Hey guys, I'm enrolling in school this semester, and I was curious how many of you took music classes in college, and which ones you found to be most helpful. The college I'm going to has a Music Theory and Composition class, a few piano classes, and some guitar classes(I'm assuming classical). The MTC class sounds as if it would be great, but I also play classical guitar a bit, but I feel really held back in the classical world be cause my sight reading skill are very poor, so I think it would be helpful to take that class as well. Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
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Which college music classes to take?
- Thread starter RxFunk
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Definitely take the theory class. Understanding how music works will benefit you immensely from now on. I was a music major in college. Because of my knowledge of theory (and a good ear) I can learn the tunes I need for my gigs by just listening to them while driving around town. That's just a "for instance." Don't get me wrong, though, you do have to practice and study. But theory will help you in so many ways in your playing and writing. Don't miss it.
Definitely the theory class, and I'd also recommend a piano class. A good general music theory class will open your eyes to a very deep and (in my opinion) fascinating world of music that goes way beyond the "holy trinity" of scales/modes/arpeggios that are usually discussed here.
The piano class - the ability to find your way around on a piano keyboard is of immeasurable value to your ear-training, theory, transcribing, and general music chops. Keep in mind that, if you do take that theory class, many of the concepts will be explained with notation written to be demonstrated at the keyboard. Being able to play those examples will help strengthen your ability to hear the concept being discussed, which should be your ultimate goal.
The piano class - the ability to find your way around on a piano keyboard is of immeasurable value to your ear-training, theory, transcribing, and general music chops. Keep in mind that, if you do take that theory class, many of the concepts will be explained with notation written to be demonstrated at the keyboard. Being able to play those examples will help strengthen your ability to hear the concept being discussed, which should be your ultimate goal.
Also, don't worry about your level of sight-reading ability. Unless you are planning to audition for some sort of performing ensemble, the ability to sight read is pretty low on the list of "basic skills needed" to get the most out of music classes.
Electrical engineering with a focus in telecommunications, signal processing, and dsp is my route.
Hey, if you can't play, make the playing at least sound good.
Hey, if you can't play, make the playing at least sound good.
+1 to basic theory, harmony, and piano. I would also recommend (depending on your interest and your school's catalog) a basic "skills" class: anything that covers stuff like singing intervals, ear-training, and rhythmic dictation. You can definitely work on these skills on your own, and your use of them may vary, but such classes are usually fun, easy (GPA booster!), and a great way to kick start your interest in developing your ear and voice.
a couple classes you didn't mention but are hopefully offered are an ear training class (might be part of the theory class) and any kind of music history.
I don't understand. You have to decide between just one class, and just one other class? Taking multiple classes isn't an option?
By all means, take the theory & composition class. If you need to sight read, it will help you more than any guitar or piano performance class would do. But consider taking one or more of them as well.
MM
You should be able to use pianos/keyboards owned by the music department at your school if you're taking registered lessons/classes.
A keyboard can be a great thing to have available in your house, but many music schools will have practice rooms with keyboards/pianos in them available to rent to students for on-campus practice. I went to the University of North Texas, and they had a whole building of practice rooms, about 1/2 with pianos. At the beginning of the semester, you'd pay a small fee for a "master key," and you could use any practice room you wanted at any time (as long as no one else was already using it) - a few drummers I knew would even sleep in their rooms on occasion. Other schools may have a "sign up" system - you put your name on a list for a certain time on a certain day, and the piano is yours for an hour or so. UNT had a big program, but even smaller schools will usually have a practice room or 2 for music students.
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If you want to prep for school, pick up Harmony & Theory by MI on Amazon. It was only $14.00. I'm working my way through this book in prep for a year long Theory class I'll be starting in Oct. Authors are Keith Wyatt and Carl Schroeder. I also have band in a box which will help too.
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Whatever you do, I would NOT major in Music. Take some electives, but major in something more broad/useful.
As for the classes, Theory/Comp is a must, and if your college has it, take a popular music class. I did that and the combination has made me a much better songwriter. Not to mention I listen to music completely differently now...
As for the classes, Theory/Comp is a must, and if your college has it, take a popular music class. I did that and the combination has made me a much better songwriter. Not to mention I listen to music completely differently now...
where I went to college, there were practice rooms with pianos that weren't locked a, so even those of us with no business being in there could always find an empty room and play. There may have been a sign up sheet, but not as far as I could tell. Policies may have changed.
Best to at least inquire as to policy.
Playing on a real (acoustic) piano is much more instructive for how harmony and progressions/transitions/voice leading works than any electronic simulation I've come across. Just don't ask me to explain why.
Best to at least inquire as to policy.
Playing on a real (acoustic) piano is much more instructive for how harmony and progressions/transitions/voice leading works than any electronic simulation I've come across. Just don't ask me to explain why.
Well, I was going to tell you "Theory and Piano," but I guess the gang has that covered. LOL
Take all the theory your brain can handle. The more theory understanding you have, the more everything about music will "make sense" to you.
Yes, a keyboard at home will be helpful. You can get a cheap one on Craigslist. You don't need 88 keys, but get full-size keys. There will be practice pianos at school, but it's a lot better to also have a keyboard at home.
Take all the theory your brain can handle. The more theory understanding you have, the more everything about music will "make sense" to you.
Yes, a keyboard at home will be helpful. You can get a cheap one on Craigslist. You don't need 88 keys, but get full-size keys. There will be practice pianos at school, but it's a lot better to also have a keyboard at home.
If you want to make any kind of music as an income, you should take business classes so you can sell yourself.
