What is a Music Degree?
A music degree offers far more than just learning to play an instrument or compose songs. Earning a music degree helps you learn about musical traditions, cultures, and history. Students develop their talents into refined musical skills, grounded in an understanding of theory, performance, and creativity. Many programs also emphasize the broader connections between music, community, and faith, encouraging students to explore how music can inspire and influence the world.
With guidance from experienced faculty and opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for diverse careers in music. Whether attending live performances, collaborating with peers, or studying the works of great composers, a music degree provides a comprehensive foundation for personal and professional growth in the field of music.
Career Opportunities with a Music Degree
Here are some of the best career opportunities for music degree holders.
Accompanist
Working as an accompanist requires a strong foundation in music theory and performance. Music majors learn the skills needed to work as a professional accompanist.
Arts Administrator
Arts administrators oversee the operations of an arts organization. They manage budgets, programming, and community outreach.
Music Teacher
Music teachers educate students in various aspects of music, including theory, performance, and appreciation, fostering a lifelong understanding and love of music.
Composer
Composers create original music for events and industries such as concerts, films and video games. They combine technical expertise with creativity.
Audio Producer
An audio producer oversees the recording and production of soundtracks, albums, or podcasts, ensuring high-quality audio.
Choir Director
Choir directors lead vocal ensembles by hosting auditions, conducting rehearsals, and developing singers.
Conductor
Conductors lead orchestras, bands, or other musical ensembles, interpreting scores and developing musicians’ skills.
Music Historian
Music historians research and analyze the history, context, and impact of music across cultures and time periods.
Lyricist
Lyricists craft words and stories for songs, collaborating with composers and artists to create engaging and meaningful music.
Musical Theatre Performer
Musical theatre performers act, sing, and dance in stage productions, combining their talents to tell stories through a blend of music and acting.
Professional Musician
Professional musicians perform in various settings, from symphonies to recording studios. Becoming a professional musician takes a lot of dedication to perfecting your skills.
Promoter
Promoters organize and advertise concerts, tours, or music events, working to attract audiences and support artists.
Worship Leader
Worship leaders guide congregations in worshipping through music during services, often playing instruments, singing, and selecting songs that align with their theology.
Technical Music Associate
Technical music associates work with audio systems and music technology, ensuring the quality of sound production in live or recorded settings.
Vocal Coach
Vocal coaches train singers to improve their vocal technique, performance skills, and range, helping them reach their full potential.
Industry Applications
A music degree equips graduates with a valuable skill set that opens doors to a wide range of career paths across many industries. Here are just a few areas where a music degree can lead to exciting opportunities:
Performance and Composition
Professional musicians, composers, and arrangers bring their creativity to life on stage, in recording studios, or by writing original scores for films, games, and advertisements. A strong foundation in performance and theory prepares graduates to excel in these highly competitive fields.
Education and Academia
Music educators inspire the next generation by teaching in schools, universities, or private studios. Many music graduates also find fulfilling careers in academia, conducting research in music history, theory, or pedagogy.
Music Production and Technology
With technical skills gained through a music degree, graduates can work as producers, sound engineers, or audio technicians, contributing to the creation of high-quality recordings and live events.
Arts and Event Management
Music graduates often thrive in arts administration and event management, organizing concerts, festivals, or community outreach programs. Their understanding of music and cultural impact makes them ideal for connecting audiences with the arts.
Media and Entertainment
The media industry relies on music graduates for roles in scoring, sound design, and production.
Earn a Music Degree at PBA
At Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), our Bachelor of Arts in Music guides students in developing their God-given talents into refined musical skills. Rooted in the liberal arts, our curriculum integrates biblical principles, nurturing growth as learners, composers, performers, and faithful citizens.
Students benefit from expert instruction by distinguished faculty, including a Grammy Award-winner and a professional colleague of Aretha Franklin. With opportunities to perform in diverse ensembles and to engage with world-class venues like the Kravis Center, PBA provides a vibrant, faith-centered environment for musical and personal growth.
