Can You Major in Two Instruments?

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Can you major in two instruments in college? When I was growing up, I started playing piano around the age of seven. Shortly after in school, I started playing the French horn. I have an equal love for both instruments. While the piano can play the complete score which is richly rewarding. However, after you hit a note, there really isn’t a whole lot you can do with it after it is pressed. Whereas on the French horn, just one note can reveal expressive possibilities of a profound nature.

I knew early on that I was going to have trouble deciding which instrument to major in. So I looked for schools that would allow double majors and was accepted to several conservatories as a double major. I chose the Manhattan School of Music and I discovered very early when I was going to my advisor to put courses together that the course load would have been so substantial that I would not have had much time to practice! So I majored in both instruments, but not at the same time.

I did private instruction on both instruments and the good news was, I got to play French horn in the orchestra as well as in other ensembles. Most piano majors sing in the choir if they don’t have a secondary instrument. I got a phenomenal experience on both instruments!

If you are really passionate about two instruments, you can consider a double major. If you can get high level ensemble experience and work with first rate private teachers on both instruments, there may not be a need for a double major. Plus, you can avoid the extra course load and additional semesters of work at the school in order to earn your degree.

If you are very industrious and academics come easily to you, a double major is something you can consider. But I would proceed cautiously. I hope this is helpful to all multi-instrumentalists out there! Thanks for joining me here at Living Pianos.