Skipping the Terminal Master's?

compmom
Sat, 11 Jun 2011 09:10:06 +0000

I think it may be kind of early for you to worry about this, honestly. You just finished your freshman year and are enjoying your music classes, so I think you should just continue to explore and enjoy. You are fortunate to be majoring in a subject you both love and excel at!

Just to clarify a few things: have you done any composing? You say that you are going to begin composition lessons: is this the first time you have studied with a teacher? Have you done any summer programs? Have you had your music played by some good musicians? Did you submit a portfolio for your current school? Sorry for all the questions!

You are also just beginning conducting, and have had a taste of musicology. You have three more undergrad years to explore all this. Lots of things can happen in three years. You may blossom in one area, or find that you really love one area, who knows. But I wouldn’t pressure yourself to decide, just keep a broad perspective and learn all you can, unless, say, composition just takes over and you can think of nothing else.

There are a few master’s programs that don’t cost or have low cost (Curtis, Yale, maybe others). There are also diploma programs: don’t know if you would be interested in those.

Going from undergrad to a PhD program would seem to be a huge commitment. From my experience, many students take some time between undergrad and grad (unless unusually accomplished, which could be you) to write music, have it played, or develop in whatever interest/field is theirs, before grad school.

You might also want to consider some internships in the summer or during the year. There are internship positions for orchestras, community outreach, and other non-profits, that might present you with more options to pursue, at least to support yourself in the future while you get established as an artist.

Or look into summer programs that offer financial aid: many do. Summer programs for composition provide opportunities to study with great teachers, and also to have music played by excellent musicians.

Good luck!