6 answers
Bryce
Student
Greensboro, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
433 views
How do I take the most possible advantage of my degree?
As a music student, I get told my degree is useless just about everyday. How do I break that mold?
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6 answers
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Bryce!
I totally get that frustration! Your music degree is definitely not useless it’s a foundation for many different paths. To make the most of it, start building a strong portfolio of your work and try to gain experience through internships, teaching, or other music related gigs. Networking is key too professors, fellow students, and mentors can open doors. Also, think outside the box music degrees can lead to careers in music therapy, education, production, sound design, and more. The skills you gain are valuable in lots of fields, so keep an open mind and embrace all the opportunities that come your way.
You've got this!
Saint
I totally get that frustration! Your music degree is definitely not useless it’s a foundation for many different paths. To make the most of it, start building a strong portfolio of your work and try to gain experience through internships, teaching, or other music related gigs. Networking is key too professors, fellow students, and mentors can open doors. Also, think outside the box music degrees can lead to careers in music therapy, education, production, sound design, and more. The skills you gain are valuable in lots of fields, so keep an open mind and embrace all the opportunities that come your way.
You've got this!
Saint
Amy Sarno
Philanthropy & Volunteerism Specialist
9
Answers
Corning, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi! As a music major (BME and MM), do you need to convince others that a music degree isn't useless? I think you might spend a lot of time and energy trying to convince someone of something that you're unlikely to change their mind about. Protect your mental health and peace by acknowledging the viewpoint and moving on.
MaryAnn Ivan
Musical Director/Composer
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
MaryAnn’s Answer
Dear Noah,
If you want to go into music, GO into music. It’s your life. Your fellow useless degreed up musicians support you. (lol) I’m a Broadway professional.
I find anyone who claims a music degree being useless is clueless. Hopefully you have the support of parents, family, and friends. I’m surprised people still take that antiquated approach to music degrees when pretty much every one loves music.
Good luck and I agree with what the other pros are writing in with. Thank you colleagues !
Mary Ann
If you want to go into music, GO into music. It’s your life. Your fellow useless degreed up musicians support you. (lol) I’m a Broadway professional.
I find anyone who claims a music degree being useless is clueless. Hopefully you have the support of parents, family, and friends. I’m surprised people still take that antiquated approach to music degrees when pretty much every one loves music.
Good luck and I agree with what the other pros are writing in with. Thank you colleagues !
Mary Ann
Narinder Kaur Taluja
2
Answers
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Updated
Narinder Kaur’s Answer
No degree is ever useless, dear — especially not when it’s in Music. Music can never be useless. It’s something that brings joy, helps you understand yourself, and teaches you to live fully in the moment.
If music makes you happy, don’t let anyone else's opinion hold you back. Follow your heart. You're a good person, and you don’t need validation or judgment from others to define your worth. If music is your passion, set yourself free and pursue it with everything you've got.
If music makes you happy, don’t let anyone else's opinion hold you back. Follow your heart. You're a good person, and you don’t need validation or judgment from others to define your worth. If music is your passion, set yourself free and pursue it with everything you've got.
Jarod Fan
Customer Service
7
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jarod’s Answer
1. Embrace the Versatility of a Music Degree
A music education trains you in critical thinking, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and perseverance—skills applicable to almost any career. Here’s how to frame them:
Creativity: The ability to think outside the box (essential in tech, marketing, and design).
Discipline: Mastering an instrument or performing requires rigorous practice—qualities employers admire.
Communication: Performing or teaching music hones your ability to engage and inspire others.
Project Management: Coordinating recitals, rehearsals, or compositions demonstrates organizational skills.
2. Career Paths Directly Related to Music
If you want to work in the music industry, explore these diverse roles:
a. Performing/Recording Artist
How to succeed:
Build a portfolio (recordings, live videos, social media presence).
Network with venues, producers, and other artists.
Diversify income streams: gigs, teaching, session work, or licensing music for media.
Example: Independent artists often use crowdfunding or Patreon to sustain their career.
b. Music Educator
Roles: School teacher, private instructor, college professor, or community program leader.
Why it matters: Music education is proven to enhance cognitive development and mental health in students.
Certifications: In many countries, teaching in schools requires a bachelor’s degree + teaching certification (e.g., USA: state-specific licenses).
c. Music Therapy
Combine music with psychology: Help others through music (e.g., in hospitals, senior centers, or with neurodiverse populations).
Training: Pursue a master’s in music therapy and complete clinical hours to become board-certified (e.g., MT-BC in the US).
d. Music Industry Careers
Roles:
Arts Administration: Manage orchestras, festivals, or nonprofits (requires business skills—consider a minor in arts management).
Audio Engineering/Production: Work in studios, live events, or music tech (learn software like Pro Tools or Ableton).
Music Journalism/Marketing: Write for publications, manage artist social media, or promote concerts.
Tip: Intern with labels, venues, or agencies to gain experience.
e. Entrepreneurship
Start your own business:
Teach online lessons (via platforms like TakeLessons or Zoom).
Host workshops (e.g., songwriting, music production, or mindfulness through music).
Create digital products: sheet music, online courses, or royalty-free music for content creators.
3. Transition to Non-Music Careers (Using Your Transferable Skills)
Don’t limit yourself to music-focused roles—your degree’s soft skills are valuable in unexpected fields:
a. Marketing/Advertising
Why you’re suited: Understand how music evokes emotions (critical for branding, ads, or social media campaigns).
Roles: Creative director, brand strategist, or music supervisor (selecting music for commercials).
b. Technology/EdTech
Music + Tech:
Develop apps for music education (e.g., teaching tools for beginners).
Work in music tech companies (e.g., Spotify, SoundCloud, or AI music generators like Amper Music).
Use data analytics to track artist performance or audience trends.
c. Healthcare/Wellness
Music’s healing power:
Partner with hospitals or wellness centers to offer music-based stress relief sessions.
Research the impact of music on mental health (pursue a graduate degree in psychology or neuroscience).
d. Education (Beyond Music)
Transferable teaching skills:
Teach general subjects in schools (with additional certification).
Work in adult education or corporate training (e.g., leading workshops on creativity or public speaking).
e. Law or Nonprofits
Arts Law: Advocate for artists’ rights (copyright, contracts)—pair your degree with a law degree.
Nonprofits: Work for organizations supporting arts access, mental health, or education.
4. Further Education to Specialize
If you want to deepen your expertise or pivot to a new field, consider advanced degrees:
Master’s in Music: Specialize in performance, composition, or musicology.
MBA in Arts Management: Bridge music and business for leadership roles.
Cross-Disciplinary Degrees:
Music psychology, music technology, or music education policy.
Dual degrees (e.g., music + business, or music + computer science).
5. Challenge Stereotypes Through Action
Share your story: Highlight how music has shaped your skills in interviews or on social media.
Example: “My music training taught me to practice relentlessly, collaborate with diverse teams, and communicate emotions without words—skills I apply daily in my marketing role.”
Showcase your work: Build an online presence (website, YouTube channel, LinkedIn) to prove the value of your craft.
Mentor others: Teach younger students or speak at schools to advocate for the arts.
6. Financial Strategies for Stability
Diversify income: Combine 2–3 roles (e.g., teaching + performing + freelance marketing).
Side hustles: Use platforms like Fiverr for music-related gigs (arrangements, jingles, voiceovers).
Budget wisely: Music careers often require patience—plan for variable income with emergency savings.
Final Thought: Redefine ‘Usefulness’
A degree’s value isn’t just measured by its “practicality” in a narrow sense. Music enriches human life, fosters empathy, and drives innovation. By leaning into your unique strengths and exploring diverse paths, you’ll prove that your degree is a gateway to a meaningful, adaptable career—not a limitation.
You don’t have to “break the mold”—redefine it by creating a path that only someone with your passion and skills can walk. Stay curious, build connections, and keep creating—success in music (and beyond) often favors those who refuse to be boxed in.
A music education trains you in critical thinking, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and perseverance—skills applicable to almost any career. Here’s how to frame them:
Creativity: The ability to think outside the box (essential in tech, marketing, and design).
Discipline: Mastering an instrument or performing requires rigorous practice—qualities employers admire.
Communication: Performing or teaching music hones your ability to engage and inspire others.
Project Management: Coordinating recitals, rehearsals, or compositions demonstrates organizational skills.
2. Career Paths Directly Related to Music
If you want to work in the music industry, explore these diverse roles:
a. Performing/Recording Artist
How to succeed:
Build a portfolio (recordings, live videos, social media presence).
Network with venues, producers, and other artists.
Diversify income streams: gigs, teaching, session work, or licensing music for media.
Example: Independent artists often use crowdfunding or Patreon to sustain their career.
b. Music Educator
Roles: School teacher, private instructor, college professor, or community program leader.
Why it matters: Music education is proven to enhance cognitive development and mental health in students.
Certifications: In many countries, teaching in schools requires a bachelor’s degree + teaching certification (e.g., USA: state-specific licenses).
c. Music Therapy
Combine music with psychology: Help others through music (e.g., in hospitals, senior centers, or with neurodiverse populations).
Training: Pursue a master’s in music therapy and complete clinical hours to become board-certified (e.g., MT-BC in the US).
d. Music Industry Careers
Roles:
Arts Administration: Manage orchestras, festivals, or nonprofits (requires business skills—consider a minor in arts management).
Audio Engineering/Production: Work in studios, live events, or music tech (learn software like Pro Tools or Ableton).
Music Journalism/Marketing: Write for publications, manage artist social media, or promote concerts.
Tip: Intern with labels, venues, or agencies to gain experience.
e. Entrepreneurship
Start your own business:
Teach online lessons (via platforms like TakeLessons or Zoom).
Host workshops (e.g., songwriting, music production, or mindfulness through music).
Create digital products: sheet music, online courses, or royalty-free music for content creators.
3. Transition to Non-Music Careers (Using Your Transferable Skills)
Don’t limit yourself to music-focused roles—your degree’s soft skills are valuable in unexpected fields:
a. Marketing/Advertising
Why you’re suited: Understand how music evokes emotions (critical for branding, ads, or social media campaigns).
Roles: Creative director, brand strategist, or music supervisor (selecting music for commercials).
b. Technology/EdTech
Music + Tech:
Develop apps for music education (e.g., teaching tools for beginners).
Work in music tech companies (e.g., Spotify, SoundCloud, or AI music generators like Amper Music).
Use data analytics to track artist performance or audience trends.
c. Healthcare/Wellness
Music’s healing power:
Partner with hospitals or wellness centers to offer music-based stress relief sessions.
Research the impact of music on mental health (pursue a graduate degree in psychology or neuroscience).
d. Education (Beyond Music)
Transferable teaching skills:
Teach general subjects in schools (with additional certification).
Work in adult education or corporate training (e.g., leading workshops on creativity or public speaking).
e. Law or Nonprofits
Arts Law: Advocate for artists’ rights (copyright, contracts)—pair your degree with a law degree.
Nonprofits: Work for organizations supporting arts access, mental health, or education.
4. Further Education to Specialize
If you want to deepen your expertise or pivot to a new field, consider advanced degrees:
Master’s in Music: Specialize in performance, composition, or musicology.
MBA in Arts Management: Bridge music and business for leadership roles.
Cross-Disciplinary Degrees:
Music psychology, music technology, or music education policy.
Dual degrees (e.g., music + business, or music + computer science).
5. Challenge Stereotypes Through Action
Share your story: Highlight how music has shaped your skills in interviews or on social media.
Example: “My music training taught me to practice relentlessly, collaborate with diverse teams, and communicate emotions without words—skills I apply daily in my marketing role.”
Showcase your work: Build an online presence (website, YouTube channel, LinkedIn) to prove the value of your craft.
Mentor others: Teach younger students or speak at schools to advocate for the arts.
6. Financial Strategies for Stability
Diversify income: Combine 2–3 roles (e.g., teaching + performing + freelance marketing).
Side hustles: Use platforms like Fiverr for music-related gigs (arrangements, jingles, voiceovers).
Budget wisely: Music careers often require patience—plan for variable income with emergency savings.
Final Thought: Redefine ‘Usefulness’
A degree’s value isn’t just measured by its “practicality” in a narrow sense. Music enriches human life, fosters empathy, and drives innovation. By leaning into your unique strengths and exploring diverse paths, you’ll prove that your degree is a gateway to a meaningful, adaptable career—not a limitation.
You don’t have to “break the mold”—redefine it by creating a path that only someone with your passion and skills can walk. Stay curious, build connections, and keep creating—success in music (and beyond) often favors those who refuse to be boxed in.
Noah Shin
Musician
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Noah’s Answer
When you study any of the creative arts, you will hear this a LOT. And it is true to an extent--finding stronger career prospects with a degree in a field like music is significantly more difficult than if, for example, you had a degree in CS instead. We live in a society where "practicality" is valued above all else, but people don't realize that sometimes it's practical when we have outlets for self-expression too.
However, the more important thing about having a music degree is the knowledge that comes with it. Ideally, throughout the process of earning that degree, you will have learned a lot about how to write better music. You need to utilize that knowledge to its full potential in as much of your own time as you can--a steadfast dedication to the craft and a willingness to break ground will carry so much more power in the end.
The power of creativity is hard to explain (and I'm quite sure I didn't do the greatest job), but remaining dedicated to it will instill in you an understanding of it in due time.
Remember why you chose to study music. Are you pursuing strong career prospects, or perhaps something greater?
Stay dedicated to the craft, and do not stop creating.
Do not let discourse around "practicality" hamper your dedication to the craft.
The true power of creativity will become clear in due time.
However, the more important thing about having a music degree is the knowledge that comes with it. Ideally, throughout the process of earning that degree, you will have learned a lot about how to write better music. You need to utilize that knowledge to its full potential in as much of your own time as you can--a steadfast dedication to the craft and a willingness to break ground will carry so much more power in the end.
The power of creativity is hard to explain (and I'm quite sure I didn't do the greatest job), but remaining dedicated to it will instill in you an understanding of it in due time.
Noah recommends the following next steps: