school of music frequently asked questions

1.	I am not sure which major to pursue because I feel I have multiple talents and gifts.  How can I decide what to do?
	Choose what you love the most. Find someone who has a job or ministry that you would like to do. Ask them what you should study in college in order to prepare for a job like theirs.
2.	Will Toccoa Falls College make me into the person I want to become?
	The mission of the college is to glorify God through seeking and developing Christian Servant Leaders who will impact their world with the love and message of Jesus Christ. In other words, TFC builds character while helping you to develop your music skills. Toccoa Falls College School of Music is accredited with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). We hold to very high standards of musical excellence and training. At the same time, we desire to see students grow in their love for God and follow His calling.
3.	Why should I pursue an academic education in music when the whole world is seemingly focused on popular culture?
	The basics of music do not really change from the “classical” to the “popular.” The pursuit of quality, which is central to music, has less to do with culture than with integrity and creativity of your work. Almost all people creating good popular music are academically trained. Later, they simple focus on popular artistic work.
4.	What if I do not want to major in music, but wish to continue my studies in music at Toccoa Falls College?
	The School of Music welcomes the participation of non-major students in ensembles (college choir, concert band, etc.) and music elective classes. We also offer the opportunity for you to double major in music and another field. Contact the School of Music to discuss participation in music ensembles, a double major, and/or our new Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.
5.	How does a music major work in terms of a livelihood? What occupations are available in music?
	Careers in music include opportunities for teachers, ministers of music, music industry specialists, music retailers, performers, music therapists and many others. If God has called you, He will provide a ministry for you. (see Hebrews 10:23)
6.	What can I do with a music major?
	Depending on your degree, you can teach in a public or private school, serve as a minister of music, work in a music store, teach private music lessons, work for a music publisher, work in a recording studio, or any other facet of the music industry. Graduate school could provide opportunities for you to become a music therapist or college professor.
7.	What is competition really like in the field? How competitive is Toccoa Falls College in music?
	More useful questions are: What is your view of competition, how competitive are you, and what kinds of competition are natural and attractive to you? Are you more inspired by competition with yourself or by competition with others? Remember, music is not competitive, people are. Music may contain excellence and quality, but only people can pursue excellence and bring quality to music. Music is not inherently competitive, but the people who make, study and teach it control how it is pursued. However, the same is true among electricians, plumbers, lawyers, politicians, parents, physicists, chefs, clergy, etc. Toccoa Falls College, like music, is not inherently competitive. Toccoa Falls College does contain Christian people, Christian values, and Christian traditions which together influence our values about competition. It is important that your own values regarding competition match those Christian values here at Toccoa Falls College. Here is one last perspective: if excelling is not perfection, but the process of becoming better than you were yesterday, then competition can be viewed as the process of becoming better than you were yesterday in the presence of others. This is a different view of competition than winning at all costs, or winning over others.
8.	I do not want to teach, and I know that I do not have the potential for a major career as a performing artist, yet I have this love for music. What is left for me to do?
	Music industry jobs are also available which involve neither teaching nor performing. They may include retail sales, writing, composing and a host of other industry occupations.
9.	What are my chances for the "big time"?
	Small. As is true in all fields, the "big time" is less important than All the time. The most critical thing is a steady flow of work and service in a good workplace. The "big time" comes--sometimes at once, more often gradually--to that very small percentage of people who benefit from a combination of abilities, luck, connections, and timing. The music world is filled with highly gifted, imaginative, productive people who have come to learn that fame, as desirable as it might be, has little to do with music itself, and that goodness, creative integrity, service to others, and fulfillment can take place at any level.
10.	I want to be a worship leader. Is there a major in music for me?
	Yes. The School of Music offers a degree in church music. Feel free to call the school of music to discuss this particular degree as well as a few others which might meet your needs.
11.	What is involved in a music scholarship?
	All students wishing to enter the music program must first apply and be accepted as a student at Toccoa Falls College. This is done through our office of admissions. Then the student should contact the school of music to schedule an audition. The process includes performance, written testing and an interview with several of the music faculty. Incoming music students are awarded scholarships based upon their overall test scores and availability of scholarship funds.
12.	Is your program more classical or contemporary?
	Musical opportunities at Toccoa Falls College are varied. The formal training received in the school of music is similar to the majority of music programs everywhere. Our music students perform and minister in a variety of settings, which include classical, contemporary and many other styles of music. Our desire is to train musicians who are well-rounded and able to perform a variety of styles of music without compromising the integrity of the genre.
13.	Who do I call to set up an audition?
	Contact Mrs. Rebecca Moreau, administrative assistant in the school of music. The number is 706-886-7299, ext. 5260. She will be happy to schedule and appointment for you.
14.	What music groups or ensemble can I be part of?
	Our music ensembles include the college choir, concert band, handbells, ladies choir, men's choir, wind ensembles, brass ensemble and the summer touring music ensembles.