Types Of Music College Majors

It might come as a surprise that more than 27,000 music degrees were awarded in the U.S. in 2020 alone. This is despite the fact many other degrees, such as those in the IT and business sectors, seem more practical and profit-oriented. The median tuition is in the range of $7,500, and the average wage is slightly over $60,000.

Music programs and courses vary from college to college in terms of quality. We have carried out a careful review of the current ones to see the main types of music majors offered by the educational institutions. Keep reading to learn more.

• Music education

A major in music education is for those who are planning to have a long-term career as a music educator. Courses are comprehensive, and they cover the full range of theory, preparation in performance, music history, piano competency, and instrumental techniques. 

Students benefit from state-of-the-art teaching methods and resources. In most cases, colleges invite professional musicians and educators to share their real-life experiences with students. 

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• Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicology is a discrete discipline that explores the broader context in which musical traditions and strands are conceived. It studies different ways in which humans compose music. It is a fascinating field if you are interested in anthropology, human behavior, and cultural influences on human creativity and art in general.

Coursework focuses on the utility of music in various socio-economic and cultural contexts, the role of musicians in societies, and the ways in which people express themselves and their thoughts through music. For many, music is also an expression of personal and collective identities.

• Audio production

At a more practical level, students choose majors in audio production to study the ins and outs of the recording industry. This means you need to be as creative and artistic as technology-savvy to stay abreast of all the developments and trends in music technology. 

If you become an expert in the field, chances are you will be able to get a really well-paid job as an audio producer or a sound technician.

• Music composition

This should be self-explanatory. If you are good at composing music, then a college major in music composition is for you. Learn everything there is to know about music theory and history, conducting, composing, piano skills, and many more.

Some programs cover a broader range of topics, including recording technology, music production, and editing. As you embark on your college studies, you will find that there are so many ways in which music help students deal with stress. You will enjoy both your classes and the positive impacts of listening to your favorite performers on your mental health.

• Music history

If you love history in general, you can opt for music history because it allows you to study the history of music. Your studies will trace back the genesis and development of music all the way back to the prehistoric cultures.

It is a fascinating continuum that includes a variety of musical traditions, folk music, the great classical composers, atonal musical experiments, jazz, and a lot more.

Final Considerations

Getting a music degree makes a lot of sense from both practical and artistic points of view. Not all students are after majors and degrees geared toward the highest possible salaries or profits. Some try to find a happy middle ground between financial gains and aesthetic pleasures.

Research shows that if you study well, you can make a decent living with your music degree. Just pick a major that meets your interests and skill levels best.

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Carl Hill has been advising high-school students on the best college majors for more than a decade. As a professional writer, he has also been posting regular reviews of the most popular degree programs and their pros and cons. Follow Carl to find out how you can meet your educational interests and aspirations best.