Embedded Files
Written by the IBA College Affairs Committee (Nicholas Enz (chair), Don Fisher, Nolan Hauta, Vince Kenney, Shane Macklin, and Jeremy Smith) for the Fall 2020 IBA Magazine)
The “lifelong learning” aspect of music has been a priority for the music education community for decades and we tout this aspect of music in many of our music program’s marketing materials, our philosophies of education, and communication with administrators and our local communities. However, numerous studies show that for many individuals, the last time they touch their instrument is at their final concert in high school. In fact, a 2014 study found that of all high schoolers who went on to college, 75% of students who were involved in music throughout high school did not participate in music in college in any form.[1] These high attrition rates from high school to college may have devastating long-term effects on collegiate non-major and community ensembles. Moreover, it calls into question our ability to foster future patrons of the arts.
Who will be the patrons of the arts? Many of us take pride in the number of students in our programs that go on to be music majors, but how many of us take pride in the number of the students that graduate to pursue other careers—but are still active musicians? Imagine a world where your entire school board played in the community band and our politicians still took private music lessons.
What can we do? Check in with your students about their college plans! Colleges are making it easier for students to continue making music—regardless of a student’s major! When talking with your students, let them know that many colleges have ensembles that non-music majors can participate in and many of these ensembles are frequently offered at convenient times that do not conflict with other classes. Furthermore, scholarships are often available to those that do participate. Colleges often provide instruments, too, so not owning a tuba or bari sax is not a problem! Finally, while we may be biased toward our alma maters it is important to realize that college is not one-size-fits-all—it is important for students to find the right fit for them.
A 2014 study found that of all high schoolers who went on to college, 75% of students who were involved in music throughout high school did not participate in music in college in any form.
A 2014 study found that of all high schoolers who went on to college, 75% of students who were involved in music throughout high school did not participate in music in college in any form.
Ultimately, the student should reach out to contact the college music department when making a campus visit. College admissions departments are great at what they do, but in many cases, they know very little about what happens in the music department. Each college music program is different and college directors are happy to talk about the details of their program.
Look for upcoming materials from the IBA Collegiate Affairs Committees regarding key talking points to bring up with all your college bound students—regardless of major!
References
[1] Mantie, R., & Dorfman, J. (2014). Music participation and nonparticipation of nonmajors on college campuses. Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, 200, 41–62.
Page updated
Report abuse