College Music Administration

violadad
Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:45:50 +0000

For a terminal degree such as Phd or a GPD beyond a Masters, I’d say that in almost all cases I’ve seen that undergrad, masters and terminal degress come from at least two, if not three different institutions.

Track records and credentials are established through holding similar lower level administrative positions within departments, disciplines, schools… example, chair of strings at College A, then Director Instrumental Studies College B, maybe Dean of Music College University C and so forth.

Like any appointment, a high level position at a major college/conservatory is going to be based on many factors: education, contibutions to the field, recognition within the professional organizations, and a proven history of accomplishment in positions of increased responsibility.

Google some names. David Cerone (CIM), Malcolm Morrison, (Hartt) and others at the major music schools will give you a great cross section of the varied backgrounds of high level administrators.

It takes years.

Now, that being said, if admission head/dean status is your ultimate career goal, and you know that from starting as an undergrad, it might make sense to get one of the degrees in the management disciplines and plan accordingly.