Choosing a degree path is a significant decision that shapes your future career and life. For many aspiring musicians, a Bachelor of Music in Performance offers an opportunity to follow their passion for music while acquiring professional skills. But what can you really do with a music degree beyond performing on stage?
In this article, we’ll explore the vast array of career options available to music graduates, the skills they acquire, and how they can turn their passion into a successful career. If you’re wondering how a music degree fits into your long-term career goals, read on to learn more.
Understanding the Value of a Music Degree
Pursuing a music degree like a Bachelor of Music in Performance provides more than the ability to play an instrument or sing. It’s a degree that offers an interdisciplinary skill set, combining technical expertise in music with essential transferable and business skills.
While many people assume that a music degree limits career options to performing or teaching, the reality is much broader. From music production to therapy and business, numerous career pathways allow graduates to turn their passion for music into a sustainable career.
Skills Gained from a Music Degree
There are many skills to be gained from pursuing a music degree. These skills, which can be adapted and applied to many industries, include:
- Technical Skills: Composition, performance, and music theory.
- Transferable Skills: Creativity, discipline, teamwork, and communication.
- Business and Technology Skills: Marketing, networking, and music production.
Common Misconceptions About Music Degrees
Despite the wide range of skills gained through a Bachelor of Music in Performance, there are still many misconceptions about pursuing a music degree. Let’s address some of the most common ones:
- “You can only become a performer or teacher.”
- While performance and teaching are natural career choices for music graduates, there are many other exciting and lucrative options available.
- “There’s no money in a music career.”
- This is a common myth. Many music professionals find success in the industry through diverse income streams, from performing to composing, producing, or running their own businesses.
- “A music degree limits your job options.”
- Far from it! A music degree opens doors to various fields, from healthcare to media and technology, all while allowing you to still be in touch with your creative side.
Career Paths in Music – Turning Passion Into a Profession
A music degree doesn’t limit you to a single career path. The music industry is dynamic and diverse, offering you a wide array of career opportunities should you wish to turn your passion into a profession.
Andy Scott, Head of Popular Music at the Royal Northern College of Music, shared at an SRMC workshop that graduates later pursue careers as musical directors, artist managers, music therapists, and even journalists.
Read more details below for career paths music graduates can pursue without sacrificing passion for music.
Performance Careers
A music degree prepares students for professional careers in music performance, whether as a soloist, session musician, or member of an orchestra or ensemble. Many musicians also work as freelance or touring performers, bringing their talents to audiences worldwide. The versatility of a performance career allows musicians to explore various opportunities and adapt their careers based on changing interests and opportunities.
Teaching and Education
For those who enjoy sharing their knowledge, teaching can be a fulfilling career option. Music graduates can become private music instructors, teaching students of all ages, or school music teachers at the primary, secondary, or university levels. Online music education is another growing field where music graduates can create courses or teach through virtual platforms.
Collaborative Music Making and Performance
Music thrives in collaboration, and SRMC believes in shaping artists who are adaptable, expressive, and industry-ready. Students refine their technical skills and artistic identity through ensemble work, interdisciplinary projects, and cross-genre performances. With a strong emphasis on industry connections, SRMC fosters real-world collaboration—including partnerships like its agreement with Steinway & Sons, which supports professional development for musicians. Through these experiences, students cultivate essential communication and teamwork skills, preparing them to navigate the evolving creative landscape with confidence.
Composing and Arranging
For those who love creating original music, composing and arranging for film, TV, and video games is a rewarding career option. Composers may also write jingles for commercials or work as songwriters for artists and bands, blending creative talent with technical skills.
Music Therapy
Not many realise how music can help in the healthcare industry. Music therapy is used to help patients with mental health issues, physical disabilities, or in rehabilitation and special education settings. This field combines a passion for music with the desire to help others and can be incredibly rewarding.
Music Business and Administration
If you’re interested in the business side of the music industry, you can pursue careers in artist management, music marketing, or running a record label or production company. And yes, a Bachelor of Music in Performance helps by providing you with the foundation to navigate these roles and understand the complex relationship between artists, producers, and the business world.
Music Journalism and Criticism
Music lovers who enjoy writing or broadcasting can explore careers in music journalism. Whether it’s writing for magazines and blogs, interviewing artists, or hosting podcasts and YouTube channels, this career allows graduates to share their passion for music with a broader audience.
Unconventional Careers for Music Graduates
The versatility of a music degree also opens doors to some unconventional career options. For example, music graduates may work in sound design for video games or interactive media, or they could use their musical skills to create corporate training programs or workshops. Event planning and concert production are also areas where music graduates can thrive.
Passion vs. Stability – Finding the Right Balance
While the music industry offers numerous opportunities, it’s important to recognise the realities of building a career in this field. Turning passion into a profession often involves balancing your love for music with the practicalities of earning a living.
The Reality of Making a Living in Music
One of the key challenges musicians face is the need for multiple income streams. Few musicians rely on a single source of income, so it’s common for music professionals to diversify their work through performing, teaching, and creating music all in one day. Building a personal brand and online presence is also crucial for attracting opportunities in today’s digital world.
Should You Pursue a Side Hustle or Full-Time Music Career?
While many musicians dream of a full-time music career, others prefer to pursue music as a side hustle while working in another field. This can offer greater financial stability while still allowing you to explore your passion for music. Hybrid careers, which combine music with other industries, are also on the rise.
However, if you’re keen on the freelancing life in music, there are many things to consider before making it your full-time career. Let’s look into what Tessa from Strings & Things Collective has shared with us on approaching freelance work as musicians, from common challenges faced and what skills to master:
Skills to Master as a Freelancer:
Common Challenges as a Freelancer:
Adapting to Industry Changes
The rise of streaming platforms and digital tools has reshaped the music industry. Musicians now have more ways to reach audiences and distribute their music. Adapting to these changes and embracing virtual and remote opportunities can provide music graduates with greater flexibility and career options.
How to Make the Most of Your Music Degree
A music degree can open many doors, but it’s up to you to make the most of the opportunities available. With the right skills and experience, you can build a rewarding career in the music industry.
Here’s how to get started.
Networking and Building Industry Connections
In the creative and diverse music industry, building connections matters. Attending music conferences, joining professional organisations, and collaborating with fellow musicians are great ways to expand your network. Building industry connections can help you land job opportunities, learn from mentors, and grow your career.
Gaining Practical Experience
Internships in music companies, studios, or media organisations can provide valuable hands-on experience. Collaborating with other musicians and creatives will also help you develop a diverse portfolio of work that showcases your talents. This can especially benefit you in the more technical side of the music industry, like composing and artist management.
Upskilling and Continuous Learning
The music never stops! As the music industry constantly evolves, it’s essential to stay updated on new trends, AI technologies, and business strategies. Consider exploring online courses on music production, marketing, or the latest music tech innovations to enhance your skills and stay ahead in the competitive music industry.
Contact SRMC Today to Discover More about Our Music Degree Programme!
Pursuing a music degree, whether it’s a Bachelor of Music in Performance or Performance and Recording, offers far more than just a path to the stage. With diverse career options in performance, education, production, therapy, business, and more, music graduates can leverage their degree to build a successful and fulfilling career.
At SRMC, you can turn your passion for music into a professional career with our emphasis on continuous learning and networking between industry professionals. Contact us today to learn more about our music programmes, offering you a fulfilling and stable future in the music industry.