Top Music Courses to Pursue After 12th: From Classical to Contemporary

Without a modicum of doubt, music can be properly referred to as a ‘ global language’ due to people all over the world listening to it and appreciating it without considering the background of its origin. To anyone who embraces this art, a journey as a professional musician can be very enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you are in love with playing traditional music, thanks to the evolution that has come, a musician can nurture talents in music in many ways. There are several musicians who are vying for careers within music and have embedded educational programs that provide a variety of them within a musical context.

For students who look forward to music courses after 12th, this blog will help you find some of the best music courses for the past classical eras to current ones, even including music production for the techie ones.

1. Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Among the choices pupils make once they complete their 12th-grade education, Probably the renowned degree is the Bachelor of Music (BMus) qualification. This course provides an extensive overview of musicology, music performance, and music inception. Depending upon the college, students may opt for any cycle like classical music, music folded, or I contemporary music. A BMus degree is usually quite practical and less theoretical which ensures smooth versatility among trained individuals.

Key areas covered in a BMus program include:

• Music theory and history
• Instrumental or vocal performance
• Composition and arrangement
• Conducting

A person having a BMus degree can pursue a career as a performer, a music teacher, or a composer without any daunting task. Its duration is most of the time between three to four years, depending on the region and the university where a person is undertaking their studies.

2. Diploma in Classical Music

For the lovers of classical music, the most appropriate option is a Diploma in Classical Music. The course aims at the various aspects of Western or Indian classical music and trains the students to play certain instruments and perform within classic singing styles that have established rules regarding the repertoire. 

In this case, the students may choose specialization Hindustani or Carnatic styles which are the two forms of Indian classical music. Those keen to learn Western art and music will find institutions across the globe with diploma courses concentrating on piano, violin, cello or orchestra conducting programs.

Possible routes after pursuing diploma in classical music.

• Classical performer (solo/ensemble)
• Teacher of Music
• Orchestras’ composers or arrangers

3. Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music Specialization)

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) in music is yet another degree option available. This course is ideal for students who wish to undertake performance-oriented studies. It not only involves music but also stage, performance skills and interaction with other forms of arts like dance or theatre.

Courses offered in BPA (Music Specialization):

• Vocal and instrumental performance
• Ensemble performance
• Staging and music performance
• Composition and Creative of Music 

A usual BPA course lasts about three years to four years and it is suitable especially for individuals who very much wish to be performance artists, stage musicians or even music directors.

4. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music is suitable for candidates who want to pursue music along with other academic disciplines. It is designed to provide a greater liberal arts education as opposed to a concentration in music alone. Coursework will include music theory, music history and music performance, but other areas such as literature, philosophy and even languages will also be included.

This course is perfect for music lovers who wish to pursue additional subjects alongside their favourite discipline and can open doors to many professions such as:

• Music evaluator or author
• Arts or Musicians Studies experts
• Pedagogue in Music or a researcher

Generally, the BA in Music lasts for three years and gives more room for students who want to pursue topics that cut across disciplines.

5. Music Production Courses

For students who are technology-driven and have an interest in sound design, enrolling in any of the music production courses would be an interesting venture. These courses are primarily concerned with the nitty gritty of creating music, how to produce it, and the art of using digital audio workstations (DAWs), recording, layering and editing tracks as well as encoding the final mix-down for distribution.

As more people turn towards consumption of music via digital music systems and genres like electronic dance music have a fan base, the demand for and supply of music producers has greatly increased. These music production classes engage students with Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Ableton Live among other digital audio software.

Topics addressed in a music production course include the following:

• Sound recording techniques
• Audio engineering
• Therapeutic Mixing and Mastering
• Music technology/Applied music software
• Songwriting and music production for advertising

As per a study conducted by Grand View Research, the worldwide market for music production software was estimated at $1.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to increase substantially in the next few years. This points out the growing need for technological skills among so many individuals in the creative industry. All these factors are what focus on the music production courses, which offer sound engineering, music for movies and video games, and last but not least, live concert sound mingle mixing.

6. Diploma in Sound Engineering

In addition to music production, a Diploma in Sound Engineering is another technical course designed for students looking to work behind the scenes in the music business. The program is mainly centred on sound and useable technology for making great audio productions. Students are taught about recording studios, technical hardware called PA systems used in live sessions, and audio finishing processes.

Jobs available upon completing sound engineering courses:

• Sound engineer in recording studios
• Live sound technician
• Audio engineer in film, Television or computer games 

This is often a paraprofessed diploma course lasting between six months and two years, making it a fast track into the music technology industry.

7. Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Composition)

For students wishing to compose their music, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Music Composition is a targeted programme that deals with writing for various media, such as film, television, plays, or concert halls. This course is aimed at developing one’s imagination and at instruction on such subjects as music theory, harmony, and orchestration.

Career paths after BFA in Music Composition:

• Film score composers
• Video game and/or theatre composers
• Music directors of a performance

The course of study takes about three or four years which is suitable for people who want to create in the field of composition.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to the intricate beauty of classical music or excited by the cutting-edge possibilities of modern music production, there is no shortage of educational paths available after 12th grade. From music production courses that focus on technology and sound design to traditional degrees in classical music or performing arts, students have a wide range of options to choose from.

Pursuing a music course not only helps you refine your talent but also provides the skills necessary to succeed in today’s diverse music industry. As the legendary musician Louis Armstrong said, “Music is life itself.” If music is your passion, take the next step and explore the wealth of opportunities that await you in this ever-evolving field.

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