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Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies

The World of Music through a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Program

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies

Music can be considered a language that is understood by everybody. Music lovers can choose to take their passion to the next level by finishing a four-year course through a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies program. The initial two years of the course are focused on the basics of music and performance. The remaining two years are dedicated to the major or specialization chosen by the student.

Specializations to Choose From

  1. Arranging/Composition

This major equips students with the knowledge and skills required in order to be able to compose and arrange music. It is best for those who prefer to write music for performers instead of performing it themselves. Of the four majors, this is considered to be one with the highest risk but also the highest rewards. This is because you need not only to write quality music pieces but also need to find a performer to use them. Just one big hit however will greatly increase your value as a composer and therefore increase your earnings per piece.

  • Education Stream

This major equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to teach Jazz in the future whether it is in elementary or in secondary education. This is considered to be the most stable among all the four majors because there will always be colleges and universities that are in need of additional music teachers. If you want to get employed as soon as possible then this is the best path for you. If you want to remain focused on Jazz music you can choose to teach in the college level as an instructor of whichever area you have majored in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree program. This means that all four areas can virtually enter the education sector.

  • Instrumental Performance

This is major is made for students who want to make a living off of performing their instrument of choice whether they prefer the violin, piano, etc. They may work as solo artists or part of a musical group. Students in this area get specialized lessons from a mentor who is a master at playing the same instrument. They will participate in two types of classes. General music classes will allow you to study with other students who use different instruments. Special music classes will pit you with classmates who specialize in the same instrument as you.

  • Vocal Performance

This fourth major in a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree program is focused on students who want to make a living in creating Jazz music using their voice. They will undergo special tutelage by mentors who have succeeded in making a living off of singing jazz in the past or in the present. They will be taught different ways to sing and will also be encouraged to develop their own style of singing.

Education Stream Requirements

Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree program should plan ahead and take on units depending on the specialization or occupation they wish to take in the higher years. Be sure to list down all the required units for whatever path you wish to take.

  1. Secondary Music Teaching

  • One year of a vocal ensemble

  • One year of secondary Private Music Instruction (PMI) in voice

  1. Elementary Teaching

  • Three Credits of Laboratory Science

  • Three Credits of Mathematics

  • Three Credits of History or Geography

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Bachelor of Music in Theory

Bachelor of Music in TheoryMaking the Decision to Take On a Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree

Online courses are the newest innovations in the sector of education. As the demand for online schooling grows the number of schools, colleges, and universities that are accredited and duly recognized to offer online courses are also increasing. A Bachelor of Music in Theory program is one of the many courses that are becoming more and more popular for study from home activities. Majoring in theory is primarily aimed at becoming a teacher or professor in the future. It focuses mainly on theoretical knowledge such as the history and evolution of music as well as its numerous forms and the various factors that continuously shape it.

Qualification Levels

Studying online has recently become popular because of the many perks that come with it. The student no longer needs to go to school so he can save on transportation. He also need not follow schedules because he can choose when he will take his lessons. A Bachelor of Music in Theory degree is available in three levels of qualification.

Associate’s Level

This is the most basic qualification and it can be completed in just two years. All music students regardless of the major usually take up the same courses in their initial two years. This is because the courses tackled in this level are just the fundamentals of being qualified for a career in the music industry. This stage also serves as the trial period during which the student is to decide whether he really wants to pursue this particular path or not. If he chooses not to, he can shift to another course or use his associate’s qualification for employment. A par-time home tutor is often his main option. This is because those at an associate’s level are not certified to teach in schools, colleges, and universities. If he chooses to continue, he can advance to the next level of qualification.

Bachelor’s Level

A bachelor’s level of qualification can be achieved by adding to more years to an associate’s degree. This is also the stage wherein the student can get a certain set of subjects that match his chosen major. Those who major in the theory part of the course are intent on imparting their knowledge and skills to others. They are the ones determined to become teachers and professors after graduation. This qualification is the minimum required to be able to instruct in education institutions. They can also work as managers for performers and bands who require expert guidance for their work if they really want to be part of the music industry. If they choose to go to even higher heights and make more positions available for them then they can advance to master’s level.

Master’s Level

This advancement can be achieved by adding one year or more to a bachelor’s degree. The number of years needed to complete the qualification upgrade depends on the major the student has chosen. The major is likely to be similar to the major he picked in college. This is to make the student further specialized in his preferred field.

Doctor’s Level

This is the ultimate qualification of a theory major in music. It can be accomplished by completing two more years after becoming a master. A doctorate of the program automatically becomes an authority in his chosen major. He can choose the same major as during his master’s or choose a completely different major to add dimension to his expertise.

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Bachelor of Music in Performance

Making the Decision to Take On a Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree

Bachelor of Music in Performance

Most of the people who decide to spend their college years aiming for a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree with the hopes of someday making a living off of performing music at a professional level. This path however can be considered as the epitome of the line “high risk, high reward” because only a small portion of these hopefuls will make it big and actually manage to live off of their passion for music. This small portion of the gifted or the lucky will earn compensation way more than that of other jobs if they manage to make it big.

A few years of fame as a performer may set you up for living comfortably for the rest of your life. The majority who don’t make it however, will have to get part-time jobs to support themselves. Some may even end up forgetting about their dream and think of performing music as nothing but a hobby. This is why you need to be sure of your talents, perseverance, and passion before you take up the course.

Should I Do it?
This is the number one question that comes to mind when a music lover first contemplates getting a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree. This question is quite difficult to answer. First, the individual must assess himself and determine how much he really loves music and how confident he is that he can make a living off it. Second, he needs to get the opinion of his parents and teachers. These people know him best and can provide him with a proper evaluation of his talents, attitude, and drive and if they are enough for him to achieve his dream. If both steps yield to favourable results then you are all ready to set sail towards becoming a music performer. Achieving your dream will not only satisfy yourself but also assure you of financial stability.

Can I Do It?
After deciding that he should do it, the next question the student should answer is whether he can do it or not. He should consider the fact that music in college is nowhere near music in high school. The former is a lot more competitive. Not only do you need to have ample latent potential but you must also be able to work hard in order to hone that potential. Remember that unlike in high school, most of your classmates in college also love music.

Three General Courses

1) Classroom Courses

Courses in the Bachelor of Music in Performance category are delivered just like how the subjects in high school are. They are focused primarily on theoretical knowledge to strengthen the foundations of the student. Common subjects in this group are:

  • Music History
  • Music Theory
  • Aural Skills
  • Harmony Skills
  • Composition Skills

2) Private Lessons
Private lessons and solo performances is the second category which focuses on advanced musical development of the student. The students are grouped into teams based on the quality of their voices and the instruments that they prefer. It also involves weekly one-on-one lessons between instructor and student. The student not only hones his voice but also an instrument of his choosing. The highly skilled teachers will provide the students with essential experience they will carry on even after they have become professionals.
3) Performance Ensembles

Bachelor of Music in Performance, revolves around forming teams to render musical performances. Each team can spend up to one whole semester in preparing for their performance. It will be viewed by the rest of the students and several experts.

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Bachelor of Music in Composition

Bachelor of Music in Composition

Why Enroll in a Bachelor of Music in Composition Degree Program

Music is everywhere. This is why it is considered as the universal language as it can be understood by everyone. It can be heard from anywhere from bands to video games. Everybody likes music. There are however, those who have extraordinary love for it and may even have the talent of producing it. If you have the love or the talent, a career in composing music might be the best path for you.

Bachelor of Music in Composition Course Introduction

A Bachelor of Music in Composition is the first degree level of study towards becoming a professional composer. It will provide the student with theoretical knowledge, as well as training to get him ready in embarking in a journey through the entertainment world as an artist who composes music. Aside from acquiring the necessary composition skills, the introductory qualification will also teach the student:

  • Advanced musicianship skills

  • Broad knowledge of musical language and literature

  • Musical composition teaching skills

Course Requirements for earning a Bachelor of Music in Composition:

  1. Comprehensive Musicianship

This involves a complete introduction to music and understanding of the basics of each area.

  1. Composition Techniques

This tackles the use of the numerous strategies and processes used to compose music. The student eventually chooses which technique works best for him, or he may also devise his own technique.

  1. Performance

The student will perform using his voice or his instrument of choice in an ensemble. This is to help him get a fee his future client’s shoes.

  1. Teaching Skills

The student is also taught how to impart his knowledge and skills to others through teaching. This will also help in his ability to manage and negotiate with clients.

  1. Pedagogy Methods

This is all about the development of analytical skills that help in the interpretation and critique of music.

  1. Technology Integration

This gets the student acquainted with the numerous modern tools and equipment that can help him in composing music.

Tough but Rewarding

You need an extraordinary passion if you are to pursue a career in composing music. This is because you are likely to face a tough road after graduation. Employment is not immediate for graduates of the course. This is because most artists like bands and singers prefer hiring experienced and established composers. For the first year or more you are likely to encounter difficulty finding clients. There are two ways to ease the hardships in this initial period though. The first way is to become a freelance private music tutor. You can look for people who want one on one music lessons for their kid. The second path is to take on a part-time job such as a bank teller or web designer. If you think you can manage composing only during the night, you can even make these jobs full time. Just persevere, until you find a client that can support your career.

Career Paths

Job vacancies for graduates of Bachelor of Music in Composition programs are limited. This however does not hurt the chances of succeeding in the entertainment world that much, because holders of the degree can always go independent. In fact, most graduates choose to be independent composers, independent performers, or teachers. You can also work in various sectors of the entertainment industry. You can compose music for films. Television shows, or even video games. If you want to gain better competency you can also advance your qualifications by getting a master’s degree.