A music performance degree signifies the culmination of intense, specialized training on an instrument or voice. It involves a deep study of music theory, history, and composition, all centered around honing artistic and technical skill. While many pursue this path for a career on stage, the degree opens a wide array of professional avenues. The discipline and creativity inherent in musical training are valuable in many contexts.
Performance Careers
The most direct application of a music performance degree is a career as a professional musician. For classically trained musicians, a common ambition is securing a position in an orchestra, which requires a rigorous and highly competitive audition. Openings are limited and exist in ensembles ranging from major symphonies to regional groups. Vocalists may also audition for positions in professional opera or choral ensembles.
Joining a military band is another stable option. Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces maintains performance ensembles that offer full-time employment with benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans. The audition process is demanding, comparable to professional orchestras, but provides significant job security. These roles involve performing at official ceremonies, public concerts, and international tours, serving as musical ambassadors.
Musicians who are versatile and learn quickly can pursue a career as a session musician. These artists are hired on a project basis to play in recording studios for albums, film scores, and commercials. Success depends on strong sight-reading ability, adaptability across genres, and networking to secure engagements. The work is deadline-driven and requires professionalism and collaborative skill.
The path of a solo artist is highly entrepreneurial, involving both musical mastery and managing a small business. Soloists are responsible for building a personal brand, marketing, booking performances, and managing finances. This career demands a combination of artistic vision and business acumen.
Musicians can also find opportunities in theater and tourism. Cruise ships employ showbands and smaller ensembles to entertain guests, performing a wide variety of popular and stage music. Pit orchestras for Broadway tours and regional theater productions also provide employment for skilled instrumentalists. These roles require playing the same show repeatedly with precision and energy.
Education and Instruction Careers
Sharing expertise through teaching is a fulfilling career path for many graduates. The most common entry point is private instruction, where a musician builds and manages their own studio. This entrepreneurial path offers flexibility in setting schedules and curriculum but requires business skills to attract and retain students.
Teaching in K-12 schools offers a more structured environment with stable employment and benefits. This path requires a state-approved teacher certification program in addition to the music performance degree. Responsibilities include directing ensembles like concert bands or choirs and teaching general music classes.
A career in collegiate instruction is another goal for many musicians. Positions at universities, colleges, and conservatories are highly competitive and require advanced degrees, such as a Master of Music (M.M.) or a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.). University professors provide private lessons, teach courses in music theory and history, coach ensembles, and are expected to maintain active performance or research profiles.
Music-Adjacent and Industry Careers
A deep understanding of music is an asset for many roles that support the industry. Arts administration, for example, allows those with organizational skills to manage the business side of musical organizations. This can include roles in marketing, development, or operations for orchestras, opera companies, and concert halls.
The role of a music librarian involves acquiring, cataloging, and preparing sheet music for large ensembles like orchestras. This detail-oriented job ensures that every musician has the correct parts, which may involve sourcing rare editions or correcting errors. It is a behind-the-scenes role important for the smooth operation of any major performing group.
Music therapy is a growing field that uses clinical music interventions to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals. A music performance degree provides a strong foundation, but becoming a board-certified music therapist requires a specific graduate program and clinical training. Other industry roles include artist managers, concert promoters, and jobs in music publishing or licensing.
Transferable Skills for Other Industries
The training for a music performance degree cultivates transferable skills valued in many fields. The daily practice needed to master an instrument instills a high level of discipline and focus. This ability to commit to long-term goals and execute detailed tasks is applicable to project management, software development, and research.
Performing music in an ensemble is an exercise in high-stakes collaboration. Musicians learn to listen intently, adjust their contributions in real time, and work collectively toward a unified artistic interpretation. This teamwork and communication ability is prized in corporate environments where group cohesion and clear messaging are important.
The creative aspects of musical study also translate to other industries. Musicians are trained in creative problem-solving, from developing a unique interpretation to finding a technical solution for a difficult passage. This capacity for innovation is an asset in fields like advertising, design, and entrepreneurship. Public performance also hones poise and presentation skills beneficial for any public speaking role.
Advancing Your Career Prospects
Actively managing your career is necessary for success after graduation. Building and maintaining a professional network is a primary step. Attending concerts, industry conferences, and workshops provides opportunities to connect with collaborators, employers, and mentors. These relationships are often the source of auditions, gigs, and job openings.
Developing a professional portfolio is another important step. This collection of materials should be tailored to your career goals and can include high-quality recordings, a resume, and letters of recommendation. For non-performance roles, internships with arts organizations provide useful experience and connections.
Pursuing graduate studies can enhance career prospects, especially for those aiming for university teaching or top-level performance careers. A master’s degree or doctorate provides further specialization and the credentials required for many academic and orchestral positions. Seeking opportunities for growth through education, workshops, or diverse performance experiences is the best strategy for building a sustainable career.