Schools with BA in Music Composition? (Plus I need some guidance)

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I am currently serving active duty US Army as an Intel Analyst. I joined (among other reasons) because I wanted to use the GI Bill to pay for college, and now that I am nearing the end of my contract, I have some hard decisions to make.</p>

<p>I already have a plan B set up to go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Spring of 14 to pursue a degree which is related to my field, but my true love has always been the piano, and my wife encouraged me to "do what I love". Well, I need an education, too, so now I am searching for a college or university that offers a BA in Music Composition.</p>

<p>I was in talks with Berklee College in MA but realized that the GI Bill does not cover the tuition because it is a private school. Because of this, I am trying to find a public school with a good program.</p>

<p>I am 38, with a wife and 4 kids. I am not a professional pianist by any means. I have never had lessons, am self-taught, and am a beginner as far as sight-reading goes. My musical tastes (when listening) originate with classic rock, blues, progressive rock, metal, 80's pop, 90's grunge. I have absolutely no interest in Jazz. (no offense)</p>

<p>That being said, when on the piano, all I think about is classical music, or theme-style music (for lack of a better term). Beethoven is my favorite, and I can play some of his pieces well, some not at all. I do write a lot (in my head). I have 2 full pieces and about a half dozen other "parts" (a series of measures that are not the beginning, middle, or end of anything) that I have also written.</p>

<p>I had a lesson recently with a professional instructor because I wanted to know the truth about where I stand (not just friends and family), and her professional opinion was that I should "100% definitely explore" a future in composition, based on what I showed her. I hope that she was being objective.</p>

<p>Anyway, I am having trouble finding the right information, or guidance even.</p>

<p>One last important thing: I do not want to pursue a BA in Music Composition because I want to be a professional composer, or performer. I need an education, and I love music, simple as that. I also want to spend a few years exploring my potential, as I believe focusing on music and my piano for a few years would be a great way to grow as a human being. If, I were actually talented enough to make money doing it, I wouldn't turn it down. But for the most part I just want to use it as an opportunity to realize what potential I have, great or small.</p>

<p>Any advice, guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>

<p>-Chris</p>

2

<p>Check out the University of New Hampshire. They have a strong music department, offer a BA in composition, and their composition and piano professors are wonderful!</p>

3

<p>Many state flagship universities will have programs that might work for you. You will probably find that a music major will have a steep learning curve for you at this point, though.</p>

4

<p>UMass Lowell has some good music programs, including recording technology, business, education as well as performance. [Music</a> Department](<a href=“http://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Music/]Music”>http://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Music/)</p>

<p>I agree with Hunt that most state colleges and universities might fit the bill, but some or many will have an audition for entrance into the BM program. Another option might be to do a BA, which is not a performance degree. Often, composition can be studied either way. A BA would mean, say, 1/4-1/3 of your classes would be in music, plus distribution requirements and electives. A BM is generally more like 2/3-3/4 in music.</p>

<p>Sometimes a person like you with raw talent can really take off. But academic study of music requires a lot of theory study, along with music history and other subjects you will enjoy. Is there any way you can study a little theory (online, even an online AP class might help, or in person at a nearby conservatory or college continuing education program.) Or find a piano teacher who will focus on theory a bit.</p>

<p>University of Southern California at Thornton might be a school to look at, though I don’t know if their undergrad program would fit. My computer is about to crash again- I wanted to look it up for you but cannot right now!</p>

<p>I think it’s great that you are going to try to pursue something you love. We have a lot of discussion on here on this topic and a bachelor’s in music is like any other bachelor’s degree, with jobs that require a bachelor’s, and music majors can go to law, med, business or grad school like anyone else. There are also jobs in the music field, outside of actual performance. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thank you very much for all the helpful information I’ve got a lot to look into now. I am planning to take some lessons and self study in preparation, and i agree with you, Hunt, about the learning curve and that does frighten me a little bit to be honest. Compmom you are the best thanks for the encouragement and you getting me quite a bit to start with thank you</p>

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<p>Since you have a young family to consider as well, you might want to explore a school with an reasonable cost of living . Consider ASU Tempe which has an excellent music school and is also exceptionally veteran friendly.
<a href=“https://students.asu.edu/veteranbenefits[/url]”>https://students.asu.edu/veteranbenefits&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“https://students.asu.edu/military[/url]”>https://students.asu.edu/military&lt;/a&gt;
[School</a> of Music | ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts](<a href=“http://music.asu.edu/]School”>http://music.asu.edu/)</p>

<p><a href=“http://music.asu.edu/compositiontheory/[/url]”>http://music.asu.edu/compositiontheory/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The Tillman Military Scholars program at ASU covers not only tuition expenses but also helps with housing and childcare. Good Luck!!</p>