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Subject guide

Music

As you explore your options in higher education, consider the grand symphony of opportunities that await in the field of music. A rewarding and stimulating field, music combines creativity, cultural understanding, and technical skills in harmony. It offers study paths from music theory to performance, composition to production, all while encouraging expression and fostering a deep understanding of human emotion. Engaging with music at a collegiate level can enable you to uncover, understand, and even create the beats and harmonies that stir hearts and transform societies. Remember, this journey isn't solely about improving your tune, it's about finding your voice within the larger masterpiece of music itself.

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Music study and career guide

Music

As you embark on your educational journey, values like creativity, passion, and resilience are crucial components of your overall growth. The study of music exemplifies these traits. It will be a captivating subject where your love for rhythm, sound, and harmony can lead to an enriching educational experience. In the world of higher education, music is more than just an art form. It's a cross-disciplinary topic that incorporates various aspects like history, theory, performance, technology, business, therapy, and even psychology. So, whether you aspire to be a professional performer, a music therapist, a teacher, or even a scholar in music history or theory, studying music will offer you a diverse path that will stimulate your intellectual and artistic development. Remember, your passion could become your profession with the right education, and there is a wealth of trusted educational resources that can guide you down that path, enabling you to achieve your career goals.

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Music Program goals

Studying a program in Music is an aspirational journey that aims to unleash your creative potential while equipping you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to thrive in the music industry. As a student, your goal might be to become an accomplished composer, a conductor, a music therapist, or a music teacher. Regardless of what your specific career aspirations might be, universally, the goals of a Music program revolve around developing a deep understanding of music theory and history, honing your performance skills, fostering creativity, nurturing resilience, and facilitating community engagement through music. Let's explore these goals in detail:

  • Obtaining a deep understanding of music theory and history to enable critical thinking and analytical skills about various music genres.
  • Improving musical performance skills in your chosen instrument(s) or voice.
  • Fostering creativity and innovation in composing and arranging music.
  • Developing resilience and adaptability to excel in various roles within the dynamic fields of the music industry.
  • Promoting community engagement through musical interactions and performances.
Music Program goals illustration

What are the Student Learning Outcomes

Studying a program in Music provides you with a unique opportunity to dive into an enriching and comprehensive exploration of the art form that transcends language and culture. You can anticipate gaining a solid foundation in music theory, history, performance styles, and composition, among other key areas. This enriching educational journey will enable you to reach and surpass your musical aspirations while also preparing you for various career paths within the music industry.

  • Deepen your understanding and application of music theory and history.
  • Develop your technical and expressive capabilities as a performing musician.
  • Master the art of music composition and arrangement.
  • Sharpen your analytical and musicological research skills.
  • Enhance your creativity and innovation within a musical context.
What are the Student Learning Outcomes illustration
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What experience do I need to be able to apply for Music

If you're considering pursuing a higher education program in music, there are certain areas of experience and proficiency that are usually required. These tend to focus on foundational music concepts and a basic level of proficiency in performing. Most music programs will look for applicants who have a keen understanding of musical theory, can read music, and have a certain level of skill in performing a musical instrument or vocals. They will also often look for a solid foundational understanding of music history. This is because higher-level music programs are typically designed to build on these foundational skills and knowledge. Additionally, demonstrating your commitment to music through involvement in community performances, bands, choirs, or other musical activities can strengthen your application.

  • Basic understanding of musical theory.
  • Ability to read music.
  • Proficiency in performing a musical instrument or vocals.
  • Understanding of music history.
  • Participation in community performances, bands, or choirs.
What experience do I need to be able to apply for Music illustration

Music careers

If you're passionate about music and considering postgraduate studies in this subject, myriad exciting career options await you. Postgraduate studies in music can prepare you for a range of fulfilling careers spanning many different fields, from performing and composing to teaching and beyond. You might become a professional musician, working in orchestras, bands, or as a solo artist. Alternatively, you could apply your deep music knowledge in academia as a musicologist or music teacher. If you're interested in the technical aspects, roles in the music production, sound engineering, or music therapy could be your calling. Promising careers also exist in arts administration, music journalism, or as a talent scout in the music industry.

  • Professional Musician (Orchestra/Band Member, Solo Artist)
  • Music Therapist
  • Music Teacher or Musicologist
  • Music Producer or Sound Engineer
  • Arts Administration (e.g., with a symphony orchestra or music festival)
  • Music Journalist or Critic
  • A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Scout for a Record Label

Earning potential for postgraduates in music depends largely on their chosen specialization and accumulated experience, with diverse career options such as performing artist, music teacher, therapist, recording engineer, music director, or producer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for music directors and composers was $63,670 in May 2024[1].

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As a postgraduate in music, you'll find numerous exciting job opportunities waiting for you. From teaching music in schools or universities to becoming a professional musician or a songwriter, the options are diverse and rewarding. If you're inclined towards research, considering becoming a musicologist could be a great fit. Or perhaps you might engage your inventive side by exploring the field of music production, where you could guide the overall recording and production of music. Working in music publishing or becoming a music therapist are other possibilities. It's important to remember that a career in music is not limited to only performing or teaching; it is a versatile field with numerous paths to success. Your music postgraduate degree can open doors to fulfilling careers that blend your passion for music with a sustainable income. So, go ahead and embrace your musical future, and rest assured that you have a myriad of career options from which to choose.

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