Colleges with a music ed major that don't require an audition.

[Anonymous]

Parent of a junior who wants a music ed major, but is very stressed out about the idea that there are no auditioned schools that are safeties, so he'd love to have a few non-auditioned schools on his list.

Any suggestions? He'd prefer closer to home, rather than further, and isn't an academic super star, so something easier to get into both academically and musically would be great!

[Anonymous]

There aren't any. You have to audition for any performative major and you'll be expected to keep auditioning throughout the study and beyond.

If your kid can't face the audition they should look for something else to do. I'm serious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There aren't any. You have to audition for any performative major and you'll be expected to keep auditioning throughout the study and beyond.

If your kid can't face the audition they should look for something else to do. I'm serious.

Agree. Seems like the wrong major for your child.

[Anonymous]

Music ed isn't a performance major, but we can find performance majors that aren't auditioned.

He's happy to audition, he auditions all the time, but he wants to go into this process having identified a safety. He's planning a career teaching elementary music. That's not a field where auditions are a huge part.

[Anonymous]

If he was applying for a performance major, I'd agree 100%.

-- OP again (also me right above)

[Anonymous]

You're going to have to do the research on this one OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're going to have to do the research on this one OP.

People ask for suggestions of schools that have particular majors all the time on here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're going to have to do the research on this one OP.

People ask for suggestions of schools that have particular majors all the time on here.

yeah, but most of the DMV isn't going to be able to answer this one for you, it's very niche and the demographics of this forum leans towards the parents of UVA wannabes and finance bros

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that music education program prepares you for statewide certification in the specific state you go to school in, so you want to start with identifying schools in-state, and then branch out from there. What is his current musical talent? As in, does he sing, play an orchestral instrument, band instrument? How long has he been doing it, and what is his level?

[Anonymous]

OP, is your student enrolled in music at the high school (band, orchestra, chorus)? Perhaps that teacher would have suggestions about programs.

[Anonymous]

That's not right, OP. A music ed major must accept that auditions are part of the process, even if they're not interested in performing later.

My middle schooler auditions for her youth orchestra and participates in at least one competition... every year. She sent multiple recordings during Covid, but is back to live auditions and competition rounds now. And this is just a hobby, she's not even thinking of being a music major right now!

[Anonymous]

I think all of the Maryland state colleges that offer music education require an audition. But that doesn't mean that one of them is not a safety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's not right, OP. A music ed major must accept that auditions are part of the process, even if they're not interested in performing later.

My middle schooler auditions for her youth orchestra and participates in at least one competition... every year. She sent multiple recordings during Covid, but is back to live auditions and competition rounds now. And this is just a hobby, she's not even thinking of being a music major right now!

OP has said that he has auditioned and is auditioning for some schools--just wondering whether there are any non-audition music ed majors schools as a safety. I honestly doubt there would be no auditions, but just reassure him that the bar won't be as high for a non-performance major.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Music ed isn't a performance major, but we can find performance majors that aren't auditioned.

He's happy to audition, he auditions all the time, but he wants to go into this process having identified a safety. He's planning a career teaching elementary music. That's not a field where auditions are a huge part.

Have him talk to his choral instructor.

This area is fortunate to have an exceptional music program, with teachers who are wonderful resources for those students who want to pursue the arts or arts education. Has your son proactively sought his teacher's mentoring?

[Anonymous]

I don't know if lists help, but here you go.

VA colleges with music ed programs:
https://www.universities.com/find/virginia/best/music-teacher-education-degrees

MD colleges with music ed programs:
https://www.universities.com/find/maryland/best/music-teacher-education-degrees

These are not long lists, and most of the programs shouldn't be super hard to get into, although I don't think you can avoid auditions entirely.