OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Strong talent and desire to develop proficiency in instrumental or voice performance or composition
* Commitment to excellence in performance
* Patience and self discipline in development of talents and abilities
* Ability to work with people and independently
* Strong aptitude for music theory and music history

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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Breaking into the field of music is not easy. Music is competitive and requires talent, contacts, luck, timing, persistence, hard work, and ability to get along with people to succeed. Most artists also depend upon other arts-related jobs or second careers to earn a living wage. Young musicians almost always start at the bottom and work up. Another way to get a foot in the door is to do an internship in the music business. For careers in the recording industry one must go to where the companies are: New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Many cities support professional orchestras, although funding in some locations has diminished. Contact the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance for more career information. The following is a partial list of potential careers:
* Accompanist
* Arranger/composer
* Recording artist or engineer
* Instrumentalist (orchestra, military band or popular band)
* Lyricist
* Conductor, choral or instrumental
* Jazz band leader or member
* Ethnomusicologist
* Critic
* Music producer/retailer
* Organist
* Orchestrator
* Studio singer/vocalist
* Music advisor to professional organization
* Music consultant
* Copyist
* Studio teacher (private lessons)
* Studio manager
* Sheet music clerk

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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity
* Delta Omicron
* Music Educators National Conference
* Colorado Music Educators Association
* CSU Pep Band
* CSU Wind Ensemble
* CSU Jazz Orchestra
* CSU University Singers
* CSU Chamber Singers
* CSU Men’s Chorus
* CSU Women’s Chorus
* CSU Orchestra
* CSU Marching Band
* Shoe String Opera Company
* Liberal Arts College Council
* Music Educators National Conference
* Pi Kappa Lambda

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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance
100 Music Building
1778 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1778
970-491-5529
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Music/
* Academic and career advising for majors
*The Music Student Handbook is available from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
202 Aylesworth Hall, N.E.
1032 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration

Career Center College Liaison
JoAnn Cornell
C138 Clark Building
1701 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1701
970-491-4641
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information

Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Spruce Hall
1020 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1020
970-91-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours

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