Pro Tip
Still unsure if a degree in music and related studies is your calling? Take the career test
Music and Related Studies is a degree category that consists of the following common degrees:
- Read more about Music
At the heart of a music degree program are classes in music theory and aural skills, music history, music technology, and solo and ensemble performance. The typical curriculum also includes liberal arts elective courses.
While the specific structure of music programs will vary from school to school, the following are examples of some of the more common components:
Arranging / Composition
- Concepts and methodologies for writing in a variety of musical styles - Analyzing scores - Incorporating acoustic and electronic instruments into music writingEar Training
- Translating music notation (written symbols) into sound and movement - Translating sounds into notation - Learning to sing - Learning to conduct music - Hearing pitch and rhythm - Integrating music reading, hearing, vocal performance, and instrumental performanceHarmony
- Fundamentals of contemporary music theory - Recognizing and analyzing basic chord progressions - The relationship between melody and harmony in contemporary music stylesTonal Harmony and Counterpoint
- Analyzing and composing music based on harmony models of baroque, classical, romantic eras of European classical music - Composing short works based on these modelsMusic Technology
- Using different types of music production software - Producing arrangements using music production software - Recording and editing audio - Distributing music productionsPerformance
- Integrating traditional and contemporary styles into musical interpretation - Integrating posture, breathing, and instrumental technique - Proficiency in chosen principal instrument - Playing in various kinds of ensembles - Read more about Film Scoring
Degree programs in film scoring teach students how to create music for film, television, video games, and virtual reality experiences. The typical curriculum covers scoring terminology, techniques, and aesthetics and includes at least one hands-on project of scoring a short film. Some programs provide multiple recording opportunities, from sessions with soloists to scoring for string and symphony orchestras. Students may also have the chance to collaborate with and score projects for schools of other fine arts such as animation, game design, visual arts, or fashion. In addition, they may participate in scoring competitions and meet with composers, songwriters, and industry executives.
The overall goal of these programs is to begin to build a portfolio of composition work by learning about the following:
- The history and traditions of scoring
- The process of writing music for film
- Composing music in a variety of dramatic styles
- Creating a unique artistic sound
- Incorporating pre-existing music into a score
- Scoring techniques and software
- Editing sound track recordings
- The expectations of professional scoring
- Read more about Songwriting
Degree programs in songwriting teach the art of writing lyrics (words) and composing music for songs. Many programs do not require that students know how to read music or play an instrument. Classes cover music history, music theory, ear training, composition, and performance. Listed below are some sample courses. Of course, specific course content varies by degree level.
- Lyric Writing Techniques
- Music Composition Techniques
- Melody and Harmony
- Arranging, Instrumentation, and Production
- What Makes a Song a Hit
- Songwriting for Film and TV
- Writing Songs for Advertising / Commercials
- World Music Styles
- Co-Writing
- Songwriting Software
- Poetry Studies
- Renowned Songwriters and Musicians Studies