When it comes to deciding on a college major, music majors often take the backseat to more traditional options. However, if you’re passionate about music and have a real drive to pursue a career in the field, a music major could be the perfect choice for you—if you’re willing to put in the work, that is. If you’re considering a music major, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it. Here’s a look at what you can expect from a music major, plus all the different types of music degrees and the jobs you can pursue with them.

When it comes to music degrees, there are many different types to choose from. Generally speaking, you’ll find that there are three main types of music degrees: Bachelor of Music (BM), Master of Music (MM), and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).
A BM degree is the most commonly pursued music degree. It’s a four-year program that focuses on the fundamentals of music, such as composition, arranging, performance, music theory, and ear training. You’ll also have the opportunity to take courses in other aspects of music, such as music history, music technology, and the music business.

A MM degree is a two-year program that focuses on advanced musical topics and can be tailored to more specialized areas of music. For example, you may choose to specialize in music production, music therapy, music education, or performance. A Doctor of Musical Arts is the highest level of music degree you can achieve. It’s a three-year program that focuses on creative and scholarly research and can be tailored to more specialized areas of music.

When it comes to jobs for music majors, there are plenty of options. Here are just a few of the most popular music-related jobs you can pursue after completing a music degree:
• Music Teacher: You can teach music in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges and universities, music conservatories, and in private music studios.
• Music Producer: You’ll be responsible for creating, recording, and mixing music for a variety of projects, including albums, film soundtracks, live performances, and commercials.
• Music Therapist: You’ll use music to help people cope with mental, emotional, and physical health issues.
• Music Composer: You’ll compose music for a variety of projects, such as film scores, video games, television shows, and live performances.
• Music Journalist: You’ll write articles, reviews, and interviews about music for magazines, newspapers, websites, and more.
• Music Business Professional: You’ll work for a record label, booking agency, or other music-related business.

Is a Music Major Worth It?

If you’re passionate about music and have a real drive to pursue a career in the field, a music major could be the perfect choice for you. Music degrees are highly respected and open the door to many different types of music-related jobs. Plus, the skills you learn in a music program can be applied to a wide range of other fields. That said, pursuing a music degree isn’t for everyone. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication, and it’s important to have realistic expectations about the job market and the salary you can expect to make. Before committing to a music degree, it’s important to do your research and make sure that it’s the right choice for you.