Graduate Study in Music

Abstract

W ITHIN the last few weeks the writer has been asked this question by students with a major interest in music: shall I proceed to get an advanced degree? The answer varies with the individual, and depends largely upon the type of credit possessed by the student. Since some students have Bachelor of Music degrees, some Bachelor of Arts, some Bachelor of Science, others Bachelor of Music Education, and yet others Bachelor of Fine Arts, what is the background of these students and what are the specific problems for graduate study in music? An analysis of this condition will show some of the difficulties, and may help those who are meeting such problems now. Many high school students are praised by teachers and friends because they are able to give creditable and praiseworthy performance on instruments or with the voice. Recently I heard a two-piano recital by high school girls, very commendably done. How are students able to accomplish this? Simply by doing extra work all through the grades and high school. The boy or girl who finishes high school with more than an average measure of proficiency has, in addition to his other work, doubtless put in from one to three hours more per day than other pupils of the same grade. If investigation is made, it will be found that the majority of these students have good grades in other subjects as well as in music; very frequently they are at the head of their class. They deserve credit for persistent, steady practice, the necessity for which is not always realized by the public or fellow students. These boys and girls do not often fall heir to this added ability without some effort, much patience, encouragement on the part of parents and teachers, and regular hard work.