by
Imed Bouchrika
Majoring in music opens up a number of opportunities that go beyond being a professional musician or performer. As a music degree holder, one can venture into music production, talent or event management, and even music therapy. Education is also one of the fields where music majors have been seeking employment. In fact, as of May 2020, there are more or less 2,000 music degree jobs occupied by music directors and composers across the United States—from elementary to college levels.
The career path of music majors, however, can be defined by the music degree types they are going to take. Since music is a broad field of study, students can choose from a diverse pool of programs that emphasize performance, critical interpretation, analysis and research, technical aspects, and concentrations (University of Texas, n.d.). In this guide, we aim to help students learn more about their music degree options, music degree tuition, admission requirements, career outlook, etc., as well as how to choose the right music degree programs.
Music degree definition goes beyond its artistic form. A degree in music encompasses the study of various specializations related to communication, entertainment, education, artistic expression, technology, and even business. Different music degrees and programs also incorporate fundamental teachings. Among these is psychology-based training for those who want to pursue commercial music composition, more technology-based for those interested in music production and engineering, and in-depth study of cultural and historical aspects of music for those who want to pursue musicology (Lipman, 2021).
A degree in music, depending on the concentration, can open several doors to different fields and industries, especially in the 21st century with the influence and incorporation of modern technology. Traditionally, getting a degree in music is associated with becoming a professional musician, such as classically trained instrumentalists and vocalists, or contemporary performers. Music degree holders that major in programs related to music production can become music directors, studio managers, and program directors. Sound Recording Technology (S.R.T.) majors can also find employment opportunities in studios, working with different artists and even orchestras.
Meanwhile, students who choose to take arts management or arts administration can get into the business side of the industry. They can be talent scouts or managers, brand developers, marketing and media relations, and others. Furthermore, those who have a passion for teaching can become independent instructors or music teachers, as well as university, college, and conservatory professors. (Majoring in Music, n.d.).
Another area where music degree holders can get into is the medical field, by becoming a music therapist. Music therapy is one of the practical applications of music in medicine. As a profession, music calls for more than music degree skills as it also requires board certification unlike the majority of other music degree careers (American Music Therapy Association, n.d.).
Most of the time, when people think about the cost of a degree or college education in general, some only consider the tuition and other fees charged by the institution, such as books, facilities, etc. The cost of a college degree, however, also includes other expenses, such as housing, transportation, food, and others. Just like other degree programs, the cost of music degree programs varies across locations and institutions (CollegeData, 2021).
Some of the most notable institutions that offer music degrees like Berklee College of Music can go as high as $70,162.80 inclusive of tuition and other mandatory fees like books, software bundle, as well as optional expenses, such as student insurance plan (Berklee College of Music, n.d.). The Juilliard School can cost $84,502 for new students enrolling in the academic year 2021-22. This cost includes residence hall fees and meals for on-campus students (The Juilliard School, 2021). There are also universities, colleges, and conservatories that offer more affordable music programs, such as the University of Maine at Augusta where the annual tuition for a bachelor’s degree in music falls under $10,000. You may also want to look into affordable online colleges with competitive music programs.
To further give you an idea of how much a music degree can cost you, we gathered the average figures based on the current trends in college pricing. In the table below, you will find the average cost for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in in-state, out-of-state, and public institutions across the United States for the academic year 2020-2021.
| Certfication | Cost of Examination |
|---|---|
| Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | $299 to $399 |
| Certified Outpatient Coding (COC) | $399 ($325 AAPC Students; one free retake) |
| Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) | $399 ($325 for AAPC Students; one free retake) |
| Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | Non-member price: $399 |
| Certified Medical Coder (CMC) | $200 |
A music degree is worth it not only to those who have creative talent but more so to those who have a passion for art. An analysis conducted by CNBC of career outlook data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, music teachers are included in the top 15 high-paying professions for creative people, along with producers and directors (Renzulli, 2019).
The music industry has also proven to be more resilient and flexible as it continues to thrive amid the pandemic. Although stage performances, such as concerts, have been hit by the restrictions brought about by COVID-19, the global revenue of the music market increased by 7.4% as the majority of consumers turn to music streaming apps and channels (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, 2021).
Source: RIAA 2020 Year-End RIAA Music Industry Revenue Report
As previously mentioned, job opportunities for music degree holders are varied and not just concentrated in the recording and performance-based careers. In this section, we will delve into the career options of music majors in different fields and industries.
The demand for music continues to grow amid the changing environment of its consumption. While live performances, such as concerts, have been restricted due to the pandemic, music streaming channels and other digital platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, have become virtual stages for musicians to continue working.
According to IQ Magazine, the compound annual growth rate (C.A.G.R.) of global music revenue from 2016 to 2021 has been projected to be dominated by music streaming with a 20.7% C.A.G.R. Meanwhile, digital downloads and physical albums have been predicted to decrease significantly over the years.
Despite the massive shift in the overall landscape of the music industry that has significantly slowed down the gigs of live performers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the employment growth rate for musicians remains at 1% for 2019 to 2029 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
Many people think that a music career is riddled with uncertainty, unlike careers in other industries, such as business, medicine, and information technology. This statement is true, especially for independent workers in the music business. According to a study by Gross, Musgrave, and Janciute, a career in the music industry is characterized by financial precariousness “based on varying levels of income, inconsistent contracts, and frequently working for free.” Furthermore, “the inability to turn what appeared to be reasonable levels of perceived success into any financial peace of mind deeply worries these workers” (Gross et al., 2018, p. 15). This is also true for fresh graduates who typically earn 37% lower than the national average salary in the United States (College Factual, 2021). There, however, are jobs for music majors that offer competitive wages.
The average yearly salary of music majors in the United States is $53,000. There, however, is a significant gap between the top 10% of earners and the average wage earners. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, music professors or instructors who work in universities, colleges, and conservatories earn an annual mean wage of $85,590. Moreover, junior college professors and music instructors can earn up to $90,980. Music therapists, on the other hand, can earn between $42,740 to $55,817. The salary range for this profession is based on a number of factors, such as the level of education, certifications, years of experience, and other relevant credentials (Salary.com, 2021).
Salary for music degree holders can vary not only across industries but also in terms of location. In the U.S., New York City has the highest average annual wage ($64,202) and also the highest average entry-level salary for music majors ($31,000). Along with New York, the other cities that belong to the top five cities where music majors are paid competitively are San Francisco, Boston, Portland in Maine, and Seattle (Zippia, 2020).
Knowing the type of music degree you want to pursue is not only important for laying down the foundations of your career, but also in choosing the best school that matches your chosen concentration or specialization. In this section, let us explore the different types of music degrees and diplomas available to you.
Average time to complete: Two years
Different schools offer different types of programs such as music performance. This program focuses on music composition, music theory, and performing, which can equip students with skills and knowledge to get into entry-level jobs as composers, stage production staff, or even as professional music performers.
Other programs, such as associate of arts in music industry studies, teach students the general fundamentals of music education. Students who take this degree can get employed in talent management and production companies. Alternatively, students who completed their associate programs can pursue their education and earn a higher degree in music.
Entry-level jobs: Stage performer, songwriter, talent scout, assistant producer
Average time to complete: Four years
There are different types of bachelor’s degrees in music. One of them is the Bachelor of Music or B.M., which is more commonly offered by different music schools. Under this degree, students take courses in liberal arts, music history, and music theory. Some institutions also offer music education, business, composition, and other courses in their curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts in Music introduces students to programs that help develop their talent and creativity. The concentration of studies under this degree varies according to the curriculum offered by a university, college, or conservatory. General music studies is one of the concentrations offered, which delves more into honing the students’ musicianship and performance capabilities.
Students who are more interested in the technical aspect of music can choose a concentration under Bachelor of Science in Music. Some institutions offer a concentration in music technology, which incorporates the study of audio production, sound mixing, rendering, etc.
Another type of bachelor’s degree for those who want to study music is Bachelor of Professional Studies or B.P.S. This degree is relatively new and is currently offered more as an online program. Unlike the other classifications of bachelor’s degrees, B.P.S. gives students the freedom to create their concentration, which can be a combination of more than one field of studies, such as music composition and business management (Stein, 2021).
Entry-level jobs: Vocalist, instrumentalist, audio engineer, music journalist, music teacher
Average time to complete: Two years
A master’s degree in music opens broader career growth opportunities to music degree holders. A master’s degree in music education delves further into the subjects of music history, music theory, orchestration, and musical arrangement. This program also teaches organizational leadership roles in music, which is essential in teaching a class, school band, or orchestra. By taking this program, you can develop your educational skills by incorporating academic research, instructional design, and exploring different teaching methods. Typically, master’s degree holders in music have mastered at least one musical instrument, which makes them qualified to provide individual or group lessons at a higher rate.
High-level positions: Middle school and high school band director, community college instructor, music director
Average time to complete: Three to four years
There are two types of doctoral degrees in music–Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) and Ph.D. in Music. The first one is a doctoral academic degree that focuses on advanced studies of a particular area of specialization, such as music composition, conducting, and music performance. Professionals who choose to earn D.M.A. have to study graduate-level music pedagogy, music theory, and music history.
Ph.D. in Music, on the other hand, concentrates more on research than academic studies. This doctoral degree is often granted to those who want to pursue advanced studies and research in the subjects of music theory, historical musicology, and ethnomusicology.
High-level positions: Postsecondary professor, college dean, music director
Time to complete: Less than a year to three years
Students and professionals earn additional credentials to give them a competitive edge in advancing their careers. In music, there are several certifications for both students and professionals in all degree levels. Among these is the music industry certificate, which equips students with the basic skills and knowledge of marketing, art management, music production, etc. This certificate can help students find entry-level positions in different areas of the music industry, such as advertising firms, recording companies, and others.
Other undergraduate music certificates incorporate hands-on training in the areas of performing, songwriting, and music appreciation, among others. Graduate certificates are typically more artist-based and involve applied studies and instrument or voice rehearsals.
Entry-level jobs: Composer, private music instructor, conductor
Source: Data USA
The vast selection of music degrees also calls for different requirements that often depend on a university, college, or conservatory. Furthermore, general requirements also vary across postsecondary institutions. In this section, we will guide you through some of the music degree prerequisites you need to know before applying to your chosen school.
Choosing the right program starts with choosing the right school. It is important to keep in mind that not all postsecondary institutions that offer music degrees offer the same programs. Furthermore, some schools have different approaches to music programs, especially those that involve music industry studies and music technology, which are continuously and rapidly changing.
As previously mentioned, music is a vast field of study with a broad range of specializations to choose from. While talent and passion definitely play a vital role in choosing your major, it is also important to take into consideration if your major aligns with your interests and career options. As such, an ideal way to assess if you are choosing the right specialization is by checking if the subjects you need to take align with your academic and career goals.
Renowned music conservatories like Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, and Curtis Institute of Music are certainly accredited. But what if you do not plan to go to the conservatories, universities, colleges, and community colleges that are known to be certified to teach music? You can go to the official website of the National Association of Schools of Music. N.A.S.M. is a professional accrediting agency for institutions that offer music programs across the U.S. As of date, the agency has accredited more than 600 academic institutions that you can search on its official website by city and state.
The number of students being taught simultaneously in a given situation greatly affects the learning environment. While the average class size varies from school to school, the range between 5:1 to 10:1 is the ideal student-teacher ratio based on the best institutions that offer music programs in the United States (College Factual, 2021).
Federal and state financial aids are available to students studying music in colleges, universities, and conservatories. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for federal grants, federal loans, and work-study programs offered by their respective schools. Some organizations offer scholarships to students who are taking music majors and pursuing a career in the music field, especially those who demonstrate remarkable achievements and potential. You may find some of these organizations on the official website of the National Association for Music Education (N.A.F.N.E.).
Popular opinion states that studying music in college is a waste of time as the career options are limited to working in an industry that is often described as volatile. While it is true that the music business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the small labels and gig economy workers, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which includes the digitization of the music industry and the widespread use of social media platforms have also opened new doors that give them a better advantage at establishing their careers.
By reading this article, we hope that we have shed some light on the reality that a music degree can lead to extraordinary career opportunities where you can monetize your talent and creativity while doing what you are passionate about.
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