University of Michigan SMDT

I am applying to the school of music at UMich to major in music education. My primary instrument is french horn. I noticed the option for a dual degree in Music Education and Performance. I had never considered pursuing a performance degree, but this did pique my interest. Does anyone know the benefit of this type of dual degree? Is it worth applying for?

My D is currently in the horn studio at UMich and a few of her friends are pursuing that route. I will ask her your Q when she gets home for Thanksgiving. The music forum on CC is very active and you may also want to post a general question there regarding the value of dual performance and music ed degrees.

@bandgeek18 - Per my daughter, her friends that are pursuing horn performance and music ed desire a music career but realize for many musicians this means a combination of performing in large and small gigs, teaching, etc. As they would be okay with teaching or performing, they feel they are better prepared to launch their career with dual degrees. That said, there are many more in the horn studio that are majoring in performance only than in both. Note that if you major only in music ed, you would not be a member of the horn studio (you would not take lessons from the horn professor).

Thank you so much @MomOf2TeenGirls! That was extremely helpful.