Seven Degrees for Students With A Passion For Music

Music can elevate moods, reduce stress, stimulate memories, and even ease pain or boost physical performance.  Everyone enjoys listening to music, but for some people, this extends beyond just a recreational pastime. In addition to being a creative outlet, music can also teach discipline and sharpen the memorization skills of those who learn how to play instruments. If music is your passion and you want to turn it into a career then the following degrees could help to set you on the right path.

What Types of Music Degrees Are Available?

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Music Business

There’s more to music than being able to play an instrument or sing. In fact, there’s an entire industry built around connecting musicians with their fans. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Music Business degree is ideal for business-minded students who want to pursue a career in the music industry. It features courses such as Entertainment Law in the Music Industry, Music Business Agreements and Licensing, Recorded Music Operations, and Music Marketing. This degree can be useful for careers such as production manager, tour manager, music manager, or artist developer. In addition, solo artists or bands who want to remain independent can also benefit from knowing more about the business side of the industry.

Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music

The Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music degree is aimed at students interested in recording and music technology. The focus of the degree is commercial music and students are taught aspects such as improvisation techniques, entrepreneurship in the commercial music community, and how to identify rhythms across various musical styles. This degree also covers topics such as music theory, techniques, and technology that are essential for success in the industry. It can be completed online and opens up career opportunities such as commercial music teacher, music editor, music publicist, sound engineer, music producer, and more.

Bachelor of Science in Music Production

The Bachelor of Science in Music Production degree can help students make their dreams of producing and marketing their own music come true. It introduces students to all of the tools used by successful composers and the knowledge they need to create music for television, film, radio, video games, and live events. Students are taught the process involved in making professional-quality music and what hardware as well as software technology is used in the industry. Completing this degree can be beneficial for students interested in working as producers, recording engineers, mastering engineers, sound technicians, live sound engineers, and other related jobs.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Popular Music)

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree offers students an opportunity to select popular music as a concentration. It is available in both performer and non-performer tracks and is aimed at everyone from singers and songwriters to producers, composers, instrumentalists, and musicians. The degree covers topics such as songwriting, production, composition, and performance, as well as engineering, music business, and popular music education. The degree is invaluable for gaining a working knowledge of the music industry and can pave the way for careers such as sound designer, studio engineer, songwriter, contemporary composer, music marketer, music executive, and much more.

Bachelor of Science in Music Engineering Technology

For students who want to understand the theoretical basis of sound recording, processing, and reproduction a Bachelor of Science in Music Engineering Technology degree is a good option. It also teaches students the practical techniques used in music engineering as well as how to design and implement original audio hardware and software. After completing this degree students can pursue careers in music recording, audio hardware, and software design, or other related professions in the industry.

Bachelor of Music Education

Students with a passion for music that they want to share with others can enroll in a Bachelor of Music Education degree. This degree can prepare them for a career as a music educator where they are able to teach music to others. Courses may include Basic Musicianship, Music Theory, Basic Conducting, and Tonal Analysis. Completing this degree can lead to a career as an elementary middle or high school music teacher.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Students who excel at music and want to turn their passion into a teaching or research-oriented career can complete a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Typically, this type of degree offers specializations, such as Collaborative Piano, Composition, Conducting, Music Education, or Performance that allow students to focus on their areas of interest. In addition to preparing students to work as professional conductors, composers, or performers this type of degree is also useful for working in a university or college setting.

Conclusion

Almost everyone who loves music has dreamed of starting a band or solo career as an artist at some point, but there’s more to the industry than these options. Completing a music-related degree can teach students the discipline needed to thrive in a variety of career paths within the industry. While there are many music-related jobs that do not require a degree, earning one can increase employment opportunities, boost your confidence, and help with building a good resume.