Masters in composition - Shall I study Classical Music or Jazz and Pop

Hi guys, im applying for masters right now.

My degree is in Music Technology and film Production.

I took music theory in year 1, and got maximum points for the double semester. So Im good with simple music theory. However I cannot read music well enough to play an instrument to it.

I play guitar, and read guitar tabs, and play made up piano music.

I have grown up listening to the beatles, and radiohead, pink floyd, and as a younger man, basically chatrt music, and guitar music.

The only reason I think i should study classical over pop is because I like this complex, sophistcaticed, and mathmatical approach to composition, and feel i would learn more studying classical, and its fair to say i love classical music, but i dont know much about it.

my question is, am i gonna be completely out of my depth studying classical music masters composition, / will i even get on the course?

x

thanks for the messages. I am actually from england, living in germany, and applying in holland for these masters.

Its kind of putting it into prespective now that your saying about the hoops. But i did study composition in my final year of my degree in London, I didnt do too well grades-wise, but it was my favourite thing out of all the subjects. I dont want to start another undergraduate. So I may have to do Music tech / studio arts , or pop music masters. Wouldn't be the end of the world if i studied pop. but im still highly intrigued with my love for eric satie, philip glass, max richter

Well, I totally understand. I got my undergraduate from Oberlin College in the States. I toke several music theory and piano courses and did well in them but I was so behind the conservatory students I could not afford to pursue a double major.

So, I have been taking private lessons and going to schools which offer undergrad courses in theory and comp when I can afford it. Yopu could supplement your Masters with studies in classical music theory. Or just take private lessons while you pursue your degree.

There's generally nothing saying you're not allowed to study Glass or Satie, regardless of which "program" you're in.

However, I find (and, anyone can correct me if I'm wrong) that being in a "classical" program will be more focused on "classical" musics. I.e. you won't be required/encouraged to study jazz or pop musics; (in my experience) a jazz-based program will expect you to have a very broad musical understanding, and will generally require much in-depth study of classical music.

Depends on the school and where you are in your knowledge. Look at my "Maestrowick Presents" also for some help.

LSU and Michigan has a Master's in Music Technology so that may interest you.

Hope that helps!

(PS: Maybe I should do my next Maestrowick Presents on the actual degree programs :nod: :phones: :hmmm: )

Well I think the real question is what do you like more, or what your carreer plan is.. Do you plan to work in commercial music ?

Many students began learning jazz arranging and composition without studiying classical writing..

For sure, classical composition study is longer and quite harder, but it can bring solid writing techniques to you and will help you for composition, orchestration and structural skills. But you are not supposed to do it. Some great jazz composers and arrangers never learned classical basics, right ?