Late start in Music

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey guys. I've been confused lately by various things I've read about getting a doctorate in music.</p>

<p>I have an odd situation, in that most people who want to get a doctorate in music have demonstrated their passion through majoring in music in college, and making it the center of their lives, and then applying to graduate schools, already having a BFA or BA in Music.</p>

<p>I was told by most people at my high school, as it happens to many people of some degree of above average intelligence, that I should become a physician. My family liked this idea, and I was pushed into pursuing it if they were going to pay for my education.</p>

<p>There are two other passions of mine that I left behind for my first year of college: music and mathematics. Eventually, I couldn't resist their charm, and I dropped pre-med in good standing to pursue one or both of the degrees.</p>

<p>I'm on track to get a math degree, taking a few upper level courses this semester after having completed Calculus III and Linear Algebra.</p>

<p>I still find myself loving my music class the most though, and while at the moment math is more demanding of my study time, anytime I am free I can be found in the piano practice rooms for hours on end.</p>

<p>I have begun to consider the idea of pursuing a doctorate in Music. That's another thing I should mention, from past experiences I already know I would love teaching. Anyway, the problem is that with two and a half years left in my college career, and only one music course completed, albeit an advanced one, I don't have enough space in my schedule to finish the requirements for a BFA in Music Performance from my university.</p>

<p>Are there schools where I could pursue a doctorate in Music Performance without a BFA?</p>

<p>One more thing I should mention, to show that I'm not someone who picked up an instrument this year and decided to become a rock star... I have been playing piano since I could move my fingers dexterously enough. I also took up guitar in 5th grade. I am lucky enough to have perfect pitch, though that isn't fun when my alarm clock goes off and I can identify the notes. I am also an avid composer on both instruments, and I have over a decade of regular performance experience.</p>

<p>Music has never been second priority for me in any sense besides as a career path. Now I'm starting to change my mind and realize I should pursue my greatest passion(s), rather than what other people think is the most practical.</p>

<p>Anyway, I welcome anyone's advice. I'm not quite sure how to go about this. Thank you all very much for your help.</p>

2

<p>Having been a music major myself, here are a few thoughts...
First of all, what aspect of music are you interested in? Do you want a Ph.D. (research-oriented) or a DMA (performance/applied degree)?
You will probably have to do your M.M. (or M.A.) first before applying to a doctoral-level program. Masters programs will have a number of UG music course pre-reqs that any B.M. (and many B.A.s) would have completed. Among these are courses such as 1-2 semesters of music history, 4 semesters music theory (lower div), 4 semesters eartraining, counterpoint, form and analysis, orchestration, 1-2 semesters of conducting, etc. (regardless of your emphasis area). In addition, you will need to show an extremely high level of competency in your performance area -- ESPECIALLY if you want to be in the performance/applied concentration. As a doctoral hopeful without the basic foundation of a B.A. or B.M. you will likely not be given the benefit of the doubt b/c you lack the music-rich academic background. I would look up some M.M. programs and start taking the courses you need in order to succeed in one of those programs. I also trust you have been taking private lessons regularly in your instrumental areas and that your ear for relative pitch is excellent (not absolute pitch... you need both and relative is by far the more valuable overall).</p>

<p>Anyway, hope that helps!</p>