What Can You Do With A Music Degree?

Pursuing a music degree not only provides you with a deep understanding of music theory, history, and performance techniques but also equips you with a wide range of transferable skills that can be applied to various career paths. While many assume that a music degree solely leads to a career as a performer or teacher, the truth is that the field offers diverse opportunities for those with a passion for music. 

So let’s explore seven exciting things you can do with your music degree, showcasing the versatility and breadth of career options available to graduates.

Music Therapy

In the field of music therapy, the therapeutic potential of music is used to address people’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. Children with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health issues, older people with dementia, and patients undergoing medical treatment are just a few of the populations you may deal with as a music therapist.

A music degree equips individuals with a strong foundation in music theory, performance, and psychology, enabling effective music therapy. Music therapists collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers to create personalized interventions, promote therapeutic goals, and evaluate client progress.

Music Education

As a music degree holder, you have the opportunity to inspire and educate students about the magic of music by becoming a music teacher.

You can teach students from elementary to high school, focusing on reading sheet music, playing instruments, and understanding music theory. College or university music professors teach advanced music theory, composition, history, and performance techniques while supervising students’ research projects. To further hone your skills and advance in your career, an online masters in music education from an accredited institution is one of the easiest ways to do so. It allows you the flexibility to study on your time without compromising your existing commitments.

You will have the opportunity to have a long-lasting influence on your student’s life as a music instructor by igniting their musical enthusiasm, developing their gifts, and assisting them in becoming accomplished musicians. 

Music Production and Sound Engineering

Sound engineering and music production are dynamic professions that call for both technical mastery and aesthetic sensibility. You have a strong foundation in music theory, composition, and performance as a holder of a music degree, which may be quite helpful in the field of music production.

The process of making music involves working in recording studios and collaborating with musicians, producers, and audio engineers. In the film, television, and gaming industries, experts in music production and sound engineering can work on soundtracks, sound effects, and audio design. The need for specialists in audio mixing, mastering, and post-production is rising as technology advances. 

To excel in this field, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest advancements in recording technology, software, and production techniques. Building a strong portfolio of your work and networking within the industry can also help you secure opportunities and collaborations.

Arts Administration

Arts administration is a critical aspect of the music industry that ensures the smooth operation and success of music organizations, events, and performances. With a music degree, you can pursue various roles in arts administration, playing a vital role in managing the logistical, financial, and promotional aspects of music organizations.

Arts administration involves organizing and coordinating concerts and music festivals and managing contracts, logistics, artists, performers, and technical production. Budget management is crucial, involving cost estimation, expense tracking, and resource allocation. Marketing and public relations are essential for promoting music organizations and events. Collaboration with grant-making organizations, sponsors, and donors is essential for funding and sustainability.

It can be beneficial to acquire additional skills in business management, marketing, and event planning if you aim to succeed in this line of work. Networking within the industry and staying updated with industry trends and best practices will also help you secure the best opportunities.

Music Journalism

As a music journalist or critic, you can delve into the world of music, share your insights, and engage with a wide audience of music enthusiasts.

A variety of forms are included in music journalism, such as feature stories, opinion pieces, artist interviews, concert reviews, album reviews, and artist interviews. You may contribute to a variety of media, including print media, internet platforms, and websites devoted to music. These venues may appeal to various audiences by offering music in a variety of genres or by specializing in certain musical genres.

Success in music journalism will depend on building a good body of work, making relationships inside the business, and keeping up with new musicians and trends. Your education in music gives you the knowledge and authority to write definitively and to provide a distinctive viewpoint to your work.

Performer

A music degree can provide a solid basis for a performing career and enable you to follow your love of music on stage and share your skills with audiences throughout the world. With professionally produced sessions at a Recording Studio to refine your sound and create high-quality tracks, you can better showcase your talent and reach a wider audience. You have a variety of options to consider, including careers as session musicians, solo artists, musicians in bands or orchestras, and more.

In addition to having a music degree, performing well requires constant technical improvement, stage presence growth, and the development of a strong repertory. Toronto has some incredible artists who double as coaches, giving lessons to beginners and artists wanting to elevate their craft. Singing lessons, wherever you may be in your musical journey, is crucial for refining your skill set. Moreover, participating in music competitions, networking with other musicians, and attending auditions would all help you become noticed and open up performing chances.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

You can go on an entrepreneurial path by launching your own music business if you have a thorough grasp of the music business and its dynamics. This might include managing musicians, owning a record label, planning concerts, or developing online streaming platforms and promotion channels for music.

Business savvy, market understanding, and networking abilities are necessary to launch a music business. For your business to be successful and last, you must comprehend copyright rules, licensing contracts, marketing tactics, and financial management. 

Conclusion

A music degree is not limited to a single career path. It opens the door to a diverse range of opportunities that extend beyond the stage and the classroom. Whether you choose to perform, educate, heal, create, or innovate, your music degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a fulfilling career in the music industry. So, embrace the versatility of your degree and explore the exciting possibilities that await you.

Photo by Hugo Martínez | Pixels