what highschool course do i need to takw to become a musician

by Miss Myah Hermann 8 min read

Understanding the foundations of music is essential to a skilled music producer. This knowledge can be developed in high school through many courses, such as music appreciation, music history or musical theory. If your school is fortunate enough to have a well-developed music curriculum, use this to enhance your career.

Full Answer

What degree do I need to become a musician?

What high school courses are needed to become a musician? You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school….Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include: Band. Chorus. Music History and Appreciation. Music Theory. Orchestra or Strings. What to study if you want to be a musician?

What qualifications do you need to be a musician?

Oct 20, 2021 · At the junior high and high school level, playing an instrument in a band or orchestra can give you experience and formalize your training. Step 2: Get Post-Secondary Training While an associate's degree program in music may provide you with additional skills, individuals that want to work as classical musicians generally need to pursue a bachelor's …

How to become a professional musician?

Oct 20, 2021 · Students learn to apply musical theories to all types of music, including jazz, rock and classical music. Typical courses include: Music theory Music composition and production Ear training Instrumental instruction Music history Bachelor of Arts in Music

Should I become a musician?

High School Diploma. 12.75%. One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Instrumental Musicians or what courses do I need to take.

Step 1: Take Lessons

Musicians often begin taking lessons during their youth. Individuals learn to play an instrument or sing by enrolling in lessons with a private teacher or through a school program. Young musicians will often need to practice on a regular basis in order to prepare for recitals.

Step 2: Get Post-Secondary Training

While an associate's degree program in music may provide you with additional skills, individuals that want to work as classical musicians generally need to pursue a bachelor's degree.

Step 3: Audition

Whether a musician wants to perform in a jazz band, professional orchestra or for an event, they will often need to audition to demonstrate their musical skills and talents. Musicians may also be expected to have a demo that they can send out to producers or potential employers.

What degree do you need to be a musician?

Doctoral. You could also earn a doctoral degree in music. A Doctor of Musical Arts, for example, typically requires you to choose a specialization like performance, composition, education, or a specific instrument.

What is an associates degree in music?

Associate's. In an associate's degree program in music, you'll learn basic concepts and techniques in songwriting and instrumentation. You may take courses in music theory, ear training, and ensembles. Many programs allow you to focus your studies on one aspect of music, such as string instruments, keyboard, piano, or vocals.

What is a masters in music?

Master's. A master's degree in music is an option for those who wish to learn about more advanced aspects of musical composition and theory. Depending on your interests, you'll focus on one emphasis, such as jazz, piano, guitar, or orchestral conducting, and you'll complete specialized coursework in your emphasis.

What do you study in a doctoral program?

You'll study complex topics relevant to your specialization, such as music analysis and design, composition methods, and advanced theory. Doctoral programs typically culminate in a final project, such as an extended musical composition or a major performance.

Essential Information

Individuals looking for a career in the music industry should have a background in playing instruments. Formal education is not a requirement for musician training programs, but hands-on training is recommended in order to gain experience and sharpen skills quickly.

Associate of Arts in Music

An associate's degree program in music prepares students to work as musicians with music groups, choirs, symphonies or music production companies. Coursework allows students to practice instrumental music and read complex music and music literature.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

A bachelor's degree program in music provides advanced coursework in musical theory, composition, production and conducting. Students learn to play various instruments and, if desired, take vocal training courses. A bachelor's degree program in music may include courses on:

What do music producers think of?

When many think of music producers, they think of the person inside a soundproof booth playing with mixing boards and computer equipment to engineer sound. This is often a large part of a music producer’s responsibilities. Any classes that will increase your understanding in computers and recording equipment, such as communication technology ...

How is the success of a record measured?

The success of a piece of recorded work is not only measured by its artistic merit, but by its saleable qualities as well. Creating a hit record that sells well can be the result of understanding what makes a hit, but also managing the financial and marketing aspect of the piece.

Is it too early to start a career in music production?

For high school students, it is never too early to start laying the foundation for a lucrative and satisfying career in music production. This includes enrolling in courses and signing up with extracurricular activities that can benefit this future career path.

Instrumental Musicians

Instrumental Musicians play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group.

What degree do you need

We did a survey to ask other Instrumental Musicians what degree they had when they became an Instrumental Musician. Here are the results.

How hard is it

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be an Instrumental Musician. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Skills required

We asked other Instrumental Musicians if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Instrumental Musicians are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

What is the role of a singer in music?

Singers use their knowledge of music and harmony to interpret and perform songs in a variety of genres. A singer also understands that the voice is an instrument, as much as a guitar, saxophone, or keyboard.

Can you sing in more than one genre?

You may sing in a particular musical style, although some singers are versatile enough to sing in more than one genre. You learn how to read sheet music, including how to sight read, which gives you the ability to sing the right notes by looking at the sheet music only, without musical accompaniment.

What classes do high school actors take?

High school actors who take classes in literature and history give themselves a foundation. These classes teach them where to find the information they need to research different time periods, something which is especially helpful when the actor must do a period piece.

What do actors learn in school?

These classes often require that students learn classical music, which further stretches the voice and gives the student an introduction into historical periods.

What is acting class?

Learning to act involves more than just saying lines on stage. High school acting classes can teach a student how to break down a scene into its most basic elements. These classes can also teach the high school actor about period works, such as Shakespeare's plays, as well as the proper acting techniques to play characters in those works.

What is the most important part of an actor's body?

Movement . An actor's body is his most important instrument, and many acting roles require that the actor dance or perform feats such as juggling. Aspiring high school actors can develop this part of themselves by taking dance and movement classes if the school offers them.

How does speech help actors?

Speech classes also help an actor develop his speaking voice by learning to enunciate and project so the people in the back of the room can hear. All these qualities are part of the actor's tool box and complement what he learns in acting classes.

Musician Education Overview

  • You generally do not need a degree to become a musician; persistent, life-long training is usually how individuals develop the skills needed. While not essential to a career in music, formal training may help you improve your skills and increase your chances of landing a job as a studio musician or orchestra member. In fact, it may be necessary for certain positions in the music industry. Fo…
See more on learn.org

Associate's

  • In an associate's degree program in music, you'll learn basic concepts and techniques in songwriting and instrumentation. You may take courses in music theory, ear training, and ensembles. Many programs allow you to focus your studies on one aspect of music, such as string instruments, keyboard, piano, or vocals. Associate's degree programs in music are often i…
See more on learn.org

Bachelor's

  • Alternatively, you might enroll directly in a bachelor's degree program to strengthen your musical abilities. Many college music departments offer majors in music education and theory, composition, performance, or general music. A general bachelor's degree program in music, for example, may entail broad coursework in music theory, composition, and aural training. You can …
See more on learn.org

Master's

  • A master's degree in music is an option for those who wish to learn about more advanced aspects of musical composition and theory. Depending on your interests, you'll focus on one emphasis, such as jazz, piano, guitar, or orchestral conducting, and you'll complete specialized coursework in your emphasis. Many programs require you to take part in a graduate recital before earning you…
See more on learn.org

Doctoral

  • You could also earn a doctoral degree in music. A Doctor of Musical Arts, for example, typically requires you to choose a specialization like performance, composition, education, or a specific instrument. Such programs are geared toward students who want to lead renowned bands or orchestras, teach college-level courses, or work in music administration. You'll study complex to…
See more on learn.org

Broadcasting Courses

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Many high schools feature extracurricular and elective programs that can be very useful to the aspiring music producer. For example, if your school has a radio station (on air or online), a television news program or any sort of website production course these can be very useful tools. Enrolling in these activities can …
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Technology Courses

  • When many think of music producers, they think of the person inside a soundproof booth playing with mixing boards and computer equipment to engineer sound. This is often a large part of a music producer’s responsibilities. Any classes that will increase your understanding in computers and recording equipment, such as communication technology and computer courses, are essent…
See more on theclassroom.com

Economics/Finance/Business

  • What some aspiring music producers don’t realize is how pivotal the business aspect of the industry is. The success of a piece of recorded work is not only measured by its artistic merit, but by its saleable qualities as well. Creating a hit record that sells well can be the result of understanding what makes a hit, but also managing the financial and marketing aspect of the pi…
See more on theclassroom.com

Arts Courses

  • Try enrolling in arts courses at your high school. All of these courses have something to offer that can help you in your career, as well as help you to get comfortable with the demonstration of artistic expression that is essential to “make it” in the music industry. For example, drama classes are all about production and even require sound engineers for recordings and live music. Langua…
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Music Courses

  • Understanding the foundations of music is essential to a skilled music producer. This knowledge can be developed in high school through many courses, such as music appreciation, music history or musical theory. If your school is fortunate enough to have a well-developed music curriculum, use this to enhance your career. Otherwise, seek out classes and programs outside of school th…
See more on theclassroom.com

Band/Orchestra/Instrument Focus

  • Similar to music courses, signing up for the school band, orchestra or studying an instrument in class can be a very useful activity. Many music producers are actually established musicians themselves, often called in to work with recording artists to create original work or provide supplementary tracks to a song or album.
See more on theclassroom.com