Music Degree Program: From Fledgling Talent to Full-fledged Career

You took a music class in elementary school. Perhaps you were in the high school band. Or, your parents have made you take piano lessons since you were 5. Whatever your background may be, an online music degree program is a quick route to turning your talent into a career.

Career Options in Music

• Musicians. The most versatile musicians can play a variety of instruments and styles to fit different situations.
• Singers. Professionals are often classified according to their voice range or by the type of music they sing.
• Music directors and conductors. Duties include auditioning and selecting musicians, choosing appropriate music, and directing rehearsals and performances.
• Composers. Many composers and songwriters work out arrangements on instruments while others use computer software to compose and edit their music.

Musicians: Employment Outlook and Salary Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of musicians, singers, and related workers is projected to increase by 11 percent through 2016; that's about as fast as the national average for all occupations. And PayScale reports the median annual salary for music professionals is right at $30,000.

Online Degree Program Coursework for Musicians

An online education in music typically consists of a mixture of basic liberal arts courses and focused musical study. Students spend the first couple of years completing math, science, and English requirements before choosing and concentrating on an instrument or their voice in the concluding years. Degree options range from bachelor's to doctoral degrees in music or fine arts.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers
PayScale

Kelly Richardson has over fifteen years of creative and technical writing experience. He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes ad copy for a variety of clients in industries such as medicine, technology, and education.