[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]A music degree covers music history and theory, music business administration, music as recreational therapy, and professional performance and composition. And if there are no music conservatories in your area, many schools now offer online music degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A music degree gives you an education in the history, theory, and practice of music. Depending on your specific concentration within the field, you may also take private instrument lessons, give individual and ensemble performances, or compose your own music. Other music degree programs give you a grounding in the business or legal aspects of music production. A music degree can even be combined with healthcare or psychology courses in a music therapy program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to compose music for an orchestra or a rock band, teach children to plunk out “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, teach adults to play Beethoven, or work in the music industry onstage or backstage, then a music degree will get you heading in the right direction. A degree from a respected conservatory of music helps you successfully audition for an ensemble. Many others use their music degrees to teach, either one–on–one or collectively, either privately or in school settings. Still others earn music degrees to work in the industry as copyright experts, talent management, or sound engineers. The field is broad. With the right music degree, you could be on the way to your dream job in the music business.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of these music careers will require you to earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music. Your bachelor’s degree can prepare you for entry–level jobs in music therapy or music business administration. For more advanced jobs, like teacher or performer, you will likely need at least a master’s and potentially a doctorate in music. Like any other field, you can always start with an associate or bachelor’s degree in music and work toward a graduate degree later on.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-tertiary”]Featured Online Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”what-can-you-series” class=”font-bold”]The “What Can You Do With This Degree?” Series[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is the process by which colleges and universities are evaluated and validated . Colleges and universities that have earned accreditation have met the standards set by accrediting organizations. These organizations are comprised of faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. Legitimate regional and national accrediting organizations are recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] (ED). Typically, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] (CHEA) recognizes the same institutions, although CHEA recognition isn’t mandatory. A college or university must be accredited by a Department of Education-recognized accreditor in order for its students to receive federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For a detailed look at the differences between regional and national accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]What Do I Need to Know About College Accreditation?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]
What is Regional Accreditation?
Regional accreditation is the signifier of quality education; this includes the currency of curriculum, credentials of educators, and credibility of degrees. Regional accrediting agencies only accredit institutions in their geographical area.
The Six Regional Accrediting Agencies
[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.msche.org/”]Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.neche.org/”]New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hlcommission.org/”]The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nwccu.org/”]Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.sacscoc.org/”]Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wscuc.org/”]WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To find out if a college or university on your list is regionally accredited, check the Department of Education’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/”]Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
What Is National Accreditation?
National accreditation is often perceived as a less rigorous standard than regional accreditation and is governed by educational accreditors agencies that are not restricted by region or geography. This means that one such agency can provide accreditation to any college or university in the U.S. that meets its criteria. National accreditation is commonplace among trade schools, religious schools, and for–profit colleges. Most regionally–accredited colleges do not accept or recognize credits or degrees earned from colleges that lack regional accreditation. However, national accreditation may be a useful indicator of quality for students pursuing vocational training, competency-based education, or other education models that operate under a for-profit model.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn more about National Accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Understanding National Accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For help safely navigating the For–Profit Sector, check out our [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/for-profit-vs-non-profit-colleges/”]Guide to For–Profit Colleges: What You Need to Know[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
What is Programmatic Accreditation?
Programmatic accreditation certifies that an institution’s program, department, or college has met the standards of the programmatic accrediting agency. While programmatic accreditation agencies often have national jurisdiction, programmatic accreditation is not institutional national accreditation. In fact, programmatic accreditation often coexists with regional accreditation. In some disciplines, a degree with programmatic accreditation may even be required to earn a license or enter professional practice. When it comes to music programs, the main accreditor is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/”]National Association of Schools of Music[/hen-ui-link] (NASM). NASM accredits over 600 schools, conservatories, and postsecondary institutions. It is not mandatory that your music program be accredited by NASM, but it can serve as an indicator of quality and credibility as you consider music degree programs. More important is determining that the college or university providing your degree is regionally accredited. This remains the strongest indicator of program quality and your best chance for transferring credits or advancing to the graduate level.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice, or visit the website for any of the above accreditation agencies. Each provides a searchable database of accredited institutions and degree programs. You can also look at the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/”]Department of Education’s database[/hen-ui-link] of all recognized accreditors within its purview.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Or, to learn a little more about navigating the tricky accreditation landscape, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degree-types”]What Kinds of Music Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”music-associate”]Associate Degree in Music[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate in music degree is a 60 credit–hour program that gives you a foundation for continued studies at the bachelor’s level. This program will usually take about two years to complete. In addition to courses in music theory, composition, and entertainment, you’ll also take general education courses consistent with a liberal arts degree. The associate in music degree can help you to obtain an entry–level position as an artist manager, music venue operator, music promoter, or copyright administrator.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”music-associate-courses”]What Music Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applied Music[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business Law[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chorus[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ear Training[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Introduction to Music Theory[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sight Singing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”amp-vs-amb”]What’s the Difference Between an Associate in Music Performance and an Associate in Music Business?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When it comes to earning an associate degree in music, you have at least two options. One focuses on the actual production and performance of music, and one focuses on the legal and business aspects of music. An associate of arts in music performance will give you an education in music theory, history, composition, and performance. This degree will include practice with your instrument in individual sessions or as part of a larger ensemble. An AA in music performance prepares you to pursue a bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, if your interest in music is related to behind–the–scenes matters, you might want to pursue an associate of arts in music business. This degree is an offshoot of a general business curriculum. If you want to work in business management, creative performance, or creative production, this is the degree for you. Even better, both degrees will prepare you to go on to a bachelor’s degree in music. Just be sure that your degree is from an accredited institution so that your credits and diploma are accepted.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”music-bachelor”]Bachelor of Music[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in music usually requires 120 credit–hours and around four years to complete. If you are entering a program that focuses on performance, your school may require an audition as part of the admissions process. In addition to your coursework, you may also have to complete a certain number of performance hours, create an original piece of music, or write a thesis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on your interests and skills, you have several options for your bachelor’s degree in music. Music degree concentrations include areas such as performance, music education, composition, music theory, music therapy, music business, entertainment, or music technology. What you want to do with your bachelor of music degree will determine your education in the discipline of music. Some options include being a performance artist, a composer, a teacher, or a talent manager. If you want to eventually go on to achieve a master’s degree in music, you will need to obtain your bachelor’s degree first.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”music-bachelor-courses”]What Music Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced Techniques[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basic Ear Training[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basic Harmony[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]History of Music[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Music Theory[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”ba-vs-bm”]What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most schools offer a variety [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-music-schools/”]of programs in the music discipline[/hen-ui-link]. You may come across programs such as a bachelor of music (BM), a bachelor of arts in music (BA), or even a bachelor of science in music (BS). A BM degree is similar to the education you would receive at a music conservatory. Your classes will focus heavily on music coursework, and the programs are typically rigorous. A BA in music, on the other hand, is a traditional liberal arts degree with a major in music. This is a well–rounded degree that includes core subjects such as English, math, and science alongside an emphasis on music. A BS is a bachelor’s degree with a focus on science classes, as well as the same music major courses you would take as part of the BA. The BS in music is less common, but if you’re interested in a music career involving music publishing, software, or technology, this may be the degree for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To get started, check out these online program rankings:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Online Bachelor’s in Music Programs” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-music/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The 20 Best Music Therapy Bachelor Programs” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-music-therapy/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S.” href=”/rankings/best-music-schools/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”music-master”]Master of Music[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The master of music degree program will typically combine advanced studies in an area of specialization (such as singing, playing an instrument, or conducting) with graduate–level coursework in subjects such as music theory and composition. This program generally takes one to two years to complete. Depending on your focus, this program may prepare you to compose, teach, or perform publicly. Some programs require you to write a thesis or give a performance before your degree is conferred.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”music-master-courses”]What Music Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced Research Methodologies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chamber Music[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ethnomusicology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Music Composition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Music Pedagogy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Performance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”mm-vs-ma”]What’s the Difference Between a Master of Music and a Master of Arts in Music?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in music (MM) typically focuses on the practical aspects of your specialization. The MM is for students who plan to perform or compose music. Usually, the capstone achievement of this program is to perform one or two recitals and pass comprehensive exams. On the other hand, a master of arts in music (MA) will require you to complete original research, and will likely culminate in a thesis project. This is a more academic degree, and is a great choice if you’re also planning to earn a Ph.D. in music.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”music-doctorate”]Doctorate in Music[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in music is the terminal degree in the field. This degree is generally an academic degree and concentrates on areas such as music history, music theory, and musicology. Like other Ph.D.s, a doctorate in music is a rigorous and demanding degree that usually takes five to seven years to complete. In addition to advanced coursework, Ph.D. candidates also must research, write, and defend a dissertation, as well as pass comprehensive exams. This degree is necessary if you want to become a professor of music, teaching at the college level. Academics who want to continue doing research in the field also benefit from a doctorate in music.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”music-doctorate-courses”]What Music Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compositional Processes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Film Scoring[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Historical Music Theories[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Measurement and Evaluation in Music[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Music Theory Pedagogy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schenkerian Analysis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stylistic Analysis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tonal Analysis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”phd-vs-dma”]What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. in Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D. in music is a classic academic degree. This is the degree you want if you plan to do scholarly research on music history or music theory. If you plan to be a world–class performer, however, you may choose to undertake a doctorate in musical arts program instead. For performance artists, composers, or conductors, this degree gives you the highest possible credential in your medium. Which of these degrees you choose will depend upon your interests and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”certification”]What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do I Need?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Teaching Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As noted in the master’s degree section above, if you plan on becoming a music teacher in a public school setting, you must earn at least a bachelor’s, and likely a master’s degree, as well as complete a teaching certification program. In many cases, your undergraduate program will include the courses required to earn your teaching certification. If that is not the case — or if you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in an alternate field — you can enter into a standalone teaching certification program. This will provide you with the coursework and experience needed to earn licensure in your state. (Bear in mind that some states actually require you to have a master’s degree in education before you can enter your certification program. Contact the Department of Education in your state to learn more.) Depending on the amount of coursework you’ve completed up to this point, your certification program could take between 1 and 2 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once this is complete, you will qualify to sit for the licensing exam in your state. Some states use a national exam like [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ets.org/praxis/states_agencies/”]PRAXIS[/hen-ui-link], while others employ their own licensing examination.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once again, we would advise visiting the Department of Education for your state to find out more.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]What Can You Do With a Music Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are wondering, “What can I do with a music degree?” there are plenty of options. Your music degree can lead to many challenging and exciting jobs in several fields. For more detail, check out a few of these top music degree jobs:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#high-school-teachers”]High School Teachers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#high-school-teachers”]Middle School Teachers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/#musicians-singers”]Musicians and Singers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#postsecondary-teachers”]Postsecondary Teachers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#self-enrichment-teachers”]Self–Enrichment Teachers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Music Directors and Composers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/therapy/#recreational-therapists”]Recreational Therapists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sound Engineering Technicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”salary”]What Kind of Salary Can You Earn With a Music Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your music degree could open the door to a career in the performing arts, therapy, or instrument maintenance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides median annual salary information as of 2018 for some these top music degree jobs:[/hen-ui-text]
Career
Median Salary
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm”]Musicians and Singers[/hen-ui-link]
$28.15/hour
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499063.htm”]Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners[/hen-ui-link]