Should I Get A Master’s Degree In Music?
It depends on which area of music you want to focus in. A master’s degree in music is not necessary to become a pop singer, for example. You don’t even need a bachelor’s degree for this career. Pure talent and showmanship are the only requirements to become a performer. For as long as you can sing and have that magnetic appeal that can draw people to you then it doesn’t matter how much education you’ve had. For singers who wish to focus on opera and classical music performances, however, a bachelor’s degree is often the entry-level requirement. An undergraduate degree will enable them to improve their craft by teaching them vocal techniques and musical expression.
There are areas in music performance where a master’s in music degree is going to be advantageous. These include conducting, stage directing for opera and music education. A master’s degree in music with a focus on conducting will help you improve your craft by teaching you orchestration, analytical techniques, keyboard skills and others. If you are interested in opera stage directing, a postgraduate degree program will teach you music theory and tackle subjects in opera production and opera performance.
An important reason to get a master’s in music degree is if you have plans of teaching in the academy where the entry requirement is a master’s degree at the least. This educational program will cover such topics as the philosophy of music education, history of music and research methods. It will also ask students to concentrate on which area of music they want to focus teaching in—such as instrumental music or vocal music. Many aspiring music teachers move on to earn their PhD if they want to attain higher positions in the academe, such as heading the music department, for example.
This does not mean that other musicians shouldn’t earn their master’s degree in music just because it isn’t necessary in their profession. There are other benefits to pursuing further studies in music other than making it a stepping stone to a musical career. A master’s in music degree will delve more deeply into your chosen area of specialization and will definitely enhance not only your knowledge but improve your craft as well. If you are after polishing your music technicality, this is certainly a place where you will get the guidance from experienced veterans and performers who have years of experience in the field. Being under their tutelage is surely going to be a boon to your experience and training as an artist.
Of course, you will have to weigh this advantage with the cost of obtaining such an education. As you may very well know, it can be very challenging to break into the music industry. Although the Internet has made it possible for aspiring artists to get their music heard by an increasing number of people, it is still quite challenging to earn lucratively in this profession especially if you are still starting. You may want to crunch the numbers first and determine if the added knowledge will be worth the expense of going back to music school for a master’s in music degree.
Career Spotlight: Music Teacher
Music teachers are responsible for teaching music appreciation, the reading of musical notes, and musical instrument education. Music teachers can teach at an elementary school, middle school, or high[...]
