What to Consider When You Want Pursue Music as a Profession?

Published on 18 December 2024 at 16:22

When I began my university studies, I had already been set upon what I wanted to specialize in years before I started.

Therefore, when I was about to graduate from High School, I was sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that I wanted to study music. Consequently, it was not a question of what I wanted to do in life but where I wanted to study to achieve my goals and the logistics that accompanied that choice.

I chose this because I loved playing my instrument and enjoyed practicing, rehearsing, and playing in ensembles.

What if a young musician wants to continue in music but is still determining whether to attend a music program at a university? Perhaps they need to be convinced if they should or have the ability to make music their profession. If this describes a situation you are in now, then you can consider the following aspects in your decision-making process.

Playing Level
Practicing schedule
Playing and performing experience

Typically, universities require auditions from students applying to music programs, and they will expect the candidate to have a certain playing level. That means being able to play a certain number of pieces on their instrument for an audition. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the student has prepared for the required program with the help of their present teacher.

First, you must determine where you are on your musical path. Your teacher can naturally help you in this regard. They can explore the following questions with you.

Are you proficient in playing your instrument?
How many years have you been playing?
Is your practicing schedule consistent and regular?
Have you been taking regular weekly lessons consistently?

Reflect on the questions above. If your answers are positive, you can look for the best program university program to suit your needs. But first, evaluate your practicing schedule and increase the hours needed to prepare for the audition.

It is also advisable to track practicing hours, as this information can help you adjust your schedule and strengthen your practicing habits. Many tracking sheets and templates are available for this purpose, or one can create a personalized form from the multitude of applications on the Internet.

Another important aspect is to perform a great deal. One way to do that is to join a youth orchestra in your area or a similar organization.

It is also essential to consider if you love practicing and performing. Consider the required hours not just in the practice room but also in rehearsals. If your ultimate goal is to play in an orchestra, you should be ready for that commitment. Therefore, depending on which aspect or field of music you would like to pursue, the appropriate question is whether one would be happy to put in such hours.

How would one determine where and how to study classical music at a university if they want to make music their profession.

The next step in your quest is to research the universities that offer music programs in your area or elsewhere. Find the teachers who teach your instrument in these schools and decide if you want to study with them. Think about who you want to study with, which will also help you choose as you will be working with a teacher.

If you still have doubts about your skills and practice schedule, you can increase your personal engagement daily and weekly with your chosen instrument. Start practicing, prepare the pieces your teacher assigns you well, and return to your lesson. And see how you do with your changed practicing habits in your lesson. Usually, when you begin practicing regularly, it will reflect in your lesson. Your teacher can tell. It is almost impossible not to. You should make progress with due diligence if you pay attention to problems in your playing.

Give yourself time to make appropriate progress. Don't expect to make progress by practicing one week and ignoring everything the following week. Be consistent for a considerable period, so you see legitimate results.

Your teacher can help you more when you practice, without which the teacher will have little to say or add to your improvement.

Taking regular music lessons means acquiring the necessary input from your professor, practicing what was imparted to you in that lesson for one week, and then returning to the lesson demonstrating what you have accomplished during that particular week. As a result, your teacher can instruct more efficiently and inform you of your next steps in mastering a specific piece or composition. Skipping this process makes it more difficult for the teacher to assist you in your goal of becoming a professional musician.

In summary, practice and put in the correct number of hours, then determine if you would like to commit to such a schedule. Try to find a university program near you and prepare for your audition. It is also essential to discuss the latter with a professional teacher and prepare accordingly, depending on age and level. It does not matter if you are playing the piano, the guitar, the violin, or any other instrument. You must practice and prepare well.

As you practice regularly and enjoy its benefits, you and your teacher will also determine the best program for you to continue your education in music.

When accepted into a university music program, you must practice your instrument daily and adjust your lifestyle and situation accordingly.

So, the main question you should ask yourself if you want to continue is whether you are ready to practice and put in the time required to master your instrument and are serious about the commitment.

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