Fortunately, having no prior experience in music does not need to be a barrier to studying music at a higher level. With dedication and hard work, anyone with a love for music can major in music and begin a successful career in the music industry.
Advantages and Considerations
There are many advantages to majoring in music, such as the opportunity to pursue a career in the music industry and developing personal skills like creativity, problem-solving, and communication. However, a music major requires dedication and a commitment to a demanding practice and performance schedule. It is also important to have some background in music and to consult with a music advisor before declaring a music major.
Career Prospects and Earning Potential
A music major studies music theory, music composition, and music history. The most common degree for a singing career is the Bachelor of Music specializing in vocal performance. The national average salary for a music major in the U.S. is $53,779 annually or $25.86 hourly.
Most institutions require an audition as part of the application process. You can go to college for music with various degrees available, such as vocal or instrumental performance, songwriting, music therapy, and more. Music business majors might not need to play an instrument, but a music technology degree would benefit from some understanding of instruments like the keyboard.
Degree Specialization and Practicalities
Music majors can pursue many areas within a music degree. Depending on a student’s specialization, music can be a difficult major. Music majors may focus on music theory and history, performance, and composition, among others. A music major studies a particular instrument, music theory, composition courses, music history classes, and classes for aural skills. Music majors also perform and practice to hone their art.
Music is a viable major if you wish to enter music education and performance after graduation. Salaries in this field are broad, but majoring in music is not a prerequisite for those who want to become performers. If you’re talented and professional, that’s often what truly matters in the industry.