So you’ve got a music degree, or you’re considering getting one. Maybe you can’t imagine a life without music, and you’re itching to carve out a career in this art form that moves people. But there’s one big question on your mind: What can you do with a music degree? Surprisingly, the answer is – a lot! Whether you see yourself on stage, in a studio, a classroom, or even behind the scenes in administration, a music degree can lead you down countless diverse paths.
Diverse Career Opportunities with a Music Degree
A music degree is a gateway to a world full of creativity, expression, and versatility. It’s not just about performing (although that is a big part of it!). From managing artists to teaching young talents, from composing soundtracks to guiding therapeutic music sessions, the possibilities are vast. Here are some major career paths where a music degree can take you:
Types of Music Degrees
To understand what you can do with a music degree, it’s important to first look at the different types of degrees available. Each type provides a unique perspective and set of skills that could influence your career path.
Bachelor of Music
A Bachelor of Music degree is the quintessential music degree for performers and composers. This undergraduate degree program focuses on music theory, performance, and technique. It’s your ticket to becoming a professional musician, allowing you to major in areas like instrumental performance, composition, or even music production.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a more broad-based music degree. It allows you to study music while also exploring other fields, giving you a deep understanding of music alongside skills in related areas, such as marketing or education. If you’re looking for versatility, this degree gives you the flexibility to enter fields beyond just performance.
Master of Music
The Master of Music (MM) is an advanced degree aimed at those who wish to specialize further. It might focus on performance, conducting, music education, or even music therapy. This degree deepens your technical knowledge of music and expands your career opportunities to higher education teaching or advanced performance positions.
Doctorate in Music
If you want to reach the pinnacle of musical academia, the Doctorate in Music (DM or Ph.D.) is your calling. This degree is ideal for those interested in teaching at the university level, conducting research, or pursuing elite performance opportunities. It’s a long journey, but one that offers a rewarding career filled with respect and authority in the field.
Careers in the Music Industry
The music industry offers plenty of opportunities for someone with a music degree. Whether you’re passionate about performing, producing, or working behind the scenes, there’s a job for you.
Performing Artist
If you live for the spotlight, a music degree can help you become a performing artist. This is one of the most obvious career paths for music degree holders, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. It takes dedication and practice, but your degree will give you the technical foundation and performance skills needed to succeed.
Opportunities include:
- Session Musician: Play instruments for recording sessions and live performances.
- Solo Performer: Take the stage as a soloist in concerts, clubs, or festivals.
- Ensemble Member: Join orchestras, bands, or other music groups.
Composer and Songwriter
What can you do with a music degree if you’re passionate about creating original music? Composing and songwriting are natural fits. With training in theory, orchestration, and the technical aspects of music production, a music degree can lead you into composing for:
- Films, TV shows, and commercials
- Video games
- Pop artists and recording contracts
Sound Engineer and Producer
A career in music doesn’t always have to be in the spotlight. You can be the one making the magic happen behind the scenes as a sound engineer or producer. Here’s where you can use your technical know-how to work in music production studios, mixing, editing, and mastering recordings.
Roles include:
- Recording Engineer: Operate recording equipment to capture the perfect sound.
- Producer: Oversee the entire production process, often adding creative direction.
- Sound Designer: Create soundscapes for theatre, film, or multimedia projects.
Music Therapist
A lesser-known but incredibly rewarding career path is music therapy. This field uses music as a therapeutic tool to help individuals deal with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. If you’re interested in working in healthcare or with individuals with special needs, a music degree combined with certification in music therapy can make a profound impact.
Music Director and Arranger
With a music degree, you can direct or arrange music for churches, theatres, and even orchestras. Music directors lead musical ensembles, ensuring cohesive and moving performances. Arrangers, on the other hand, take existing pieces and adapt them for different instruments or ensembles, keeping the original’s essence while making it suitable for new contexts.
Artist Management and Promotion
If you have a mind for business as well as a passion for music, artist management and promotion could be the path for you. Use your understanding of the music industry to help musicians promote their work, book gigs, and navigate the complicated business side of being an artist.
Job roles include:
- Artist Manager: Handle business deals and public relations for artists.
- Concert Promoter: Work behind the scenes to organize and promote live shows.
Careers in Education
Music education is a deeply impactful field for music graduates. Sharing your passion and knowledge with the next generation can be one of the most rewarding paths.
Music Teacher
One of the most common careers in music education is teaching music at schools. With a degree in music education, you can teach in primary, secondary, and even college-level institutions. Whether it’s band, choir, or general music, you can inspire young students with your love for the art.
Music teaching opportunities include:
- Primary and Secondary Schools: Teach basic music theory, choir, or band.
- College Level: Teach advanced theory, history, or performance courses at universities.
Private Instruction
Want to have more independence? With a music degree, you can set up a private music studio and teach students on a one-on-one basis. You can specialize in instruments like the piano, guitar, or voice, tailoring lessons to each student’s abilities and goals. This is an excellent path if you enjoy flexible hours and direct interaction with students.
Careers in Arts Administration
If you have an interest in organizing, planning, and supporting the arts, arts administration is another area where a music degree is highly valuable.
Event Management
Music events don’t just happen by themselves—they require meticulous planning and execution. With the organizational skills gained from your music degree, you could find a career managing concerts, festivals, or other music events.
Arts Nonprofit Organizations
Many arts nonprofits need people with a deep understanding of music to help support their mission of promoting the arts in the community. You could work with orchestras, theatres, music conservatories, or community music programs to help manage fundraising, outreach, or educational programs.
Music Program Coordination
Working as a music program coordinator involves planning and managing music education programs, after-school activities, and workshops. This role often requires collaboration with educators, artists, and other community members to develop engaging music curricula.
Transferable Skills Gained from a Music Degree
A music degree doesn’t just teach you about music—it also helps you develop skills that are highly valuable in many other fields. Here are some transferable skills you gain from a music degree:
Creativity and Artistic Expression
A music degree hones your ability to think outside the box, find unique solutions, and express yourself in an impactful way. Creativity is a highly sought-after skill in today’s world, no matter what industry you end up in.
Communication and Collaboration
Music, by its very nature, is often a collaborative art form. Performing in ensembles, working with producers, and engaging with an audience help build communication skills. Collaboration is crucial in many job roles, making music graduates adaptable team players.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Music theory and composition require critical thinking, focus, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re figuring out a difficult chord progression or interpreting a complex piece, your ability to think critically and adapt on the fly will serve you well in almost any career path.
Networking and Industry Connections
During your time in music school, you get a unique chance to connect with industry professionals, professors, peers, and even performing artists. Networking is crucial in the music industry, and those relationships can lead to future collaborations, opportunities, and even job offers.
Conclusion
So, what can you do with a music degree? The options are practically endless. Whether you want to perform, teach, compose, or dive into the technical side of the music industry, a music degree can open many doors. From the classroom to the stage, from studios to behind-the-scenes work, it’s about finding where your passion truly lies and chasing after it with dedication and creativity. So go ahead—the music world is your oyster, and your degree is the key to unlocking its vast opportunities.
ALSO READ: Passive Income for Musicians
FAQs
A music degree can lead to jobs such as performing artist, music teacher, composer, sound engineer, and more.
Absolutely! The skills you gain—creativity, communication, critical thinking—are applicable in fields like marketing, education, and event management.
Consider specializing in music production, gain hands-on studio experience, and build connections with recording engineers and other music professionals.
Yes, music therapy can be a rewarding career that combines your love of music with helping people. You’ll need additional certification beyond your music degree to become a licensed music therapist.
