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How does an academic major in college affect job opportunities in the music field?
Hi, I'm a senior in High School. I would like to pursue music as a career, but it is hard for me to find a major that has what I am looking for or one that I can afford/qualify for. My alternative is to apply to either the same college as my preferred program or a cheaper college as an academic major. But I am worried this will negatively affect my chances of succeeding musically in the future. Should I make this decision or will it not be rewarding? #college #majors #music #academic #student-debt #music-education #music-production #music-industry #college-major #college-advice
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Jake’s Answer
Hi, I'm a senior in High School. I would like to pursue music as a career, but it is hard for me to find a major that has what I am looking for or one that I can afford/qualify for. My alternative is to apply to either the same college as my preferred program or a cheaper college as an academic major. But I am worried this will negatively affect my chances of succeeding musically in the future. Should I make this decision or will it not be rewarding?
Hi Lucie
Its great you have identified a goal to pursue a career in music. Do you know whether this is a career as a performing artist (vocal singer) or as an instrument player or as a technologist working with music recording systems?
there are several ways to get a degree in which you have a passion to pursue your career, if you are absolutely sure. For instance, there are degrees in Fine arts with specialization in music. Assuming you have investigated the options and you feel these are unaffordable, you could explore some options:
1. Do you have any accomplishments in music to showcase your passion?
2. Explore available scholarships in the music field that could help you with college fees...there could be many institutions that offer merit based and need based scholarships. If you have identified the music field, we can explore what options may be available.
3. Whether an academic major will negatively affect your music career depends on how you continue to pursue your passion in music. For instance, pursuing an academic major may help you get a financially sustaining job and you could then in parallel, pursue your career in music. Alternatively, trying for a job in a musically oriented field and then making yourself financially capable to pursue studies in the field of music would also be practical.
Maybe outlining your specific choices in music as a career first would help take subsequent steps.
Hope this helps. Good luck
college music career-counseling
Hi Lucie
Its great you have identified a goal to pursue a career in music. Do you know whether this is a career as a performing artist (vocal singer) or as an instrument player or as a technologist working with music recording systems?
there are several ways to get a degree in which you have a passion to pursue your career, if you are absolutely sure. For instance, there are degrees in Fine arts with specialization in music. Assuming you have investigated the options and you feel these are unaffordable, you could explore some options:
1. Do you have any accomplishments in music to showcase your passion?
2. Explore available scholarships in the music field that could help you with college fees...there could be many institutions that offer merit based and need based scholarships. If you have identified the music field, we can explore what options may be available.
3. Whether an academic major will negatively affect your music career depends on how you continue to pursue your passion in music. For instance, pursuing an academic major may help you get a financially sustaining job and you could then in parallel, pursue your career in music. Alternatively, trying for a job in a musically oriented field and then making yourself financially capable to pursue studies in the field of music would also be practical.
Maybe outlining your specific choices in music as a career first would help take subsequent steps.
Hope this helps. Good luck
college music career-counseling
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Rhonda’s Answer
I love the fact that you are looking at this not only from the perspective of your interest, but looking at it from the financial side as well. A specialized music school can be expensive. College in general is expensive and you want to hopefully be able to pay off any loans accumulated once you graduate. I would consider other areas of interest and as the other poster said, think about what area of music you want to specialize. If you're interested in teaching, the a degree in education would fit nicely. If you enjoy working on instruments, then a degree in electronics would work as well. That would benefit if you're interested in production too. Even if you decide on a degree that is not music, keep doing what you enjoy on the music side. Your gift will make room for you. All the best!