Majors at the University of Connecticut

Music General

The Music general major can choose to study course work concentrating in Jazz Studies or Music History. UConn's Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in jazz studies offers a balance of instruction between jazz and traditional styles so as to equip students for successful musical careers in a world that increasingly demands flexibility and versatility. UConn's rigorous, performance-oriented program encourages students to study the music of past generations while consciously striving to create music which is relevant to today. Course work includes beginning-to-advanced instruction in improvisation, jazz arranging and composition, jazz history, and participation in a variety of ensembles that perform extensively on and off campus.

A Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Music History is designed for those students who wish to prepare for admission to a graduate program in music history, or simply to increase their knowledge through more intensive study. All undergraduate students in the music department take a three-semester survey of western musical history and choose an upper-division topical course (the choices include an introduction to non-western music) that has a required enhanced writing component. Music historians focus on music and musical life in the western tradition, placing particular emphasis on musical genres (e.g. masses and motets, symphonies and string quartets) and styles as well as musical institutions, musical thought, and the accomplishments of individual composers. Music history asks questions about historical change and development—why do musical styles change, why do some genres flourish in the sixteenth century and others in the nineteenth? It seeks answers to these questions within a broad socio-cultural context that involves the study of religious, political, social, and intellectual transformations that have defined the western experience.

Academic Department

• UConn's Department of Music

Nature of Work

Graduates can apply their developed fundamental music skills to many different environments. Students who major in the Music General program may also work in secondary education as a music teacher. They may also choose to publish books, write scholarly articles, prepare sheet music for printers, and work as instructors. Besides working as a public performer, there are alternative music careers including music management, music technology, and the commercial music industry. All graduates apply their knowledge of music to the field they are interested in participating in. These fields include performing, behind the scenes, the business of music, music creation, teaching music, and music retailing.

Sample Job Titles

Potential Employers

Potential employers for students who major in the Music General program may include recording labels, public libraries, Churches or Temples, or non-profit organizations. Other potential employers include film and television: major studios, producers and networks employ music directors, recording technicians, and composers. One could also apply their knowledge and skills to business. Booking agencies hire managers and agents; entertainment facilities hire technicians and tuners; and instrument manufacturers hire musicians as consultants, testers, and inspectors. Musicologists work closely with publicists, advertising firms, record companies, composers, and lawyers in matters of copyright infringement.

Useful Skills

The ability to read music is essential. In addition to a fundamental knowledge of music, students should have good people skills, communication and presentation capabilities. While it depends on what sector individuals are employed, some jobs require excellent writing and research skills while others emphasize good organization and memory skills. The jazz concentration under the Music General program at UConn is a rigorous, performance-oriented program that encourages students to study the music of past generations while consciously striving to create music which is relevant to today. Course work includes beginning-to-advanced instruction in improvisation, jazz arranging and composition, jazz history, and participation in a variety of ensembles that perform extensively on and off campus. The emphasis in Music History under the Music General program provides students with the skills to continue with more intensive study at the graduate level.

Getting Experience

It is important for everyone (no matter what his/her major) to gain career related experience. Participating in volunteer work; finding an internship or a cooperative education experience; a work study or student labor position on campus; or a shadowing program will help students gain valuable experience which will make students marketable to potential employers. Such experience also introduces students to a possible career or industry by connecting classroom theory to “real world” experience. Some benefits of participating in an internship, cooperative education, or job shadowing experience include but are not limited to: creating a network of professional contacts mentors, and references; developing professional, transferable skills; establishing credibility with a potential full-time employer; and gaining an advantage over the competition. Please visit Career Services for assistance with finding opportunities to gain experience in your field of interest.

Employment Opportunities

There is a wide array of job opportunities available for individuals majoring in the Music General program. Students may choose to further pursue the study of music at the graduate level. UConn offers the Master of Art degree in music history and a joint theory-history Ph.D. degree. The market for finding a job in this industry as a performer or musicologist is very difficult. For the most part, depending on the given position, an audition is typically required as part of the screening process and the best performer will get the job. Overall, this industry is one of the toughest to break into.

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