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What does it mean to major in music?

Why is Austin Peay State University a good place to major in music?

What can APSU music majors do after graduation? 

Whom should I contact to learn more about majoring in music?

What scholarship opportunities are available for music majors?

 

What does it mean to major in music?

Typically, a music major will say things like:

“Music is a passion of mine and I want to learn all about it.”

“I am so passionate about music that I really want to perform it every day.”

“I am not sure if I want to perform or teach.  I am not sure I want a career in music at all, but I think I need to study it now so that I can understand and better appreciate it. Regardless of my career path, I know that music will be an important part of my life.”

The APSU music graduate will be able to perform in a healthy, dynamic, energetic, and poised way. He/she will be able to sight-read, be able to recognize and adapt to various styles, and be able to perform comfortably as a soloist or in ensemble situations.

By studying music at APSU, the student will be exposed to classical training—a fact that is not always obvious to incoming students.

Being classically trained means that over the course of their degree program, students become “sophisticated” in the art of music, but that sophistication can be used in many different ways after graduation. Whether students choose a career in music or not, their training will allow them to perform well in any musical style they choose.

 

Why is Austin Peay State University a good place to major in music? 

 There are many reasons, including:

 

What can APSU music majors do after graduation?

A career in music is one of the most rewarding and diverse occupations available.  While some may tell you that there are few jobs available in the arts, the truth is that music careers are readily available to those with the skills, knowledge, and tenacity to succeed as professional musicians.

Bachelor of Music in Performance:  Performing musicians are employed in opera houses, symphony halls, musical threatres, jazz clubs, and many other venues.  There are also a lot of performers who work mainly in recording studios, recording commercials, movie soundtracks and background music for popular musicians.  Also, each branch of the military has a wide array of performing ensembles that employ musicians.  Many 21st century performers do not audition for jobs in professional ensembles.  Instead, they market themselves as recitalists, seek grants, and fund their own performing tours.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education:  Music teachers work in public, private, or home schools, and teach students ranging in age from pre-school and elementary through adult learners; in bands, choirs, orchestras, and non-traditional ensembles.  Currently, there is a growing need for guitarists and popular musicians to work as music teachers, mainly in urban schools that might have rock bands in the schools rather than, or in addition, to traditional ensembles.  There are also a growing number of steel-pan bands; and other non-traditional school ensembles that need specially-trained music educators.  Choirs are also becoming more diverse as show choirs and other acapella genres become more and more popular.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Music:  Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Music have many options.  Some go on to teach music (in private studios or in public/private schools).  Some choose to use the bachelor's degree to go into the music business, studio recording, or arts management.  Finally, some go on to non-music careers like medicine, law, or business.  The fact is that a Bachelor of Arts can lead to many different career paths.

 

Whom should I contact to learn more about majoring in music?

Contact information for music department faculty is available on the music department website.  You may also call the Department of Music at 931-221-7818.  Our faculty members are very generous with their time and are always interested in helping students find the path that is right for them. 

 

What scholarships opportunities are available for music majors? 

There are scholarships for entering students which can range from $500 to $3000 or more (per year), depending on student’s musical ability and departmental needs.  For more information on how to audition for a scholarship, please see the following web page:  https://www.apsu.edu/music/auditions.  

Follow this link for additional scholarship information for music majors.