so ive been given an assignment about what i want to major in or what i want to be when i grow older. just to get more background and research, whats it like to be a music major in percussion? in performance or education? it would be helpful if any of you guys are music majors and could tell me what the lifestyle, work environment, salary (if u want to tell) and stuff like that is. not sure if this is in the right forum, but instructors are involved in music education. on a side note, does any know how much the DCI staff makes? like the snare techs or the caption heads

I'm in the process of auditioning for college. Music Education, with voice and percussion as double focuses.

With education, at least in a good program, you're going to have the strictly music related classes: theory, history, composer-related stuff. Then you have your focused instrumental classes: your private lessons and any "theoretical application to percussion" classes. Then you'll have your educationally focused classes, i.e. how to teach music to kids. Then you've got your ensembles; whatever bands or groups you perform in, usually more than just one or two. Then on top of all of that, you've got your liberals. And even then, you still have to devote several hours a day to practicing your instrument's materials.

The difference, at least as explained to me by Youngstown State's dean of music, between performance and education is the education classes are replaced with stuff like advanced pedagogy and more "unnecessary" classes to further the theoretical and mathematical aspects of performing music, that you don't necessary "need" for education. He used "unnecessary" and "need" very loosely, as everything is important, but he explained that with the whole four year program you're obviously going to have to focus in different directions in some way.

Another thing people do with music is therapy. Basically you go through the performance side of the story and take a couple of medical classes to help out.

Hey there,
I would like to say congrats on considering music as a career. It is extremely rewarding. You get to spend your time with like minded people, and it's something that you can pursue for your entire life.

I will say this though: Do not get into music for the money. This is not to say that you can't make a comfortable living either playing or teaching; you absolutely can. However, it is well known that teaching is not the highest paying profession. You have to be dedicated and patient. Very patient.

Also, whether you are teaching or performing, it is crucial that you can get along with people. Nobody wants to work with somebody that is difficult to get along with, and most folks would rather work with someone less talented but easy to work with than a super talented ego maniac.

Another thing, when you start working with people, make a point to get contact information from EVERYBODY. You never know when a crappy pick-up gig can turn into a tour because you did a great job and the band leader remembers you.

While you are young, put yourself in as many playing situations as possible. That means playing the high school musical, jazz choir, orchestra, and even singing if you can, as well as drumline. Reading music well is very important.

And if you start gigging out, remember you will have to start playing for little to no money. It doesn't seem like you are the "I'm going to be a Rock Star" type. People have a better chance of winning the lottery than becoming a rock star. It takes more luck and talent, I think more luck.

I've been lucky to have supported myself drumming for 20 years so far. But it means teaching, playing weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, original rock tours for very little dough, blues jams, writing for high schools, casino gigs, many, many sub gigs, studio gigs, demo recordings, tons of unpaid rehearsals, and sometimes worrying if the phone is going to ring.

But, I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

Good luck and hang in there.

M

One thing to add for Music Therapy is that some college programs require music education classes, because you will have a situation where teaching experience is needed. The college I went to required this from their Music Therapy Majors. Music Ed Majors also had to take a course dealing with teaching music to students with special needs. I was glad I took that course. Where I teach I apply what I learned everyday.

Well played.