The Enduring Benefits of Studying Music in College for Diverse Careers

A music degree is more than just mastering an instrument; it's a gateway to a multifaceted world of opportunities. It cultivates a unique skill set applicable to various industries, far beyond the concert hall. Earning a music degree helps you learn about musical traditions, cultures, and history.

Developing Refined Musical Skills

Students develop their talents into refined musical skills, grounded in an understanding of theory, performance, and creativity. With guidance from experienced faculty and opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, students gain hands-on experience. A strong foundation in music theory and performance is essential for many roles, such as working as an accompanist.

Diverse Career Paths for Music Graduates

A music degree equips graduates with a valuable skill set that opens doors to a wide range of career paths across many industries. Professional musicians, composers, and arrangers bring their creativity to life on stage, in recording studios, or by writing original scores for films, games, and advertisements. Music educators inspire the next generation by teaching in schools, universities, or private studios. Music graduates often thrive in arts administration and event management, organizing concerts, festivals, or community outreach programs.

Beyond Performance: Exploring Alternative Music Careers

Not everyone who’s passionate about music wants to be a performer. Some people just want to compose, produce, or write for others, while others want to advise about music for movies and video games. While you could get just a general degree in Music, you’re not stuck on a single path. There are many myths about pursuing a degree in the arts, and this is one of them! You can specialize in your passion based on which school or program you choose. You can enroll in a traditional Music program at a liberal arts college or university or pursue courses through a program like 1500 Sound Academy, a professional music school in Los Angeles. The path you choose is totally up to you depending on your preferences and goals. You might start out your university career thinking you’re interested in singing and songwriting only to later find out you actually love conducting therapy through music or prefer sound engineering behind the scenes.

Music Therapy

A relatively new type of career for musicians is that of a music therapist. Music therapists combine counseling and music skills to help people with a range of conditions and disorders, including dementia, depression, ADHD, substance abuse issues, and more. A music therapist’s exact duties can vary widely and include writing music, playing various instruments, selecting therapeutic recordings for clients, and the like. Many music therapists report that no two days are the same, and their roles are constantly evolving to meet their clients’ needs. Music therapists may be self-employed or work for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or outpatient mental health facilities. These professionals need a bachelor’s degree in music to practice music therapy. Many colleges and universities have special degree programs specifically for students who want to pursue a career in this exciting field. Some music therapists hold an advanced degree, such as a master’s or even doctorate in music therapy. The type of degree you have will affect how much you earn as a music therapist.

Read also: Comprehensive Work-Study Info

Music Journalism

If you happen to be equally talented in both music and writing, then you may consider a career in music journalism. What makes this career so cool is that it often requires you to travel to new places, attend performances, and even meet famous musicians. Plus, many music journalists are self-employed, meaning you could potentially set your own hours and rates. Like many other of the music careers featured here, the pay for music journalists can vary widely.

Music Teacher

Some say teaching is the highest form of learning. As a music teacher, you’ll constantly be learning about new trends in the industry. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to share your love of music with a captive audience on the daily. The precise duties of a music teacher will vary depending on your exact position. Music teachers are needed at every level of education, from early childhood to postsecondary. When you’re pursuing your teaching degree in music, you’ll have the option to specialize in a certain area, such as elementary education, secondary education, or higher learning. In terms of pay, some music educators make more than others.

Composer

If you’re looking for perhaps the most wildly creative of music careers, then you may want to consider the job of a composer. As a composer, you won’t just play music; you’ll create unique scores, soundtracks, and arrangements. Composers are often some of the most skilled types of professionals in the music industry. They must have an excellent ear for music and be knowledgeable in various instruments and types of music. Composers are fairly well-compensated for their creative work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the average annual salary for composers and music directors to be $51,670 in 2019.

Conductor and Music Director

You’ve likely witnessed conductors at work during orchestra productions, either live or televised. Music directors have highly creative duties that allow them to produce music performances from the ground up. They often select the music to be performed and may even arrange or interpret musical selections. Conductors and music directors often select the best musicians at their disposal to perform solos. According to PayScale, conductors make around $50,000 per year on average.

Sound Engineer

With modern technology, instruments and voices aren’t the only means of making sound for musical compositions. Sound engineers often work with digital audio technology to create and modify sounds for various purposes and audiences. They may use this technology to improve sound on a recording or even during a live performance. Perhaps because of the work’s technical aspect, employment opportunities for sound engineers are on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in this field are currently growing much faster than average. The pay for a position as a sound engineer is also comparable to other lucrative music careers.

Music Software Programmer

Another of the cool music careers that combines traditional musical techniques with advanced technology is a music software programmer. Increasingly, musicians are relying on computer software to arrange and edit music. Music software programmers may be self-trained or attend school to gain the necessary skills to do their jobs. As a music software programmer, you may have promising job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job growth for software developers to be among the highest for all occupations, and software developers routinely make over six figures per year.

Instrument Repair Technician

It is one of the industry’s lesser-known cool music careers, but there is a demand for professional instrument repair technicians. After all, someone must ensure that musicians’ instruments are tuned and properly working before a big performance (or even just a rehearsal)! Like many music professionals highlighted here, instrument repair technicians need a unique combination of skills; not only must they have mechanical knowledge, but they also need musical chops! Instrument repair technicians often work for music stores, though many are self-employed. Alternatively, a professional music group or band may hire an instrument technician to tour with them.

Developing Essential Skills

No matter what job you end up doing, you need discipline to look for that job, go to the interview, and go to work each day. Music requires a lot of discipline, from balancing multiple rehearsals each week to practicing on your own. There were many times when I wanted to hang out with friends, especially on the weekends.

Discipline

Music requires a lot of discipline, from balancing multiple rehearsals each week to practicing on your own.

Confidence

Some people desperately want to pursue their passions, but they don’t have the confidence to get up on stage or even share their work with others. When you attend college for Music, you’ll surround yourself with like-minded students and teachers who are all there to support you and encourage you to thrive. Leave the nonbelievers and negativity behind; college is a space that encourages passion, self-expression, and risk-taking. You’ll find yourself on stage, singing or playing your heart out in no time!

Networking

College is a great place to learn and grow on an individual level, but it’s also the perfect place to meet people and build your network for the future. You might be attending classes with the next big music producer or conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic! Going to college and attending the same classes offers you the opportunity to bond with people who may be important to your life and future career.

Palm Beach Atlantic University: A Model for Music Education

At Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), their Bachelor of Arts in Music guides students in developing their God-given talents into refined musical skills. Students benefit from expert instruction by distinguished faculty, including a Grammy Award-winner and a professional colleague of Aretha Franklin.

Dispelling Myths about Music Degrees

If you’ve given any serious thought to becoming a music major, then you’ve likely heard from the naysayers who claim that music degrees are worthless. While this pessimistic view on these types of academic credentials has little (if any!) basis in reality, it may make even the most devoted musician second-guess their decision to pursue an undergraduate degree in music. Don’t let it have this effect on you!

The Value of Music Education

Earning your Music degree will allow you to learn your craft while developing your education and expanding your knowledge. You’ll have the chance to improve your techniques and skills while also learning about the theory behind the notes.

Breadth of Knowledge

Whether your instrument is your voice, a guitar, or something else entirely, enrolling in a Music program will provide you the opportunity to practice and perfect your skills-that’s obvious. However, that’s not all you’ll get with a music education. There’s a lot of breadth to programs at a traditional university, including music history, music theory, software engineering, and an overview of the modern music industry that often layers in business learning. Some courses even teach you how to write music and how to write about music so you can pursue other careers as well.

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