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I was reading the poll of the education of college professors, and it got me wondering: when does one usually get the graduate degree(s)? Do most people finish their undergrad and then jump right in to graduate study, or do people commonly go and work at whatever, be it teaching lessons or in schools before returning to school?

I realize not everyone does the same thing, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of usual course.

BM In Tuba Performance- University of Northern Colorado 1987
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction- The University of Phoenix 2004

Time spent teaching Tuba- 1986-1989 Armed Forces School of Music. Graduated 124 Tuba Players for the Army, Navy, and Marines, plus a few from Australia, Fiji, ROK.

Time Spent teaching in a University- 0

The Masters was a ticket punch for a hefty pay raise. I was offered one of Joe's deals to a big school with a big teacher in 1985, but opted for the Army because I was flat broke and owed everyone in the known universe money. Given the dwindling supply of jobs, one who wants to teach at the University level probably should be very diversified, i.e., be able to mentor student teachers (needs an Ed. degree and some years teaching at the public school level), be able to teach theory or history, or be on the conducting staff, either Marching or Concert level stuff. On top of that, one should probably be the best tuba slinger around and be willing to take a substantial pay cut from the public sector. I make @ 47K/year as a public school orchestra teacher with no collateral duties. I don't have to publish or perish, my continuing education is strictly up to me and my motivation. I guess the point I am trying to make is that musicians should be able to bring alot to the table when they go for an Ivory Tower job. I wonder if being the biggest guy on the block is going to get you a gig at East West Arkansas Ag and Tech (all apologies to my Arkansas brethren). The Indiana's, Julliards, ASU's, USC's, and the such are going to go to the big boys. The rest probably will go to those who have the most flexibility.

Chuck

I don't think there's any 'norm' for this sort of thing. It's more of an opportunity-need-based process, in my opinion. As for me, I went directly into my master's after finishing my BM, and did so because almost 100% of the professionals I asked recommended that I do so.

After that I spent three years teaching high school band in West Texas, and I can't tell anyone how invaluable that experience was for me. In my third year, I started to get the bug to go back to school, and found the right teacher and the right assistantship ($$$) to start my DMA here at UGA. Anyways, that's been my route so far, good luck with yours.