Many instrumentalists and vocalists wonder if and how music degrees can assist them in their quest to make a living in their chosen field. It is, in fact, difficult for any musician to derive a substantial full-time income simply from performing. With music degrees, however, graduates can avail themselves of opportunities that would otherwise remain closed to them.

Music degrees, after all, aren't simply for performers. Teachers, engineers, music consultants and supervisors, as well as artist managers and promoters, can all benefit from defined courses of study at music colleges. There are music business degrees that give students an understanding of the real-world economic and professional issues that industry players face. There are also music degrees for luthiers, the people who build and repair stringed instruments. Of course, there are dozens of curricula suited to music engineers and producers as well.

The Components of Music Degrees

As you'd expect, the requirements of any music education change according to the institution and type of degree being sought. Whether you're a vocal student, percussion major, guitarist or bassist, or keyboard specialist, chances are you'll encounter a mixture of core classes in theory and history, a series of cognates in related disciplines, and a handful of electives. The latter are designed to let music students explore other areas of study that overlap with their major, which is one way music schools help turn out well-rounded grads.

Music degrees usually require some kind of performance criteria as well. Sometimes this takes the form of a juried show or presentation. In other instances it means the production of a polished number or musical set. This may or may not be in conjunction with a finished product such as a tape or CD. The road can thus prove rigorous, which is why it's smart to give the matter serious thought before diving headlong into an intensive music education.