Couple things come to mind-
get experience playing in all different ensembles (jazz, orchestra, band, pit...)
Join the choir at your school - you never know what your first gig will be
Piano is key to your success (pun intended)
When the time comes to learn the other instruments, find one (outside of woodwinds) and go further than just the basics.
Pick a notation software and get comfortable with it as soon as possible ( Finale or Sibelius would be my advice- both have good student deals)
Good Luck! It is a wonderful career.

 

Choose a university that's known for its music education chops, rather than a performance-oriented school where everything hinges on your ability to excel on your instrument. You'll become a generalist rather than a specialist. As a woodwinds principal, I learned more conducting from the vocal ensemble I spent two years in. And housesax is right -- you'll need piano skills. Also, if you can learn some basic theory before you arrive at college, you'll be a step ahead.

 

I doubt anyone is brave/stupid enough to say this but.... Teaching jobs are hard to come by these days.
Make sure you have a MARKETABLE minor so you can support yourself until you find that dream teaching job.
Student loans, housing, food, utilities/phone, transportation costs.... You won't be able to meet your financial needs working at McDonalds.

 

Learn Music theory and History. Know how to read Treble and Bass clef, understand Major and Minor scales, learn Major, Minor, dominant 7th, and diminished chords in all 12 keys. Get familiar with Baroque, Classical, and Romantic composers and their music. Learn to recognize intervals (major/minor 2nd, major/minor 3rd, perfect/Augmented 4th, etc).

 

Piano.......piano........piano........piano.........Get private lessons and really practice

Major instrument or voice.......same thing here.

Don't really worry about Advance Placement Courses or Honors Courses in high school so much.

A music theory course will help too.

Get real good at music. That is what you will be doing with your life.

This is coming from a former high school principal and current music educator with over 30 years experience.

Work your butt off on the music stuff.

A failure to comitt will generally result in failure.

 

Double Majors:
Music and Marketing or Music and Engineering.

Or Major in Business and minor in Music.

 

I realize teaching jobs are very hard to get, especially in the arts. Believe me, if I could see myself in any other job (with much better prospects), I would. I've been teaching myself some music theory, so I'm pretty ready in that area. I have hardly any playing experience with piano though, which I realize I will definitely need. Where should I start with that? Lessons are really expensive, and I'm already taking lessons on my saxophone. Thank you for the tips so far!

 

Also think about where you want to be working/living, and learn about the music community there. You may want to go to school there, as you will make connections in that area. Or look at where the other teachers there went to school. A big name school may make you more attractive in a lot of places, but in some areas they will still prefer to hire someone with a local connection/contacts. Oh, and be friendly, network a lot, and avoid making enemies.

 

The other thing, that everyone's avoided talking about but interrupted me from pursuing a M.Ed degree is patience.

You really need a lot of patience and tolerance for the absurd to do this. If you are not a patient, exuberant (meaning able to generate excitement), and tolerant person by nature, I do not recommend pursuing this path. Many people (myself included), lack the patience needed to do this.

 

I'm currently a high school senior and I'm applying as a music major for colleges (not as a music educator though); however, I have spent a lot of time talking to my music teachers and college professors about their career choices.

The most important questions I think are; who do you want to teach, what do you want to teach, and what can you currently work on that will help you in your future?
Are you looking to be a private music instructor, or a teacher at an elementary school, middle school, high school, or college?

If you are looking to be a private teacher (assuming you are a woodwind player) becoming proficient on your instrument and common doubles is important. If you know how to play the saxophone, learn how to play the flute and clarinet. This will open you up to more performance and teaching opportunities if you're interested.

For whatever you intend to go in for in college, piano proficiency is a requirement. Becoming familiar with the piano as early as you can will save you time and money later on down the road. Take a theory course if there is one available and start developing your ear. There are plenty of apps and website devoted to helping with the recognition of intervals, progressions, chords, and so forth. Being able to recognize good intonation is a necessity.

If you are looking to be a grade school music teacher, familiarize yourself with the different programs that schools teach that are music related and familiarize yourself with the different instruments that are used in the courses. At my school, there is a full orchestra, chamber orchestra, three different choirs, an AP Music Theory class, two concert bands, a marching band, jazz band, and a color guard class. The director of music at my school is personally involved in most of these programs in some way. I'm pretty sure student teaching is a requirement for a music education major, which will require you to work under a music teacher at a school. Be prepared to teach and work in classes you may not have initially wanted to work in. Flexibility goes a long way.

As for applying to colleges, it straight up sucks. It is time consuming and application fees can get hefty depending on the amount of schools you apply to and whether or not your financial situation allows for you to have the fees waives. If you apply to a school that is not strictly or primarily music orientated, you will be required to fill out the regular school application as well as the music supplements. All of the schools I've seen have required an audition in addition to other stuff that varies depending on your major. I agree with finding a school that focuses on education rather than performance. Do your research on schools and find an environment that you think you will work best with. Smaller universities or programs will offer you better communication and relationships with your professors. Larger schools may have small music programs which will offer the same type of relationship with your teachers. Talk to music educators that you know and ask them about their experiences and connections. If you are interested in a specific school, email some of the professors. Many of them are very good at answering questions you may have and responding to emails. There are plenty of websites like collegeprowler that will give you reviews on the social aspects of a school. Don't get caught up in heresay or hype. Determine what will work best for YOU.

 

It may be your dream, but do you know the reality of it?

I have always thought it was absolutely absurd to wait until a MusEd student was a Jr. or Sr. before they have practice teaching. Just stupid. Why invest all that time, energy and money only to feel overwhelmed, underwhelmed or just plain incompetent at the last moment? I urge you to find a band teacher whom you can shadow and work with at his school (or maybe after hours at some extra-curricular musical activities) as soon as you can. Make sure this is what you want ~before~ you are waist deep in your program.

 

+100000000000

And ask how much of their time they spend teaching vs the other stuff....

I have taught elementary, middle, high, and college (these were all full time positions) and I'd say I spend 85% of my time dealing with "stuff" (testing, lunch duty, scheduling, discipline, etc) and 15% preparing for or actually teaching.

 

I appreciate the tips and advice very much! Since it is my dream, I have done some research on it, and I know what I'm getting myself into is not going to be easy by any standards. I plan to teach in a grade school instead of private teaching, but if I can't find a job I will probably end up subbing and giving lessons while waiting for an opening. Caymen brought up an interesting point on the big vs. small school issue, does anyone else have any opinions on that?

 

I appreciate the tips and advice very much! Since it is my dream, I have done some research on it . . .

Stop. Tweet! Sirens! Young man. This is my point. There's a huge difference between reading about it, "researching it" and living it. I remember getting home after the first day of a particular school year, having just met with my students, and sitting in my car staring mindlessly towards the steering wheel and not getting out of the car for at least ten or fifteen minutes. I was just shell-shocked. There is absolutely no substitute for personal, on-site experience.

Speaking as one who majored in music composition, I would recommend that you specifically do NOT major in music education. Sure, you want to teach music in high school. No worries, get an education degree after you graduate in some other aspect of music.

I have two composition degrees. This was my experience - I had a hell of a time overcoming having music degrees outside of education. Even though I had received Yamaha certification as a band teacher, taught classes at a major HS for the performing arts, developed a youth program at the community band I directed, and even founded and directed a band in my local (German) school, when I got to Texas, they wouldn't even hire me provisionally to teach middle school band. They required at least another year of school plus of course $$$. And when it comes to leading bands, my resume isn't too shabby. But I didn't have one piece of paper that "showed" educational expertise the way the state of Texas wanted it.

I know this is redundant but I just want to reinforce the point - start piano now. You have no idea how much of a help it will be. You mentioned a piano barrier exam. Don't let this be your motivation and goal. Musically, you learn a heck of a lot from piano competency. You play a single-line instrument. The piano is a chordal instrument and it will be very beneficial for you to have that additional depth. Also, and something to really keep in mind, piano chops might make the difference between your getting a teaching gig or not. It's entirely possible that you apply for jobs that require some general music teaching, maybe even choir. While it's possible, it's crazy not to do it without piano competency and the chance to start that gradually now, while you're not dog paddling for your life during more hectic university studies.

Lastly, I just want to compliment you on asking the right questions and asking them now. Smart move. Good luck to you!

 

I thought Caymen has a bunch of good points, and has clearly done his/her homework. I didn't do a music program, but in general small schools (or small departments) will give you more personalized attention from the faculty, while large schools (or large departments) will have more choices and more people to work with. If you like the faculty you are working with, a small school/program is great; if you don't, you have no one else to go to. Big schools will generally be more bureaucratic (which can be okay if you know how to deal with it). At small schools you need to make sure you get along with the folks who really run the place (I made sure I was always very nice to Verna in the Records Office...).

 

You've received some very good advice. Here are a couple more things to consider.

Where would you like to teach? What are you willing to teach? Are you willing to move to another part of the country?
Would you like to teach in a larger or smaller school? Both have their blessings and curses.
What will it take to obtain a teaching license or certificate there?

I looked at the community, real estate market, taxes, fees, pension system, cultural amenities, music performing opportunities, etc. when I had interviews for teaching positions in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, etc. Now, as an adjunct professor in a smaller, private university, I advise and encourage my college students to consider these things. Take a good look around.

Also keep in mind that earning a degree does not guarantee that you'll find a job in the field. I didn't right away.

I will be retiring in a couple of months. I've been the band director for a small, rural school system where I had all of the bands, 5th grade beginners through high school. I did that for 14 years. I'm currently a middle school (7th an 8th grade) band director and I assist with the 5th and 6th grade bands and teach 4th grade general music in a school system that's in a suburban setting.

After 35 years I can honestly say that I would not have wanted to do anything else.

Best wishes and Happy New Year!

 

You've received some very good advice. Here are a couple more things to consider.

Where would you like to teach? What are you willing to teach? Are you willing to move to another part of the country?
Would you like to teach in a larger or smaller school? Both have their blessings and curses.
What will it take to obtain a teaching license or certificate there?

I would be willing to teach wherever there is a band program in need of a teacher. As for now, I'm planning to teach in a high school, but I would be willing to change that as well. In other words, I'm willing to stay flexible, as I know that there is potential in every opportunity. Thanks for raising some interesting questions!

 

What grade are you in? How long has this been your dream? How long have you been playing? Give us more info, we can come back with more advice. And more questions.

 

Sorry for the lack of info, I wasn't expecting so much advice. I'm only a sophomore, and that means I have time to get better at piano skills, ear training, theory, etc. Applying to colleges is not quite as relevant to me now as it will be later, but I welcome any info on that as well. I've been playing since fifth grade, which is the earliest my school starts band. I realize I'm a bit young to even be thinking about this that much, and I probably am compared to others asking these questions. It's been my dream for almost as long as I can remember, I can recall myself watching the marching band in elementary school wishing I was the drum major. A few specifics on questions I have: Tips for learning brass if you play woodwind? How do I know if this would be a good career choice for me? Advice on getting scholarships? Any other tips that I could use while in high school to just get a head start on this would help also. Thanks again!

 

There is a lot of good advice here. What Gary said above is important. A lot of people realize in their final year of undergrad that they don't like teaching once they begin the practice teaching. Another thing to be aware of is teacher certifications. Every state is different and require different tests and/or degrees. Some states will accept a certification from another state while others do not. Most states now require a Bachelors and Masters degree in education to be fully certified. Some schools will offer some sort of Bachelors/Masters combined program but I don't know if I would recommend that path. Best of luck and listen to all of this great advice! Piano, Piano, Piano!! Also, work on your doubles. I was a saxophone major who learned his woodwind doubles but becoming proficient on brass doubles has made me a better teacher and more employable. There are jobs out there but you need to look good on a resume. My school system advertised an opening and we received almost 100 resumes for one job!

 

I have no advice for you as far as the path you desire to choose, but as a current music major get your ear training stuff down now. I have never gotten a B on anything I ever tried any kind of hard
at, and for the first time I got a B this semester and it was in Ear Training I, 15 weeks is just too short if you have never had that stuff before, and all the singers have a huge advantage. My advice
go to musictheory.net and get all the intervals down, join the choir and learn how to sing, really sing, like in key and to pitch and a certain interval above a given pitch, learn what fixed do and
moveable do is and all of that stuff. Because for me Music Theory I was easy, I and 1 other student got a perfect paper on our final which involved secondary dominants and some stuff that I had
to work at but nothing like the bear ear training was and is for me, just my 2 cents.

 

1. Where do you plan to teach? If you want to teach in your home town, start getting to know the band directors and principals in your area NOW. Let them know of your interests, and then keep in touch with them through your college career. There is nothing like the personal touch. It's much easier to bring in someone you know for an interview than from a faceless resume.

If it doesn't matter where you teach, then you should go to a college or university in the same city or town where you want to teach.

Either way, you should start making connections with college folks at possible places you want to go to--this will increase your chances of getting in.

2. Do you have a specialty in mind? Do you want to specialize in general music? Choir? Band? Orchestra? Everything? It would be good to know this before giving any advice. Obviously you need to be heavily experienced as a student yourself in the area you want to teach.

3. No matter what you do, being able to play decent piano will put you ahead of the pack. It's not an option--it's a necessity. Start taking lessons now if you don't know how to play yet. Saying that lessons are "too expensive" means that you are not fully committed to your dream. You need to sacrifice sometimes to make things happen.

4. You ask how much you should practice. If you have to ask that question, then you are not really a serious musician. (The truth is you need to be taking lessons and practicing every day. No excuses.)

5. Start learning how to read a score. And learn as much music theory as possible. Maybe take a summer college course or two at the local school.

6. Tips for learning brass? This is the only tip you need to know: GET A TEACHER. Sorry, there's a right way and a wrong way. A young woodwind player trying to teach himself to play brass is the wrong way. You'll end up playing and sounding like garbage, and you will certainly not be able to teach anyone anything. So you need lessons. As a music ed major, you will get them in college. So you can hold off on them for now. Use that money to get piano lessons.

7. How to know if this is a good career choice for you? You've already answered that question. It's your dream; thus, it's the right career choice for you.

8. Get out there and meet musicians. Play in community bands. Play in community theatre orchestra pits. Give people your phone number and e-mail address. Learn how to conduct and ask the community band director if you could learn one piece to conduct. Hang out at the local music instrument shop and ask if you can watch them repair instruments. Learn about Band in A Box and Smart Music--administrators love it when music educators can incorporate technology into their classrooms.

The more and varied music experience you have on your college applications, the better your chances of getting in.

9. Most of all, you need enthusiasm and a never-say-die attitude. No one can ignore someone who is passionate about where they're going. You sound like that type of guy. At the same time, you also got to be likable; you want to be the guy who everyone likes to be around and would invite to their birthday party.

 

Jaysne, I would like to attempt to prove you wrong on several of your points such as: not being a serious musician and not being committed to my dream. When I asked how much I should practice to prepare, I was not meaning how often, only a time amount that other music education majors recommended. To say I'm not a serious musician is a bit brutal in my opinion since I am seeking the knowledge of others to prepare myself for something that most people my age could care less about. As far as piano lessons, I would love to take them, but a high school sophomore with little income and an unemployed parent does pose a money issue for me. That's just a fact that I have to live with for now, and I see it as more important to take lessons on my main instrument for the moment. I do not agree that I'm not committed to my dream. As for your other questions: 1. I do not plan to teach in my hometown and have not decided on a college. Wherever I go I probably will end up teaching nearby, but have already mentioned I would be willing to go wherever opportunities are. 2. I plan on specializing in band since I have the most experience in that area. 5. My director has been teaching me theory before school, and I've taught myself much of the info on musictheory.net. 8. I did not mention this, but I do know many of the musicians in my area, since I've already been to state solo/ensemble, district and state band, conference band, and four-state. 9. Thank you! I try to get invited to birthday parties.

I apologize for the beginning of my response, I just don't agree when someone who doesn't know me questions much dedication and dreams. You offered some really great points, and I appreciate that you had so much to say. Happy New Year's!

 

I think that you need to re-read Jaysne's post, he isn't saying what you interpreted him to have said.

As far as Jaysne's points I think they are all good but in my experience #3 seems to not hold true where I am, there are MANY good pianists in my college who are not majoring on that instrument,
one of the best pianists at the school is a flute player. And realize that our piano instructor is constantly telling us when you transfer to your next school (small community college) you will have to take
and entrance and exit piano test and you had better be pretty good to pass the exit test. He is a Julliard grad and an amazing player and a great teacher as well.

 

I apologize, I did somewhat misinterpret that. As for piano lessons, I know that there is a piano proficiency exam that I will need to pass. For right now though, as I'm only a sophomore, I do think it is currently more beneficial to become better at my main instrument so I can even pass the entrance audition later. I'm not even sure what to do about that at this point, I know I cannot afford lessons on both saxophone and piano. I guess I could talk to my director and see if he will help me, but other than that, I'm out of options for now. When I am an upperclassman and my parents realize I'm serious about this, than hopefully that will change. Once again, I'm sorry for my misunderstanding with jaysne.

 

I have no practical experience but I do know a relative who started the music major path and stopped after a couple of years. She realized she loved music and wanted to be involved in it, but maybe not actually as a career. I have a friend who is a director at a smaller (700 students?) HS, and I know he loves his job but suffers a lot of frustration. He gets very little funding for the program (we paid to make a school horn playable for my child) and had to teach a period of 7th grade PE at the other building. He is in charge of all bands at the middle and high schools: concert, marching, jazz. The marching band is competitive and very good, but the school doesn't fund much at all; the parent-run music booster organization is very good and provides funding for travel, new uniforms, original compositions for the marching band as well as food for all when travelling and staying at competitions. There is no actual class period for jazz band so they meet at 6:00 AM before school starts and I am told this is not a rarity. So I see a big time commitment, not a lot of pay, and a lot of frustration. I often wish I had taken his path, though; I make more money but work at a job that is not a passion for me. He works in his passion but I think gets frustrated and maybe jaded too. Dealing with parents and young people, or anyone for that matter, in those settings has to have a lot of challenges! Still, he tells me he would do nothing else. I would just say be sure you understand the bad parts of where this path could lead you (reference bandmommy's post). Maybe you picture yourself directing a jazz band but for the first several years you are teaching grade schoolers with bells and wood blocks because that is the only job open so far. Will that work for you? If you still want it, go get it! There's the view of the untried and uneducated for you; good luck to you!

 

Thank you! One of the reasons I am set on this particular area is because I don't want to end up like so many people I know. Too many people have lives that they wonder "what if?" or wish they had at least tried to get their dream. I also try to be realistic about this, so I do know that it is not a job that will pay well, has short hours, or receives good funding. Several others on here have pointed out that I'll need extreme patience, dedication, and passion for this. By no means is this my only option, I could take many career paths. However, I would never enjoy my job if I did, and I'm not willing to always wonder if I could've done it. So, I guess I've answered several of my own questions in this post, and I have you to thank for it! Have a happy New Year's!

 

Speaking as one who majored in music composition, I would recommend that you specifically do NOT major in music education. Sure, you want to teach music in high school. No worries, get an education degree after you graduate in some other aspect of music.

The reason I say this is that, at least when I was coming up, the schools where "music education" was a major focus were universally reviled by "real" musicians. If you are going to teach music, you should get the best music education you can, then do what you need to do to get your teaching credentials. I second those who said "concentrate on piano" - this will get you farther than almost anything else.

I also must say I commend you for your courage. One of my most inspiring teachers was my high school band director, the older I get the more respect I have for him, I still tell jokes he told (all very bad of course) and I miss him a great deal. My aunt also took this route as a career (though in math and physics rather than music), and I have met many people over the years who remembered her lessons. This is a very important job you are setting out to do, hold your head high!

 

The reason I say this is that, at least when I was coming up, the schools where "music education" was a major focus were universally reviled by "real" musicians.

And how are the opinions of these "real" musicians relevant to teaching beginners of ALL INSTRUMENTS how to play their chosen instrument?

 

If you are just a sophomore in high school, don't worry too much about all of the "requirements" that certain schools have just yet. You have a lot of time. Continue practicing and improving on the saxophone while you're in high school. Most college music programs have a detailed schedule of what they wish for you to accomplish during your time there. You will start out with baby steps in theory, ear training, and piano. These skills will build over time as long as you put the necessary time in for YOU to succeed. Everyone is different and learns differently. As for methods classes, you will learn brass, woodwinds, and percussion through a series of classes that last a semester each. Your professor will most likely give you all the information you need to progress on the instrument through tests and presentations they will require through the duration of the course. If you live in Missouri, I would suggest checking out the University of Missouri in Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield. Both schools have great saxophone professors that will help you to continue progressing on your instrument as well as great music departments in general. People don't just go to college knowing everything there is to know about music before they get there. Some exposure to theory, ear training, piano, etc. helps, but let's remember that you are going to college to be educated in music and how to teach music successfully. Most colleges won't have a ton of unrealistic requirements for you to be accepted and get a scholarship. They look for the potential in people and have faith that you will succeed with the instruction they will give you while attending school there. Continue to pick your band director's brain with these questions while you're still in school. Chances are they can help you since they have the degree you are wishing to receive in the future.

I've been around music my entire life. Both of my parents are music educators and I didn't push myself to learn everything there is to know too early. It comes naturally for most people if it's really what they want to do. It's great to get some exposure to theory, piano, etc. before attending college, but it's not a necessity. Also, most schools have a small entrance test for theory, ear training, and piano and will place you in a class that starts with your skill level so that you have a better chance to succeed. Hope this helps.

 

If you are just a sophomore in high school, don't worry too much about all of the "requirements" that certain schools have just yet. You have a lot of time. Continue practicing and improving on the saxophone while you're in high school. Most college music programs have a detailed schedule of what they wish for you to accomplish during your time there. You will start out with baby steps in theory, ear training, and piano. These skills will build over time as long as you put the necessary time in for YOU to succeed. Everyone is different and learns differently. As for methods classes, you will learn brass, woodwinds, and percussion through a series of classes that last a semester each. Your professor will most likely give you all the information you need to progress on the instrument through tests and presentations they will require through the duration of the course. If you live in Missouri, I would suggest checking out the University of Missouri in Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield. Both schools have great saxophone professors that will help you to continue progressing on your instrument as well as great music departments in general. People don't just go to college knowing everything there is to know about music before they get there. Some exposure to theory, ear training, piano, etc. helps, but let's remember that you are going to college to be educated in music and how to teach music successfully. Most colleges won't have a ton of unrealistic requirements for you to be accepted and get a scholarship. They look for the potential in people and have faith that you will succeed with the instruction they will give you while attending school there. Continue to pick your band director's brain with these questions while you're still in school. Chances are they can help you since they have the degree you are wishing to receive in the future.

I've been around music my entire life. Both of my parents are music educators and I didn't push myself to learn everything there is to know too early. It comes naturally for most people if it's really what they want to do. It's great to get some exposure to theory, piano, etc. before attending college, but it's not a necessity. Also, most schools have a small entrance test for theory, ear training, and piano and will place you in a class that starts with your skill level so that you have a better chance to succeed. Hope this helps.

This really helps! I was actually considering both of these schools, particularly Missouri State. Of course, I'm not set on that school, and I have plenty of time to look at others. Your post definitely did put me at ease about some things that others are saying, and it's nice to have both points of view.

 

When I was a sophomore in HS, I wanted to be a Dr. By the end of my junior year, I wanted to be a band director. By the end of my sophomore year of college, I no longer wanted to be a band director, but rather play professionally. 9 years later, I got into IT and never looked back.

Thing is, things change. What you know now about yourself isn't what you'll know later. That said, finish the degree, whatever it is. It's a foot in the door and a recognition that you're smart and can complete something. Where you eventually end up will very likely be very different regardless of where you thought you were going as a High School sophomore.

I can tell you that as a telecom VP for a major manufacturer, reading a resume of someone with little experience that I had never met, I would tend to value someone with an Ed degree over a performance degree. That may prove to be a more flexible path.

 

The best and most influential music teachers in my life aren't music ed majors.

 

Maybe so, but as the title of this thread indicates, I'm looking at majoring in music education. I'm not really asking for other music major options, only to prepare myself for what I plan to do currently. Maybe it will change down the road as everyone says, but your post isn't helpful to the thread topic at this point.