Careers In
Music
This page is contains information for those students
interested in furthering their musical talents or
pursuing a career in music.
What are the different areas to major in music?
Music Education
Music Performance
Jazz Studies
Composition
Theory
Music Therapy
Music Administration
Music Education Majors
What kind of classes do Music Education Majors take?
Classes are divided into sections:
Music Academics
Music Applied
Principal Applied
Instrumental Ensembles
Class Piano
Class Instruments
Professional Studies
What are the different sections?
1. Music Academics
Students complete 32 course hours in this area.
Music Theory I, II, III, IV (4 semesters)
Music in World Cultures (1 semester)
Music History I, II, III (3 semesters)
Fundamentals of Conducting (1 semester)
Band Conducting (1 semester)
2. Music Applied
Students complete 5 semesters of Music Convocation.
Convocation is a class that you receive no credit for, but must pass.
Students are required to attend 10 student recitals on Fridays and 10 concerts or
recitals in the evening hours. (in all your spare time)
3. Principal Applied
Students complete 14 course hours in this area.
Private Lessons – 8 semesters
Sophomore Qualifying Exam
Senior Recital
4. Instrumental Ensembles
Students must participate in at least one per semester.
Symphonic Band
Jazz Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Orchestra
Marching Band
5. Class Piano
Students who have had no formal training in piano must take this class.
Students who pass the Piano Proficiency Exam are exempt from these classes.
Class Piano – 4 semesters
6. Class Instruments
Students must complete 10 hours of course work in this area.
Teaching String & Percussion
Teaching Flute & Single Reeds
Teaching Double Reeds
Teaching Brass Instruments
Teaching Percussion II
7. Professional Studies
Students must complete 42 hours of course work in this area.
History & Philosophy of Education
Educational Psychology
Teaching Instrumental Music in Public Schools
The Elementary School Program
Clinical Experience in Music Education (must obtain at least a “B” average to continue)
Evaluation of Teaching & Learning in Music
Internship in Music (student teaching)
Survey of Special Education
In addition to the above classes, students must also complete the Core Curriculum Classes
English Composition
Literature
Humanities
Public Speaking
Science (Biology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics)
Economics
Math (Algebra, Reasoning, Calculus)
History (World History, American History)
Foreign Language (Spanish, French, German, Russian, Latin)
You can also take elective classes like golf, swimming, etc.
What if I want to Minor in Music?
Anyone can minor in music, law, pre-med, business, etc.
These classes are required to receive a minor in music.
Students need 24 hours in music course work to receive a minor in music.
Music Theory I & II
Music in World Cultures
Introduction to Listening
Music Convocation
Private Lessons (4 semesters)
Instrumental Ensembles (4 semesters)
Choose any 3 of the following:
Management of Music Activities
Careers in Music
Intro to Recording Techniques
Fundamentals in Conducting
Band Conducting
Institutions of Higher Learning in Music
University of Alabama School of Music Requirements
Click here to find out the admission requirements for Alabama
www.music.ua.edu/prospective/announce.html
University of Alabama High School Honor Band
Click here for information on the UA Honor Band.
If you are interested in obtaining a college scholarship
this is an important Honor Band to attend.
The Julliard School of Music
This university is the "Harvard" of music schools. A couple famous
graduates are Yo-Yo Ma (cello) & Itzhak Perlman (violin).
Check out this website just to see what it takes at the premier school
of music in the country.
www.juilliard.edu/admissions/entrance_music.html
Troy State University School of Music Requirements
Check out this website for admission requirements to Troy State
www.troyst.edu/admissions/index.html
Florida State University School of Music Requirements