In a music degree, the content covered can vary greatly depending on whether you choose to study at a university or conservatoire and the specific course you take. Some courses purely focus on music while other modules may delve into subjects like English language, education, or a foreign language. Interestingly, some courses don’t even require practical music skills. Some establishments offer an extensive traditional classical music curriculum, as well as modern musicology and composition. However, some institutions are more focused on jazz or contemporary popular music genres.
Regardless of where you study, performance, and composition are the core pillars of any music degree, and most programs require students to have an acceptable vocal or instrumental standard. Exposure to diverse approaches to music, psychology behind music, and historical perspectives are a few examples of subject modules you may explore. A music technology degree is also an option to consider for those interested in the technical aspect of music-making.
In a music degree program, you will develop a range of skills. These include academic expertise combined with practical skills such as improvisation, performance, and composition. You could learn about the inner workings of music through music theory or the various cultural aspects of music history, musicology, and ethnomusicology. Developing your presentation and organisational skills is vital as they are essential elements in written and practical project management. As part of the degree, you may also form a band and record music.
Graduates with music technology degrees will have an elevated understanding of the music business’s technical side as they will have learned about how music is recorded and mixed. Time management and self-motivation are critical skills that students in a music degree program should learn as they need to juggle their studies with their practice.
Making it in the music industry is not easy; thus, building a career in music requires determination. While teaching is a popular career option among music degree graduates, other music-related professions could include work in music promotion, publishing, radio, TV, festivals, or orchestras.
Overall, a degree in music will equip students with a plethora of transferable skills beyond the music industry. Even if pursuing a career in music doesn’t materialize, these skills will qualify graduates for other enterprises and employment.
