Possible Composition Major becoming a HS band director?

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>So...I'm currently a senior in HS in the process of applying to schools, and I'm currently planning on applying to get a BM in composition. The only thing is, after thinking this through and talking about it with my parents, I'm not really sure whether pursuing composition alone is enough for me to be able to find a job after college. (pretty much the usual "making a living" problem a lot of music people face) </p>

<p>My parents suggested becoming a band director, which is something I'm considering since I've been in the band since 4th grade and its been a really big part of my life, and I can actually see myself being a band director...but I also want to study composition in college.</p>

<p>Is it possible to get a BM in composition, and then earn a teaching certification or is the only way to become a HS band director by majoring in music ed?</p>

<p>Or are there other ways I should go about doing this? </p>

<p>OR am I completely wrong about not being able to find a job after majoring in composition?</p>

2

<p>Yes, it’s possible. Especially since many states require a masters degree for full certification, you can get the music ed portion at the masters level, complete with student teaching. Check with your state or county board of ed, and also your potential schools. In some places you can do a dual major with education and composition. In other cases you can get many education courses out of the way at the undergraduate level, then do student teaching in the fifth year or 9th semester.</p>