Voice majors must learn a foreign language. Rehearsals, individual lessons, practice, and attendance at concerts, recitals, and special events such as the Rocky Mountain Contemporary Music Festival also are a part of music major's education. Students have numerous opportunities to participate in ensembles, bands, orchestras, and choir. Each semester, students perform in jury exams before selected music faculty as well as participate in ensembles and recitals. 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. 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 Office of Equal Opportunity is located in Room 101, Student Services.