Need help to find a good course for a bachelor's degree
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    Hello all I'm Neil here I need some guidance on how to choose the right course for bachelor's degree(bmus). I'm basically looking out for a course with consists a bit of everything ie not specialised in any subject (egarly looking for courses which includes music technology also).
    Thanks
    Neil
  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,295
    Could you tell us more about yourself, Neil? The following information would be most helpful for us, if you want us to be able to give you anything more than a general recommendation:

    What is your age?

    Where do you live?

    What instruments do you play?

    For how long have you played them?

    At what level do you play them?

    Do you play or sing with any ensembles? Please share details.

    What are your career goals?

    Is cost a significant consideration for you when selecting a school, or do you have ample financial resources?
    Thanked by 1canadash
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,157
    Also, to clarify, are you looking for recommendations about *where* to study and in what program?
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    I'm looking for a scholarship(partial/full) .
    Any country would be fine but I need quality education

  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,295
    Not to be pushy, Neil, but you really haven't given us enough information to give you a good answer. Could I ask what your first language is? Please forgive me if I am mistaken in my assumption that it is not English.
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,157
    In addition to the questions irishtenor asked above, I would add one more: what schools do your music teachers recommend?
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    Age-21
    Indian
    Piano(preparing for my Atcl) and my secondary instrument is cello. I've been playing piano for the past 15 years and cello for 5years
    English is my first language. In my previous discussions above I've mentioned that I'm looking for courses which includes everything so I'm not specific with any schools. I play the piano mostly for my church choir and as an accompanimist for individual musicians and I play the cello for several ensembles and I am a part of the national youth orchestra. I hope I've provided enough information.
    Thank you
    Neil
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,157
    Thanks, Neil. Congratulations on your selection to be a performer in the national youth orchestra: that is a fine achievement!

    Just to clarify some terminology, there may be some misunderstanding among our readers about the word "course". If I understand right, a "course" in India refers to the entire program of instruction leading to a university degree.

    In contrast, U.S. universities and colleges refer to that as a "degree program". Here a "course" refers to instruction in one subject, and typically a university student will take eight to ten "courses" per year.

    Perhaps a good way to start your process of decision would be to make a list of all the universities offering music programs, and also any music institutes offering education recognized by the state at the same level. One list of institutions is in Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_university_and_college_schools_of_music#_India

    Then you could reduce the list by excluding programs that obviously do not meet your needs: for instance, if they only offer a B.A. program and not a program leading to the B.Mus. degree. You can probably find that information on the web sites of the various universities and institutes.

    Also, if you want a program that includes Western music prominently, you can exclude programs that do not provide that.

    You will need to inquire to find out how many music students are at each institution; you might also ask how many students completed their degrees this year. Larger programs often offer instruction in subjects that smaller institutions cannot offer.

    You mentioned your wish to have instruction in liturgical music, but I expect you will probably not be able to get this at most music schools. At least that is the pattern here in the U.S. Perhaps Christian institutions will make an effort to give instruction for church musicians. You will need to look up each school's program in detail.

    After you reduce the list, you can learn more by visiting the schools: you should attend some classes for first-year students (for example, music theory); some classes for more advanced students (e.g., arranging, conducting, composition), and attend some performances by students. Some music schools have student performances every week, and require each student to present an individual or small-group performance at least once in every term (that is, twice a year).
  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,295
    A very important consideration for you is: what is my career goal? If it is sacred music, then a school (university) like:

    Catholic University of America,
    Westminster Choir College,
    the University of Michigan,
    the University of Kansas, or
    the American Organ Institute at the University of Oklahoma

    leap immediately to mind as suitable programs for students of requisite ability, though I'm sure I missed some other gems.

    I personally went to a small liberal arts college for my undergraduate degree (BA in music) and a large flagship state university for my MMus. I had a more meandering path toward sacred music, but that's another story...
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    @chonak @irishtenor thank you so much for your guidance
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    Is it possible that I can do my undergraduate in scared music and masters in another major.
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,157
    It's more common to approach it the other way around.
  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,295
    @chonak is generally correct in his assessment. What other major interests you/what would you potentially be interested in pursuing for your masters?
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    I'm not sure about that yet...I may go for a performance and composition or a theory based masters
  • Neil
    Posts: 20
    Could I get help regarding the scholarships also.Mostly looking for a full scholarship.
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,157
    Here's a general page about financial aid for international students:
    https://www.nafsa.org/About_Us/About_International_Education/For_Students/Financial_Aid_for_Undergraduate_International_Students/

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