Thinking of studying music at university? As a Bachelor of Music graduate, you will be highly skilled, musically adaptable and equipped to enter professional life as a creative and flexible twenty-first century musician. A degree in music can open many doors and provide you with a valuable set of skills and qualities.
Time management and discipline
Studying music at a tertiary level can be quite demanding of your time and every day can look different. From lectures, tutorials and private lessons to orchestral rehearsals, finding time to practice and having a social life, your day can get full quite quickly. You’ll soon find that being organised and disciplined is essential to having a successful university career.
Classical guitar student, Jeremy Stafford shares his advice:
If you plan to come to the Con straight from school, I remember how tough that was. The academic workload in Grade 12 is hardcore, let alone preparing for the Conservatorium’s audition on top of that. The most important thing I’d advise you to do, is learn how to manage your time better. Not only will it help you get through your last year of school, but good time management skills are absolutely essential when studying an instrument at a tertiary level.
Critical reflection and problem solving
While studying music, you’ll learn and be able to think outside the box while trying to solve the task at hand. You’ll learn the importance of improvising and how to deal with challenges that may arise before or during a performance. You’ll be able to handle stress and any challenges that may get thrown your way!
Collaboration and the ability to communicate effectively.
At university, you’ll be constantly working with others whether it be at studio recordings, ensemble practice or orchestral rehearsals. Through your studies and performances, you will learn to communicate both verbally and non-verbally, which will also enhance your effective listening skills. While working with others, you’ll be communicating ideas and working on projects together. No matter what industry or job you apply for after university, communication is a key skill employers look for.
Creativity
Have a question about studying music at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University? Join us online for Open House this year to get all your questions answered!
We’ll be online every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 6 pm, featuring one-on-one chats with study area experts, live webinars on different study areas each week, virtual classes, and more
Contributions by Dr Leah Coutts and Kendal Alderman