Tips to Successfully Becoming a Music Major

For all of my fellow musicians out there, have you attempted at getting into music school at a University? Well, here’s a piece of advice for you, be prepared! Getting accepted into a University is one thing, but getting accepted into the music school within the University is another thing! I may not be the most knowledgeable person, but I know firsthand everything that one needs to know before going into that audition! Depending on the University you choose, the audition process could vary, but to be safe I will cover all you should have prepared for your audition.

                First off, contact your university, it could be helpful to reassure that they do in fact have a music department. Once you have that reassurance you are ready to begin the process! Begin preparing songs you want to perform, as a potential music major you will need to refresh your repertoire. In a meeting I attended hosted by a Vocal Professor from a University in Tyler, I learned that students auditioning needed to have multiple songs prepared and they need to be in specific languages like: German, Italian, Latin, and English (could vary depending on the school). For a private university, your audition may not be as extensive. For Lee College I didn’t have an audition to get into the music department, they welcome musicians with open arms, which is always encouraging for new or old musicians. I recommend keeping in contact with counselors at your desired university, they may not always be the friendliest people, but they have the knowledge that you need!

                Second, be able to read at least some music. I had an audition as Dallas Baptist University a year ago before deciding to come to Lee College, and it was an eye-opening experience. I was in band for seven years so I knew how to read music, but doing it on the spot, and having to sing it is a completely different ball game! Knowing and understanding solfège (a music education method used to teach pitch and sight singing) can be very impressive to the judges you are auditioning for. That was one area where I was lacking, you typically learn solfège in choir, and I was a band geek through high school. In the audition, the judges will show you a short piece of music and then give you a few seconds to look at it, then they will give you the beginning note and they will expect you to sight-read the music. This concept may be foreign to you, but I recommend you prepare yourself for this part. It may or may not break you, but it could help your audition run a lot smoother and you will look a lot more prepared.

                The last thing on your to-do list would be to know yourself. If you are a procrastinator, stop it! This audition could forever alter your life, if you make it you will go on to potentially achieve great things, but if you don’t you could lose your passion, your motivation. The thing to remember is that an audition doesn’t define you, if somebody doesn’t like your ability, someone along the road will. Don’t give up just because one person says no.

                Becoming a music major has its challenges, but becoming anything in life has its challenges, so get ready, your journey is about to begin! I hope that these tips help you in your future auditions! Best of Luck!