degree. A friend of hers wanted to do VP even though she wanted to pursue MT bc she wanted the classical voice training. I don’t know enough about contemporary music to comment so I really think contacting the music faculty and getting a meeting with a teacher will be your best bet. In addition, taking one or two music classes the first semester may help you decide too.

Good luck.

9

I was just reading about yet another popular singer on vocal rest due to hemorrhaging. I can’t help but think that learning the good vocal techniques that classical voice teaches could lead to a longer career in any genre.