<p>I was thinking of changing my area of focus to music theory and composition because I love it dearly and think I'd do fairly well in that department, but I'm not sure if it's a practical choice.</p>
<p>Is there anyone who can tell me their experiences with the major and jobs after graduation? Undergrad/grad? It'd help a lot with making this decision.</p>
<p>You should give CC a little more information so we can be of help. It depends on what it is that you want to compose. Are you interested in film scoring? Will you be going to grad school? Are you in music school now or just getting into the application process?</p>
<p>In general, without knowing much about you, I would say, if you love it, do it! You will have a bachelor’s degree which can be used as a platform for many jobs as well as grad school. Few people make a living composing, at least at first, but the BM or BA in music does help you get jobs, not only in music, but in other areas: the skills and discipline required for the study of music will be appreciated by many employers. There are also music-related jobs, in production, marketing and promotion, fundraising and development, teaching and other areas.</p>
<p>(i’m still applying to schools)</p>
<p>I always loved music in entertainment, so I’d be interested in composition for film, commercials, tv, games…</p>
<p>The main issue I have is that I know living off of composition is very unlikely, and I don’t think I’d have enough money after completing a BM in theory to go for a masters. (and even then, it’s like, what do I do with that degree?)</p>
<p>What sorts of jobs could you get with a BM in theory that aren’t specifically tied to composition? I really can’t imagine any. I’m also thinking of double majoring, but I’m not sure which major would work best in conjunction with theory (as I’d love to also work in architecture/engineering/civil engineering, but combined with music wouldn’t make the most sense). Any tips?</p>
<p>You don’t have to have a major when applying to schools. However, having a preliminary idea of what you are interested in studying certainly helps with choice.</p>
<p>Most music programs focus on either classical or jazz. Some people on here can guide you on “entertainment” music studies: I believe Berklee, NYU and USC Thornton have come up.
You might also be interested in fields such as music and technology or music production. Schools as varied as UMass Lowell and Brown have these, in my area of the country.</p>
<p>In general, I wish somehow that students, my own included, would understand that you cannot really plot life out the way you have been led to believe. Study what you are passionate about, work hard, and take advantage of opportunities and connections, and things will work out.</p>
<p>There are plenty of jobs connected to music. You may not be able to think of them, but that does not mean they do not exist.</p>
<p>My community is having a panel workshop on this topic, held by a local but major music festival for the schools. Panelists include the director of the music festival, the owner of a music store, a piano tuner, an organ repairman, a music critic from an urban paper, a production and technical coordinator from the festival, and an education outreach coordinator.</p>
<p>Maybe you could tell us more about your background and musical interests. In order to be accepted at a music school for composition, you will need a portfolio of works. Are you a junior? Having a teacher, studying theory formally, and attending summer programs can all help you progress.</p>
<p>If you are a senior in high school, and have already applied, then you can look at the music departments at the schools you get into, and choose the best one for your interest. You might do well with a school that has a good film department and interdisciplinary courses, so that you could compose for a student film.</p>
<p>Most music departments focus on classical training, and then students go on to follow some of the directions you mention. But there are exceptions that others can tell you about.</p>
<p>If you would enjoy architecture/engineering as much as music, you are talented in math and sciences, and you are concerned about getting a job, maybe arch/eng is the way to go. You will have arts requirements and electives, even in engineering. I did. You might be able to satisfy your desire to keep yourself involved in music through those electives.</p>
<p>I am currently a Freshman theory/comp major and so far I LOVE it!
As far as jobs which are not tied directly to composition, I know there is such a thing as theory pedagogy (which some grad programs offer degree/certificates in).
I am thinking of doing grad school when I graduate (although finances may be a problem), and, although my undergrad will have been theory/comp, I’m interested in my grad work being either theory, composition, music history, or conducting. </p>
<p>In order to understand music history fully, you need a pretty good theory background, as there is often a lot of musical analysis involved.</p>
<p>Conducting definitely involves a lot of analysis, theory, and ear training - you certainly can’t tell others what to do with the music if you don’t know what the music is about or can’t hear what’s going on (or where mistakes are being made).</p>
<p>Also, theory can greatly enrich many other areas. I find that theory develops critical thinking skills and improves overall musicianship (even for performance majors).</p>
<p>Your questions are completely valid - I feel the same way a lot of the time, but I love music, so I cannot do anything else for college :-)</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>This. Unfortunately, most kids are not given this message. They are encouraged to plot out their lives and “be successful”. Because the measure of the man/woman is how many toys they have, how big their house is, etc. But NOT how happy they are. </p>
<p>My mantra to my kids has always been - Do what you love, and Love what you do.</p>