2 answers
Naomi
Student
Marquette, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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How am I supposed to use a degree in music in order to make an impact on people without getting my major in music-education??
How am I supposed to use a degree in music in order to make an impact on people without getting my major in music-education? I plan to major in music in college and graduate in 2029.#Spring25
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2 answers
Douglas Wilson
Arts-Media and Design
8
Answers
Indiana, Indiana
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hey Naomi,
I've been in love with music since I was literally 5 years old. I'm not sure what instrument you play or what you do with music but I'm going to let you know how you can make an impact right now. Let's take myself for example...My dream hasn't come through yet but I have definitely made an impact and this is how. I found my genre of music at a very early age,(rock and metal) , anyway a few years ago I decided to do what you are trying to do. I figured it out. I've played guitar for quite some time and I am a music writer and singer. That being said I came up with my artist name and did all original Music and Artwork. Started recording myself as I went along, like after each song I would record it then post it on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and every single media platform you are comfortable or use or whatever. Make sure no matter what you do in music wether it's playing the trumpet,flute,bass guitar,drums, singing, conducting or whatever,do your thing,be sure to copyright and name all of your work and before you know it you'll be able to get on any search engine, type in your artist name and boom, you are sitting there as the sixth or seventh result or maybe even number one. Also you have to not be shy at all, remember that you don't owe anyone anything,no explanation,no nothing. It's your life and no one is better than you and that's a fact Naomi,even though people who are secretly intimidated by you and/or jealous will try to get in your head but I have told you about that now and please, I didn't have anyone to tell me this stuff and I wish I would've known what I know now at your age but that's water under the bridge and dwelling on the past is a dumb thing to do. Hindsight is always 20/20. Anyway if you have any more questions please let me know. Good luck and keep playing music.
Sincerely,
Mr Wilson
Find your instrument of expertise
Practice
Come up with an artist name or use your own
Put your talent out there for the world to see
Keep going
I've been in love with music since I was literally 5 years old. I'm not sure what instrument you play or what you do with music but I'm going to let you know how you can make an impact right now. Let's take myself for example...My dream hasn't come through yet but I have definitely made an impact and this is how. I found my genre of music at a very early age,(rock and metal) , anyway a few years ago I decided to do what you are trying to do. I figured it out. I've played guitar for quite some time and I am a music writer and singer. That being said I came up with my artist name and did all original Music and Artwork. Started recording myself as I went along, like after each song I would record it then post it on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and every single media platform you are comfortable or use or whatever. Make sure no matter what you do in music wether it's playing the trumpet,flute,bass guitar,drums, singing, conducting or whatever,do your thing,be sure to copyright and name all of your work and before you know it you'll be able to get on any search engine, type in your artist name and boom, you are sitting there as the sixth or seventh result or maybe even number one. Also you have to not be shy at all, remember that you don't owe anyone anything,no explanation,no nothing. It's your life and no one is better than you and that's a fact Naomi,even though people who are secretly intimidated by you and/or jealous will try to get in your head but I have told you about that now and please, I didn't have anyone to tell me this stuff and I wish I would've known what I know now at your age but that's water under the bridge and dwelling on the past is a dumb thing to do. Hindsight is always 20/20. Anyway if you have any more questions please let me know. Good luck and keep playing music.
Sincerely,
Mr Wilson
Douglas recommends the following next steps:
Ramya Nandakumar
Account Operations Manager
9
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Ramya’s Answer
It’s awesome that you're already thinking about how to use your music degree to make a real impact, even without going the traditional music education route. A music degree can open way more doors than people realize, and there are plenty of impactful paths that don’t require you to become a teacher in the formal sense.
Here’s how you can use your degree to make a difference:
A. Ways to Make an Impact with a Music Degree (Beyond Education)
1. Music Therapy
Impact: Help people heal emotionally, mentally, and even physically through music.
How to get into it: You may need a certification or additional coursework, but your music degree lays the perfect foundation.
Where you can work: Hospitals, mental health centers, rehab facilities, special education programs.
2. Community Engagement & Arts Programs
Impact: Create access to music in underserved areas, run youth programs, or develop community choirs/bands.
How to start: Partner with local nonprofits or start your own community-based initiative.
Example roles: Arts coordinator, nonprofit program leader, music outreach specialist.
3. Music for Media (Film, TV, Games, Podcasts)
Impact: Set the emotional tone for stories that reach millions. Music is often what moves people the most.
Pathway: Learn composition, sound design, or scoring alongside your major. Intern with studios or media companies.
Tools to explore: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or scoring software like Sibelius or Finale.
4. Live Performance & Public Speaking
Impact: Perform in ways that inspire, raise awareness, or advocate for social causes.
Idea: Combine storytelling with music to address mental health, identity, climate change, etc.
Extra tip: Develop your stage presence and message as much as your technical skill.
5. Songwriting & Advocacy
Impact: Write music that shares a message, tells stories, or empowers people.
Examples: Protest songs, mental health anthems, cultural storytelling.
What to work on: Build your songwriting portfolio, collaborate with vocalists, and release music on platforms like Spotify, Bandcamp, or YouTube.
6. Music Business & Artist Development
Impact: Help emerging artists find their voice, platform, and audience.
Roles to consider: Manager, producer, A&R rep, or indie label founder.
Skills needed: Combine your music knowledge with courses in marketing, entrepreneurship, or digital media.
7. Music Technology & Innovation
Impact: Build tools, apps, or tech that make music more accessible or help people create it in new ways.
Fusion of skills: Music + coding + UX/UI = unique, impactful opportunities.
Example: Apps for people with disabilities to create music.
B. Since You’re Graduating in 2029...
You’ve got time—so think of these next few years as your creative laboratory:
Take a variety of electives (psych, media, business, tech) to shape your unique music-career combo.
Network like crazy with musicians, creatives, nonprofits, and tech folks.
Document your growth—start a portfolio, a YouTube channel, or even a blog/vlog about your musical journey and the impact you want to make.
Your degree in music isn’t the limit—it’s your launchpad. Whether you're healing, inspiring, advocating, or innovating, your impact doesn't depend on your title—it's about the purpose you attach to your music and how you choose to share it.
Here’s how you can use your degree to make a difference:
A. Ways to Make an Impact with a Music Degree (Beyond Education)
1. Music Therapy
Impact: Help people heal emotionally, mentally, and even physically through music.
How to get into it: You may need a certification or additional coursework, but your music degree lays the perfect foundation.
Where you can work: Hospitals, mental health centers, rehab facilities, special education programs.
2. Community Engagement & Arts Programs
Impact: Create access to music in underserved areas, run youth programs, or develop community choirs/bands.
How to start: Partner with local nonprofits or start your own community-based initiative.
Example roles: Arts coordinator, nonprofit program leader, music outreach specialist.
3. Music for Media (Film, TV, Games, Podcasts)
Impact: Set the emotional tone for stories that reach millions. Music is often what moves people the most.
Pathway: Learn composition, sound design, or scoring alongside your major. Intern with studios or media companies.
Tools to explore: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or scoring software like Sibelius or Finale.
4. Live Performance & Public Speaking
Impact: Perform in ways that inspire, raise awareness, or advocate for social causes.
Idea: Combine storytelling with music to address mental health, identity, climate change, etc.
Extra tip: Develop your stage presence and message as much as your technical skill.
5. Songwriting & Advocacy
Impact: Write music that shares a message, tells stories, or empowers people.
Examples: Protest songs, mental health anthems, cultural storytelling.
What to work on: Build your songwriting portfolio, collaborate with vocalists, and release music on platforms like Spotify, Bandcamp, or YouTube.
6. Music Business & Artist Development
Impact: Help emerging artists find their voice, platform, and audience.
Roles to consider: Manager, producer, A&R rep, or indie label founder.
Skills needed: Combine your music knowledge with courses in marketing, entrepreneurship, or digital media.
7. Music Technology & Innovation
Impact: Build tools, apps, or tech that make music more accessible or help people create it in new ways.
Fusion of skills: Music + coding + UX/UI = unique, impactful opportunities.
Example: Apps for people with disabilities to create music.
B. Since You’re Graduating in 2029...
You’ve got time—so think of these next few years as your creative laboratory:
Take a variety of electives (psych, media, business, tech) to shape your unique music-career combo.
Network like crazy with musicians, creatives, nonprofits, and tech folks.
Document your growth—start a portfolio, a YouTube channel, or even a blog/vlog about your musical journey and the impact you want to make.
Your degree in music isn’t the limit—it’s your launchpad. Whether you're healing, inspiring, advocating, or innovating, your impact doesn't depend on your title—it's about the purpose you attach to your music and how you choose to share it.