Music Schools

Overview

Music is defined as an agreeable, pleasing, and harmonious sound. The types of music includes classical, tribal, blues, rock, jazz, alternative, country, and folk. If you consider Mozart, Michael Jackson, or Elvis Presley as your role model, and aspire to be in music, then you should look into music schools.

Music schools offer a variety of degree titles from which you can choose, including diplomas, associate, bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees. Certain music schools also offer certification programs. The duration of a music school ranges from two years to five years, depending on the program you choose to study. The curriculum of the degree in music includes collaborative piano, composition, conducting (orchestral,) guitar, harpsichord, historical performance, jazz studies, orchestral instruments, organ, guitar, voice, and piano. Assignments and personal trainings are also offered in certain courses.

Benefits

Music is the base for many other jobs such as dancing, disc jockey, movies, and composing. Careers can be accomplished in different fields such as education, healthcare, radio, television, business, symphonies/orchestras, writing, and church. The job titles also vary for those who obtain degrees in music. It includes concert promoter, conductor, educator, music therapist, musician, music publisher, record producer, and singer. The salary package of musicians depends on the area in which they have chosen to serve. Music educators and music therapists earn an average salary of $17,000 to $70,000 per year. You can start your own music band and earn around $300 to $4,000 dollar per event in the initial stages. Apart from all these benefits, you can also gain popularity and fame in this profession.

Costs

The cost of a music degree depends upon the music school you choose to study at. The average cost for a bachelor's degree ranges from $12,000 to $30,000 per year, and for the master's degree it can be around $36,000 annually. Extra course work, instruments, accommodation, food, and lodging might result in additional expenses.

Schools

There are many schools and colleges in the United States which offer music degrees and programs. Some of them are Dartmouth College, Arizona State University, Juilliard School, San Jose State University, and Wofford College are some of the colleges that offer vocational and degree programs in music.

Testing & Preparation

You may be required to take up the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to determine your eligibility for admission. If you happen to be an international student, then you will also be required to produce your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. You are expected to have a reasonable score in your high school and the completed certificates have to be produced. You can also submit original music compositions, or songs recorded by you, which will be an added advantage. Attending crash courses and workshops related to music might help you to have a better idea about the full-time degree course.

Financial Aid

Colleges themselves have a program to offer financial aid and scholarships to their students. You may get in touch with the Julliard School financial aid office for more details on their financial aid program. The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) also provide scholarships to worthy students. Apart from these scholarships, you may also take advantage of student loans from several banks. You can also apply for the General Music Scholarship that offers scholarships to talented students.