Whether you’re a Performing Arts major, a Business major, or anything in between, music is something beneficial to get involved with in college. Music helps you get to know people and connect with others, and who knows—you might make some lifelong friendships along the way! Finding different ways to get involved in music on campus can sometimes be difficult, especially for non-Music majors. Here we’ll cover the ins and outs of music organizations you can find at most college, plus how you can get involved.
Choir
Choir programs in college are a bit different than high school. Instead of typically having one or two singing groups, many colleges offer a lot of other programs, such as a capella groups, musical theatre, and show choir. If none of these options are for you, there are still many more! There’s also the opportunity to start your own student group or band, perform at talent shows or open mic nights, or even use your voice as a tool for activism.
Related: 6 Steps to Joining a College A Cappella Group
Band
Band is a big program at many colleges. You’ll find a lot of ways to get involved and make friends through band, from marching to orchestra to concert to jazz. I sat down to interview my friend Dallas for more information about the subject. Dallas is studying Music Education at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Because she’s majoring in Music, she participates in music every day, but she also shared some of her favorite ways to get involved outside the classroom. She loves performing, whether it’s a solo, ensemble, or full band. Her major also requires her to watch other’s performances, which is another great way to enjoy music on campus. She further explained that getting involved early as a freshman is the best way to do it. When you start early, you can ask more questions, find upperclassmen who can mentor you, and much more. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole music scene has changed some, but Dallas still gets the opportunity to make friends and perform with others—just with increased health and safety precautions.
Classes and unexpected Music majors
Along with the basic and more traditional Music majors and classes, there are many areas of study that revolve around music. These include Music Technology, Music Business, Music Education, Audio Production, Music Performance, and Music Therapy, just to name a few. All of these require a basic understanding of music and are an excellent way to pursue your passion. If you don’t want to major in Music but would like to enjoy it for a semester or two, there are many music classes you can take as electives. At New York University alone, there are around 24 music classes, including Music Theory 1, 2, and 3; Aural Perception; and Medieval and Renaissance Music. Many music-based electives are available to non-majors in college—especially “Music Appreciation” classes—but it’s best to check in with your advisor to see if you can take them and if they’ll help you with your graduation requirements.
Related: 6 Miraculous Effects Music Can Have on Student Success
Overall, music is a great thing to get involved with as a college student. It not only helps you make friends but teaches you valuable skills and appreciation as well. In college, you have a lot of opportunities to get involved on campus, whether you major in some sort of music field, take a few classes, join an ensemble, or attend concerts and performances. If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to enhance your college experience, take a chance and get involved with music!
Looking for a great college that appreciates music as much as you do? Check out all of our featured Performing Arts School Profiles.
