I have been reflecting a lot these days on, “Things I wish I had known about singing as a career.” I try to address these topics in a variety of ways on this blog, but some subtopics are easier to address than others. One of the topics I sometimes contemplate is, “What would I have done differently in high school that may have helped me in college?” Fortunately, I am able to say that the answer is, “not much.” I recognize, however, that some students may not have access to information or the guidance I had during my high school years.
A lack of guidance can be especially stressful in a world that puts more and more emphasis on the importance of college to a promising future. “What will help me get into college? What classes I should take?” These are questions that many high schools are ill-equipped to answer for the young performer. That’s why I hope to give you an idea of what a great class schedule for a high school singer would look like.
Please note that while this post could apply to other musicians or types of singers, it is specifically geared towards students interested in pursuing a vocal performance degree in college. Furthermore, please note that if you don’t do any of these things in high school, or even if you don’t go to college for performance, you are still perfectly capable of pursuing a career in music.
First and foremost, if you do not already have a reputable voice teacher, get one. Now. Make sure it is a teacher that not only understands what is required of the college audition process, they also don’t just tell you what you want to hear. Unfortunately, there are too many young voice students out there who are allowed to sing whatever songs they want in lessons, whether or not they are vocally appropriate. Don’t be this student. If you are not singing repertoire that is appropriate for your age and development, you will have an incredibly difficult time getting into a music program.
Second, keep in mind that while you need to have a good GPA to get into college, as a performer, your audition is your main point of entry. This does NOT mean you can slack off in school. This is just to say that the classes I will recommend are not required of you to get into school. They will instead mostly help you once you go.
Finally, to the main event: Your class schedule. In case it isn’t obvious, take as many music, acting, and theory classes as possible. This list is more intended to help you with required classes like math and science. Rather than by year, I will break this down by subject to help you determine which class would be most helpful to you in the future if you have a choice of required classes.
English
Most English classes will be helpful to you in the future, so no need to really fret about this one. If you have the option to take something as specific as poetry or play analysis, or perhaps a class on classic works, do that. Otherwise, just take what will keep you the most engaged.
Languages
If a language is not required of you, take it anyway. You will be very glad you did when you can test out of the language requirements in college. If Italian is offered, take that. Otherwise, take your pick between French or German. If none of those are offered, take Spanish, but I would not choose Spanish over the other three languages. You will have to take French, German, and Italian at some point, so the earlier you start the better.
Math
Take Statistics. I really wish I had known this back when I was in high school and was dreading choosing a math class. If you don’t have a choice, then just do your best, but if you do at any point, Statistics will prove useful to you if you ever want to teach or do research. You may think you don’t, but you may change your mind. Furthermore, if you have to take math anyway, why not make it something that might be useful?
Science
Take Anatomy or Physics. While I ultimately decided not to take Anatomy in high school, I would have breezed through some sections of voice pedagogy if I had. Don’t get me wrong, I learned the vocal anatomy eventually; it just would have been a lot faster if I had taken Anatomy in high school. If that’s not an option, or you still have to take more science classes, Physics may help you with acoustical studies later on.
Social Studies
Take European History. Seriously, do it. If you want to sing classical music, this will be so helpful to you in the long run. So, so, helpful. I’d also recommend Economics if you can. If I had realized how much I would need to understand business and the marketplace as a self-employed singer, I would have taken this class much more seriously.
Other Electives
I’d like to take a moment to consider some other electives or clubs you may want to participate in as well (just in case these classes don’t keep your schedule full enough!). Classes or clubs that encourage physical activity would be a good choice. Furthermore, if you have the option to study business, personal finance, and/or general money-management, take it. Few colleges require this of students for some reason. If you don’t take it in high school, seek it out in college.
If this sounds overwhelming to you, or you don’t take that much interest in studying in general, you may want to consider why that is and how that would affect your career aspirations. Music requires amazing discipline, study, well-roundedness, and a desire to always learn more. With that said, majoring in music can be endlessly rewarding and provide for an amazing college experience.
Students, do you see a subject or class on here I have not mentioned but you are wondering about? Teachers, what would you recommend to your high school singers? If any students do not have access to a counselor to help them with their schedule and would like help, please feel free to contact us with your questions.