Okay, I`m considering majoring in music in college (probably as part of a double major). I know it seems early to be asking this sort of question, but what sorts of things should I be doing now to prepare?

My piano teacher has a strong emphasis on theory and already has me studying college-level stuff, so I`m not too worried on that front. However, she`s not very big on piano competitions, and I`ve never been to one in my life, so should I start trying to compete some?

Also, should I start working on pieces from some more famous romantic, baroque, etc. composers? My teacher tends to let me just play what I like, so most of my experience is in contemporary music, though I`ve touched on all eras in my lesson books.

So, any advice?

well, first of all what is your second major, and what college are you considering. For example math education and music doesn`t have very much overlap. When you consider getting a music degree, you have to consider what you want to do with it. At the college level there are two types of undergrad music degrees. The B.A. (bachelor of the arts) with a major in music and a B.M. (baschelor of music) with either emphasis in Music performance, education, business.

What you are probably looking at, especially if you`re a double major is a BA in music with an applied instrument as piano. When considering this, you want to figure out how long you will be in school and what the overlap is between your two degrees. Next point, is consdiering your ensemble opportunities, this also depends on which school you plan to attend.

Any school with a mmusic major has a requirement for ensemble. Consider what the school`s opportunities are and there may be limitations (especially as a piano major). If you play another instrumetn, then there are no limitations, but if not, there may only be band, choir and orchestra. If you want to play in higher ensembles (such as chamber music, ensemble piano), then you won`t be looking at piano as a secondary major. Many of the conservatories that offer many performance opportunities for pianists do not offer music as a second degree. Due to the workload at bigger music schools, music credits will take up your entire schedule.

Lets take two chicago area schools for example. At North Central College many students will be taking music as a second major. However, the program isn`t very intense, and the ensembles are very limited. Another school roughly the same size, Roosevelt University (Chicago College of the performing arts), music is only offered to full time music student majors. But the study is more intensive and the ensemble opportunities are not as limited.

Also in comparing schools which allow both majors, consider how seriously you take your instrument and who you want to study with. With very few exceptions, the top music schools offering Bachelor`s of music degrees are going to have 90% of the faculty with top degrees (Doctoral of musical art degrees). At schools offering BA degrees many teachers may only have their masters degrees. When taking lessons, what do you want to get out of them? Because when comparing teaching styles, there are many things more you can learn from lessons with top professors, rather than your typical piano teacher. Try taking sample lessons with top teachers awt prospective schools and be willing to pay full price too (Can be very expensive in many areas).

My point is, if you are very serious about music, consider doing music as a fulltime degree (B.M.) program, because when considering faculty, performance opportunities, and the caliber of students around you affects your music education.

With that out of the way- what you can do to further prepare yourself for college.

RIght now, it is a good idea to accompany many people. This helps with your ensemble and reading skills. Don`t stress yourself out, but this should be part of your practicing.

Next- If you don`t have another instrument for an ensemble, You may want to take vocal lessons to improve your vocal technique. This may be your only other option at some schools for your ensemble.

During the summer before your first college term, an if you live near a junior college, it would be benificial to take a music appreciation course. This will expose you to many types of music, many of which you are too busy to listen to during your highschool senior year anyway. It is very good to have a large variety in your listening backround.

With that said, consider taking music up as a full-time degree in college, especially if you`re very passionate about music. If you are more interested in music than the second degree (let it be- math education) then pursue music. DO NOT pursue something that you have no interest in, or because you want a job. As in the words of many people if there is a will, then there is a way. Study what you love.