What is a College of Music? ~ Can the music department of a college of education call itself a college of music? ~ Can a music department of a college of education call itself a college of music?

In recent years, some people who claim to be "music school graduates" have included music graduates from colleges of education. However, a question arises here.

What is a "college of music"?
Is a "college of education with a music department" a college of music?

This is not just a play on words, but an important question concerning the nature of music education and specialization. If those who have specialized in music claim to be "music college graduates," we must clarify what we mean by "music college. In this issue, let us consider this topic thoroughly.

What is a "college of music" in the first place?

First, let's sort out what a college of music (college of music) is.

The definition of "college of music" includes the following characteristics.


1. to be a university specializing in the study of music

The curriculum is centered on music.
All (or most) faculties and departments are related to music.


2. the focus is on practical education

The main objective is to acquire performance skills.
The main objective is to acquire performance techniques.


The career path after graduation should be directly related to music.

Students are expected to become professional performers, composers, music teachers, or music-related professionals (e.g., instrument makers, music management, etc.).


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The "College of Music" fulfills these requirements, and the corresponding institutions in Japan are professional music education institutions such as Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Kunitachi College of Music, Tokyo College of Music, Toho Gakuen School of Music, Osaka College of Music, Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, and others.

So, do music departments of colleges of education meet this requirement?

Is it appropriate to call oneself a "music college graduate"?

So is it correct for a music graduate of a college of education to claim to be a "music graduate"?

Strictly speaking, the music department of a college of education is not a music college. Even though they may have specialized in music, they are different educational institutions from music colleges.

For example, it would be inaccurate for a graduate of the music department of a college of education to identify himself or herself as a "music college graduate," just as not all graduates of law schools identify themselves as "law school graduates.

Moreover, if one were to argue that there is no need to distinguish between the College of Music and the College of Education's School of Music, the following contradiction would arise.

Is it correct for someone with a degree in English literature from the Faculty of Letters to claim to be a "graduate of a foreign language college?"
Is it correct for someone who studied food chemistry in an agricultural department to say, "I graduated from medical school?"
To ignore these differences is to disregard the expertise of each academic discipline.

◆ So how should we call ourselves?

It is inaccurate for a music graduate of a college of education to call himself or herself a "music graduate," but how then is it appropriate to say so?

✔ "I graduated from the College of Education with a degree in music."
✔ "I majored in music"
✔ "I specialized in music.

This would convey that you studied music, but also clarify the fact that it is different from a music college.

To properly communicate the value of music education

It is important to recognize that the music departments of colleges of music and colleges of education have different roles.

A college of music is an institution that trains performers, composers, and music professionals.
A college of music trains performers, composers, and music professionals, while a college of education's music department trains music teachers and instructors.

Both are important contributors to the development of music, but they are not the same.
Understanding the differences between them and correctly naming them will help protect the value of music education as a whole.