What it is
Music as a major develops performance, composition, and musicianship — or prepares music educators — across classical, jazz, commercial, and other traditions. It combines rigorous training with artistry, usually with audition-based admission.
Honest reality: arts careers are competitive and income varies widely. Many artists are self-employed or freelance, with pay that swings by project, reputation, and location. Passion and persistence matter — and pairing artistic skill with commercial/technical skills (design software, business, teaching) greatly improves stability.
What you'll study
Music study blends performance and theory:
- AppliedPrivate lessons and performance on your instrument/voice
- CoreMusic theory, aural skills, music history
- EnsemblesOrchestra, band, choir, or combos
- TrackPerformance, composition, education, or music technology; a recital caps it
Concentrations & focus areas
- PerformanceInstrumental or vocal
- CompositionWriting music
- Music EducationTeaching (BM.Ed)
- Jazz / CommercialContemporary styles
- Music Technology / ProductionAudio & recording
- Music TherapyClinical music (with training)
Skills you'll build
- MusicianshipTechnique and artistry
- Music theoryUnderstanding structure
- DisciplineYears of practice
- CollaborationEnsemble work
- AdaptabilityMultiple styles/roles
Careers & job titles
- Performer / musicianEnsembles, gigs (often freelance)
- Music teacher / professorSchools (with certification/degree)
- Composer / arrangerMedia, concert, commercial
- Music producer / audio engineerRecording industry
- Music directorEnsembles, worship, theater
- Music therapistWith a graduate credential
Job outlook & demand
Professional music is competitive and freelance-heavy. Full-time performing jobs are limited; many musicians combine performing, teaching, and other work. Music education offers the steadiest employment, and music production/technology is a growing commercial path.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Pay varies enormously. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, music directors and composers had a median around $62,590, while musicians and singers are typically paid hourly (around $39/hour) with irregular work. Music teachers earn stable salaries; production and steady positions pay more reliably.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's (BM or BA) is standard, admission usually by audition; the MM and terminal DMA support advanced performance and university teaching.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you are deeply committed to music, disciplined about practice, and realistic about a portfolio career.
Stability tip: the most reliable music careers are in education and production/technology. Pairing performance with teaching credentials or audio skills provides steady income while you perform.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusPerformance, composition, or music education
- AdmissionUsually by audition
- CareersPerformer, music teacher, composer, producer
- RealityCompetitive, freelance-heavy; education steadiest
- Pay$62,590 (music directors/composers); performers hourly (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: