Popular Music is an academic field that focuses on the study of music that stems from popular culture and expresses daily life and social and political events. This specialization includes the study of traditional and contemporary musical styles, the history of popular music, its impact on society, and the development of the technical skills necessary for performance, composition and orchestration in this field. The major aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills that enable them to understand popular music and apply it in innovative ways. Here’s a comprehensive look at the main aspects of the popular music major:

Main aspects of the popular music major:
History of popular music:

• Study the history of the development of popular music across different eras and cultures.
• Understand the cultural, social and political influences on popular music.

Popular music theory:

• Learn the basic principles of music theory including notes, rhythms, maqams, and harmony.
• Examine how these principles are applied in popular music.

Performance techniques:

• Develop performance skills on traditional and contemporary musical instruments used in folk music.
• Learn singing and vocal performance techniques that suit popular musical styles.

Music composition and arrangement:

• Learn composing and arranging techniques for popular music.
• Study how to create original musical works and distribute them for various musical groups.

World music culture:

• Study popular music from different cultures around the world.
• Understand the differences and similarities between popular musical styles in diverse cultures.

Analysis of popular music:

• Learn how to analyze popular musical works and understand their components.
• Applying musical theories in analyzing and interpreting popular music pieces.

Technology in popular music:

• Using modern technology in producing and recording popular music.
• Study audio recording and editing techniques using programs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

Music education:

• Studying methods of teaching popular music in schools and institutes.
• Learn how to prepare music lessons and develop educational curricula that include popular music.

Marketing and promotion of popular music:

• Understand marketing and promotion strategies for popular music acts.
• Use social media and digital marketing tools to reach a wide audience.

Creativity and innovation in popular music:

• Encouraging creative thinking and innovation in composing and presenting popular musical works.
• Study examples of innovative musical works to understand how new ideas can be applied.

Music project management:

• Learn how to manage music projects from planning to implementation and evaluation.
• Understand the financial and administrative aspects of managing music businesses and production projects.

Professional ethics and practices:

• Understand ethical issues related to popular music and professional practice.
• Develop professional practices that promote integrity and respect in the music business.

Practical training and applied projects:

• Gain practical experience by interning in music studios, production companies, and bands.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in real work environments to develop practical music skills.

Jobs chances

The popular music major provides broad job opportunities in multiple fields such as:

• Musical performance (instrumentalist, singer).
• Music composition and arrangement.
• Teaching music in schools and institutes.
• Working in music production and recording.
• Music research and criticism.

Conclusion

The Folk Music major contributes to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and develop popular music in innovative ways. This major gives students the opportunity to develop their artistic and technical talents and work in various fields that combine art, creativity, and culture.