hey! i’m going into music education and i was wondering a few things.
are there any colleges that offer a double major in composition and education? I know that many do not let students do so, though, because they share so many similar credits. if it did, that would be a plus.
also, i definitely want to go somewhere in a large city because of the sheer amount of opportunities.
I play the cello and am serious enough to go into performance (even though i chose composition instead) if that matters. I don’t know how much grades matter but I have about a 3.4 unweighted and made national merit. but I don’t want tuition to be much over $10,000 after scholarship
does anyone know any good composition schools like this?
You should post this on the Music Major Forum.
In spite of knowing a ton about music composition, I know nothing about music ed, so can’t help you. But if the large city matters - pick the state you want to teach in (always recommended for music ed majors) then look at the schools in the large cities. As for $10,000 cost - that’s pretty low - less than room and board at the majority of colleges - unless you mean $10,000 plus room and board. Do you have significant financial need that will show on your application? Only schools which offer full rides for National Merit are going to offer scholarships of more than full tuition - if you have no financial need.
As for the opportunities you’re looking for while an undergrad - for composition? Or to get gigs?
I flagged this, and asked them to move it. We’ll see!
Do you know in which state you want to teach music? I assume you know that music ed is for K-12, yes, and not private or college teaching? You could probably do a minor in composition, or just take composition classes. If you don’t intend to go to grad school in composition, it won’t matter. Although there are always students in grad comp programs who majored in performance - more rarely in music ed. Why exactly do you want to study composition - are you planning to have a day job as a teacher and compose in your spare time for fun? That can be pretty tough to find the time and energy. Or do you want to compose pieces for kids to play?
Are you considering conservatory/music school or university/college? Music ed is often offered by state universities. What degree are you seeking?
Can you tell us more about your composing, what kind of music, experience, whether you have a teacher or have done summer programs, performances etc? ( PM if you want to be private)
It seems that you have a couple of options:
major in music ed and do composition classes and/or compose on your own time (with private lessons if possible): check websites of schools with music ed to see what courses are part of the program and if they include composition, if lessons are offered, and what kinds of extracurricular opportunities there are for undergrad composers (such as concerts, and whether they are limited to students majoring in composition)
major in composition and do music ed as a grad degree (being mindful of any prerequisites at the undergrad level)
You can study composition in a BM program but many composers do a BA (non-performance, college/university) program. A general BA music major will include theory, music history, ethnomusicology, technology- and composition for sure, and some will allow for a focus on it. Then again, there are students who compose during college and go on to grad school in it, who did not major in music at all but did it outside of their academic life.
Studying history, poetry, art, culture can actually enhance composing over time so an argument can be made for the BA path. But then again, in a BM program there are more concerts and opportunities to have pieces played, generally speaking, so it can be a tough decision.
I would say either do a music ed program that has some composition in it, or do composition and then music ed later. Pick schools you would be interested in for size, location, and “vibe” just as anyone would and then check the websites. Also look at websites of schools that offer music ed, and music depts. with a composition strand. Good luck!