Is Music School Right for You?

01/04/2012

Perhaps you are dreaming of a career in the field of music; if so, you might be wondering whether you should go to music school. Unlike some professions (law or medicine, for example), it is not necessarily a given that you need a formal education in order to make a living in music or the music business. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide whether or not to go to music school—and if so, what type of music school would be best for your needs.

IF YOU ARE PURSUING A CAREER AS A PERFORMER (ESPECIALLY CLASSICAL OR JAZZ), formal training can be very beneficial, if not essential. This training can take the form of private instruction, attending a college or conservatory, or a combination of both. The classical branch of the performing arts is one in which music education is still highly valued. (Of course, if you desire a career in music education, going to music school is a must.)

IF YOU ARE PURSUING A CAREER IN COMMERCIAL MUSIC OR AS A RECORDING ARTIST, going to music school can be beneficial, but not mandatory. There are many successful professional musicians who not only did not attend music school, but who don’t even read music! If you choose to attend a school, you should pick one based on your needs and preferences—perhaps a school that offers training in the music business or industry, not just in performance. Attending an audio engineering school would be a good idea if you want to focus on being a recording artist or a studio session player, for example.

IF YOU ARE PURSUING A CAREER IN MUSIC AS A MUSIC PRODUCER OR AUDIO ENGINEER, a traditional music school might not be the best choice for you unless you really want a well-rounded education. You might be better off attending a school that focuses on training in audio engineering or music production, or perhaps even apprenticing in a real recording studio yourself. Many producers and engineers did not go to music school, or even an audio trade school, but instead learned by getting into recording studios themselves and working their way up.

The field of music is very broad, and obviously there is no set pathway of success for all people. Common sense is your biggest ally in deciding whether or not you need to go to school. The important thing to remember is that school is a means to an end, not an end unto itself. Music school is right for you if it can truly help you get launched in your career.