3 answers
bee
Student
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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what steps are important for getting involved in the music industry?
Is music school super important?? What's the most important thing for me to do to get involved with music?
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3 answers
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
269
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Speaking directly from my college experience, you do NOT necessarily need to major in music. I say that because the topic is too broad. In my first freshman semester, I was required to take courses in brass, piano, voice, choir, and theory, plus mandatory practice hours in each of them (plus be responsible for other non-music college courses). If your desire is to perform, you need a coach. If your desire is to manage within the music industry, focus on marketing and counseling courses. If you are already an accomplished performer, then college should be only for whatever else you want to pursue. A college experience can be valuable, if only for the broadening and maturing experience that it brings to your life, but not if just to be involved in music. NOTE: I do not mean to imply that a major in music is a waste; there are many people who want that broad exposure. All the best to you.
Kyle Mattingly
Pianist, Music Director
12
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
I love the other answers. Just wanted to chime in that being extremely good at what you do is the most important thing for anyone in the music industry. There's tons of talented people out there, literally tens of thousands of people. Being good at what you do, and being nice and professional will make you stand out so people will want to work with you. If you can become good, nice and professional without college, great! If college seems like it would help, that also is great!
Briana Pelle, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech language pathology
121
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Briana’s Answer
Hi, Bee.
This link has a good list of well-known music schools: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-music/
That being said, you In all honesty, you don't *need* any classes or an art degree to be an artist. It's mainly about having a good reputation as someone who is talented and good to work with and having a strong body of work you can show potential clients, employers, or collaborators.
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to music. This can be performance art, composition, sound design, sound engineering, production, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you learn and hone your craft. And it helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to asl for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for a video or recording of your work in addition to your standard college application essay. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work.
If you can, try taking music classes and/or workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age artists, such as YoungArts, that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other creators. You should also research to see if there are any hobby groups/clubs in your area that you can join.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a field of music. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking. Many people major in related fields such as marketing, communications, etc..
Another option is to minor in some type of music while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Build your portfolio of work
Determine if you want to go to music school or major in something separate
Network with other artists
Consider posting performances on social media to build a following
This link has a good list of well-known music schools: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-music/
That being said, you In all honesty, you don't *need* any classes or an art degree to be an artist. It's mainly about having a good reputation as someone who is talented and good to work with and having a strong body of work you can show potential clients, employers, or collaborators.
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to music. This can be performance art, composition, sound design, sound engineering, production, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you learn and hone your craft. And it helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to asl for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for a video or recording of your work in addition to your standard college application essay. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work.
If you can, try taking music classes and/or workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age artists, such as YoungArts, that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other creators. You should also research to see if there are any hobby groups/clubs in your area that you can join.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a field of music. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking. Many people major in related fields such as marketing, communications, etc..
Another option is to minor in some type of music while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Briana recommends the following next steps: