by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you turn up the radio and sing every time you're in the car? Do you enjoy being on stage and performing for others? If you said yes, consider a major in Music.
A degree in Music isn't only about performing. You will learn about music history, composition, theory, and how to teach. Classes introduce you to and array of classical, modern, and contemporary music, show you how it has evolved, and prepare you for a career working with this art form.
Students have the option of choosing a general music major or they may choose to concentrate in a certain area. Examples of concentrations are: Music History, Music Performance, Music Theory & Composition, Musicology and Ethnomusicology, Conducting, Keyboard Instruments, and Voice Performance.
Studying Music explores Music. Continue reading for the key facts every music student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering music programs.
Across the country, music is a popular field of study, with 25,853 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Music Schools ranking analyzes these 1,217 schools to determine the best overall colleges for music students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of music programs later in this article.
Programs in Music emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations music graduates commonly enter.
Students who pursue a degree in Music usually already have musical talent, whether it be singing, playing an instrument, conducting, or composing. The classes you take in college will foster these talents and provide you with the skills you need to become a professional. Since this is a very competitive field, perseverance and discipline are important. You should be prepared to put a lot of time and effort in to improve your technique and performance. Strong people skills are also necessary because you will be auditioning for parts or working closely with agents and musicians.
A career in Music can be part time or full time, and can often have demanding hours. Those who perform have practices during normal business hours, but are required to work at night and on weekends when performances are held. Performers may also have to travel to perform at certain venues. Teachers typically have more regular hours.
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry should spend time taking classes and improving skills. Voice and instrument classes with teach you different techniques and styles that will make you more flexible and interesting to employers.
Skills built by a music program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a music major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several music degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 223 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,945 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 15,187 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 7,020 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,475 |
People currently working in careers related to music tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 45.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 17.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.9% |
| Some college courses | 0.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in music careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Music graduates are employed as voice teachers, vocal performers, conductors, music historians, and composers among other professions rooted in music. This degree will give you the skills to write music for performances, teach other how to play instruments, perform in a variety of venues and productions, and share the history of this art form. No matter what type of work you would like to do, a degree in Music will prepare you for a job in the field you're passionate about.
All music occupations are growing at an average rate, meaning students should be able to find jobs after graduation. However, some careers, like music performance, are highly competitive and require great talent and experience.
Studying music can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to music.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to music.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,074,154 | 9.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | 386,017 | -3.0% |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | 294,018 | -0.5% |
| Music Directors and Composers | 180,947 | 6.4% |
| Musicians and Singers | 44,568 | 7.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of music graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $29,248 |
| 4 years | $35,586 |
| 5 years | $40,828 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for music graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers music grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $96,571 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | $87,328 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $66,915 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $66,427 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,983 |
With 1,217 different music programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased music school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in music, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Music, General | 10,690 |
| Music Performance, General | 7,193 |
| Music Technology | 1,938 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 1,336 |
| Music, Other | 1,141 |
| Voice and Opera | 668 |
| Stringed Instruments | 589 |
| Keyboard Instruments | 534 |
| Jazz/Jazz Studies | 523 |
| Music Pedagogy | 385 |
| Conducting | 180 |
| Music History, Literature, and Theory | 166 |
| Woodwind Instruments | 158 |
| Musicology and Ethnomusicology | 155 |
| Brass Instruments | 109 |
| Sound Arts | 53 |
| Percussion Instruments | 35 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | 38,798 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 37,770 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | 18,927 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 16,640 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | 7,225 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management | 4,430 |
| Dance | 3,274 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other | 941 |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry | 67 |
| Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art | 12 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
