Here are a some of the most popular music majors:

Most musicians get their start in music by playing an instrument or singing, so it’s predictable that Performance is one of the most popular choices for music majors. Students choose a principal instrument to study on throughout their college career. Besides lessons, ensembles, and labs, performance majors organize and perform in recitals to hone their “chops.” It’s a popular choice of major since so many musicians aspire to careers as performers, recording artists, or as orchestra or band members.

More and more students have been choosing to major in Music Business, as they want to learn all the ins and outs of how the music industry works. Whether they want to manage their own careers or the careers of others, studying business includes learning about finance, copyrights, publishing, licensing, and marketing, plus management and entrepreneurship (starting a business).

Majoring in Music Business/Management remains popular since students know that there are many jobs available in music besides performing, and see working in the music business as a pathway to a viable and financially rewarding career.

A graduate of NYU’s Steinhardt School of Music discusses the value of a Music Business degree, the courses required for graduation, and how they help in her current career path.

The music industry still depends on the recorded output of music and learning all about how to produce music includes taking courses in audio engineering, production techniques, mixing, MIDI sequencing, and mastering the various software, hardware, and digital workstations. There’s an emphasis on technology and the creative side of producing, and students might also take courses in the business of music production as well as getting access to top-notch recording studios.

Students seeking to major in Music Production and Audio Engineering should develop a solid understanding of how to use various DAWs, understand music synthesis, MIDI, and other aspects of music technology. They should be prepared to study computer science, electrical engineering, physics, acoustics, and math. Studying music technology can also cross over to neuroscience and psychology. At some schools, studying music production leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Top songwriters are among the highest-paid people in the music industry, and Songwriting majors can hone their skill at writing lyrics, melodies, chord progressions, and hooks while experimenting with the many possible forms that popular songs can take. They study performing and the business of songwriting to enhance their future chances of outsize success, while studying with professional songwriters on faculty. They also learn about independent music production, so that they can create quality demos of their songs.

There’s always a need for good music teachers, and Music Education majors prepare for the state certification exam while completing a required internship or teaching practicum. They learn about pedagogy (teaching methods), study the most common band instruments, and learn to create lesson plans while preparing to enter the field. Music education majors also study conducting and other areas of musicianship that support effective classroom and private teaching. Not all music teachers studied music education, but many choose this major as a pathway to a secure job teaching music in a K-12 setting.

Students learn to compose music in traditional forms including Classical and Jazz. They study orchestration, arranging, rehearsal techniques, conducting, and might focus on cross-disciplinary media collaborations while building a portfolio to seek commissions for orchestras, chamber groups, ballets, operas, musicals, advertising, video games, and for other forms of visual or mixed media.

Composition majors benefit from studying at a school with great teaching faculty, current music technology facilities, and with a strong orchestra and ensemble program in-house to play their compositions. Some schools have programs for students who want to compose music for commercial use, and there’s often an emphasis on writing and production, since students must be able to record their compositions using live ensembles and software mockups.

Composing and producing music for movies, video games, and other visual media requires learning not only compositional techniques but also demands fluency with the technology used in synching music to images on the screen. Students study conducting for film, sound design, Foley Art, audio engineering, music supervision, film orchestra conducting, orchestration, music production software applications, and business topics such as how music is published and licensed for use in films and TV.

Musicology is a scholarly and academic research field that examines the historical, cultural, and sociological aspects of music. Musicologists often go into the field to collect and analyze recordings of folk music or music of indigenous peoples. Students of musicology take courses in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, such as anthropology, history, psychology, philosophy, geography, ethnology, archeology, and analyze the evolution of music in relation to historical cultural and social contexts.

Music therapists work in teams to rehabilitate and heal patients in a clinical setting. According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music therapy is an allied health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.”

Curriculum for majors includes coursework in music therapy, psychology, music, biological, social and behavioral sciences, disabilities and general studies. Students apply their knowledge and techniques learned by working in facilities serving individuals with disabilities in the community or on-campus clinics. After completing academic training and an internship, students must pass an exam to become Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC).

Musical theater performance combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance in theatrical productions, or musicals. Students study general music, singing technique, movement, and acting. Musical theater can be a focus of vocal performance programs, music education or pedagogy majors, conducting, or a standalone major in some schools. Studying musical theater in college or at a conservatory might be a good step for anyone interested in performing in Broadway musicals.

These majors are the alternative to all the others, and might be a way to combine several other majors into an individualized major. The catchall of “Professional Studies” allows students to design their own course of major study within a four-year degree program.

Double Majors allow students to complete more than one major, and usually take five years instead of four. Many students wish to combine two majors to be more well-rounded and prepared. Popular choices are Songwriting and Music Business, Performance and Music Education, Music Production and Composition, or just about any combination you could think of.

Music Industry Studies, Integrated Studies, Professional Music, and double majors all provide maximum flexibility and options to students in the design of their major program.

Now let’s talk about how choosing your major interacts with the rest of your education, starting with applying to colleges.

Applying to college involves filling out forms, writing essays about your academic and career goals, filing financial disclosures, submitting samples of your work in a portfolio, and an audition and interview. You will be expected to write and speak about the reasons you want to study music, why you think each school will be a good fit for you, and what you can contribute. The audition may require you to learn certain musical examples, improvise over a chord progression, read on your instrument, and perform a prepared piece of your choosing.

On the application you will usually be asked to indicate your choice of major. It might feel like it’s too early for you to know what your major should be. Don’t worry about that, it’s totally normal. Indicating your intended major is not something you are committing to. Part of why people choose to study music in college is to learn about possible careers you might not even know existed yet. In college, students aren’t typically required to choose a major until sometime during their second year.

The reason schools ask for your intended major on the application is to see what you are thinking, and to check if the rest of your application seems consistent with your choice. You should be thoughtful with your answer, and be sure to explain it in other parts of your application, such as the essay, your portfolio descriptions, and even the interview, when given the chance to talk about your academic and career goals.

The admissions team wants to see that you are committed to pursuing music as a career and are prepared musically and academically for the rigors of a highly competitive college music program. It’s your job to show them that you are ready, through your application, audition, and interview.

Even if you aren’t sure about which major you will choose (most students aren’t), you should have some thoughts to share about your direction and how certain majors might be right for you.

The admissions team wants to see that you are prepared to be a good student and have what it takes to succeed in college and beyond. And they want to know what your intended major will be at this point.

If you plan to major in music in college, here are some tips from a veteran music educator to help you prepare:

Now let’s consider what courses you are likely to take as a college music major.

First-year students take a variety of music subjects such as harmony (music theory), ear training (solfege), arranging, music notation, music technology, private lessons on an instrument, ensembles, reading and styles labs, a liberal arts course, and further instrumental studies.

Students are required to pass a jury, or proficiency exam, on their instrument at the end of each semester or year. (This is true for all music majors with a performance element). To graduate with music degree one should be be able to read and write music, play at least one instrument well, and be broadly educated in music and liberal arts.

To be more well-rounded, degree students study liberal arts subjects, such as English literature, art history, world history, hard and soft sciences (e.g., physics and psychology, respectively), poetry, a foreign language, math, and history of music.

In subsequent years, students take more music subjects as part of their major concentrate. Traditional music courses such as conducting, counterpoint, and traditional (Classical) harmony, as well as more advanced courses in music theory and ear training.

In the final semester there is usually a capstone project, senior recital, or final portfolio requirement, and some majors will require either an internship or a practicum. Majors like Music Education and Music Therapy will also need to study for and pass a certification exam.

The main goal of earning a college degree is to become an educated and well-rounded musician. With your skills and professional network, you should be ready to start your career in a role related to your major course of study.

Many college majors like Performance, Composition, Music Production, Songwriting, Film Scoring, and Music Therapy, are well-recognized by potential employers, while others may require a bit of explanation. For example, you might be able to design your own major in professional or integrated studies, complete a dual major, or study Foley Art in a Liberal Arts or Bachelor of Science program. Not everyone will always understand your major, but you can explain it on your resume, artist bio, cover letters, and in person when interviewing or auditioning for roles.

In choosing your major you will you need to weigh the plusses and minuses for each area that interests you. It’s not easy to make direct comparisons, especially between different schools, which may use different terminology. No two schools are the same.

In the end it comes down to what you want to study and where you see yourself fitting into the future music industry. Fortunately, there’s advising available for students at every stage, and it’s a good idea to seek out and consult with qualified career counselors when considering your school, career, and life choices.

Keep in mind that you can always change your major if your interests shift. Most students change their majors at least once during their college career. It’s very normal that your likes and dislikes change as you grow as a person and a musician.

Here’s a fun and popular video based at Berklee College of Music, with a music graduate discussing the pros and cons of attending a music college.

While some graduates of top programs may find jobs in the music industry right away, most music majors start out by freelancing, or work in an internship to learn the ropes and break into what is undoubtedly a highly competitive field. One job usually leads to others, so landing that first gig early on is important.

Moving to a music city like Los Angeles, New York, or Nashville puts recent grads in proximity to the music industry and increases the likelihood of landing a good opportunity. Building a portfolio of quality work while expanding your network of professional contacts are recommended steps. This can start while still in school, but after graduation will require continued time and effort.

Those who have prepared themselves well and have the good luck to be in the right place at the right time are likely to succeed more quickly, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Being persistent and persevering will eventually win the day.

Here’s a professional musician and music school graduate discussing various jobs for musicians, military music band gigs, multiple streams of income for freelancers, and the required entrepreneurial mindset.

Think being a music major is all practice rooms and theory exams? Think again! The modern music major is remixing their education to hit all the right notes for today’s industry. From double majors to DIY portfolio careers, the landscape is evolving fast. In this section, we’ll dive into the latest trends in music majors and what life really looks like in those first few years after college. (Spoiler: it’s a wild, rewarding ride!)

Today’s music majors often aren’t content with a one-note education. Many are blending music with other fields—think Music & Technology, Music & Business, even Music & Psychology. Schools have noticed the trend: some conservatories now offer dual-degree programs spanning five years so students can immerse themselves in music and a second field. Popular double-major combos range from Performance + Education to Songwriting + Music Business. In fact, one admissions Director notes the most common double-degree pairings he sees are “music and business or biology,” bridging art with entrepreneurship or science.

In short, today’s music majors are crafting Swiss-Army-knife skillsets, ready to compose film scores one day and code audio software the next.

Along with musical chops, employers now seek tech-savvy, business-smart grads who can wear many hats. The music industry is evolving at a blistering pace—jobs in marketing, data analytics, even software development are popping up alongside traditional roles. Being comfortable with music tech (DAWs, live-streaming, TikTok promotions) and social media marketing can set you apart.

Soft skills count, too: collaboration, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial mindset are practically prerequisites. Music students already practice discipline, teamwork, and creativity just by surviving juries and recitals. To stay competitive, be a curious hybrid: the classically trained musician who can also mix a track, design a website, or draft a business plan. Your future self (and employer) will thank you!

Here’s a pro-tip: you don’t need to wait for a diploma to start your music career. College is the perfect safe zone to experiment, fail, and find your niche. Career coach (and musician) Lance LaDuke advises taking initiative while still in school—launch that YouTube cover series, produce an EP, join a startup or compose for student films now.

Use campus resources like recording studios, gear, and student orgs to build a killer portfolio. Internships and part-time gigs during college can also morph into job offers or at least give you real-world cred. By graduation, you want a resume (and hard drive) brimming with examples of what you can do—recordings, videos, compositions, lesson plans, you name it.

They say the music world is a tiny club – so start meeting the members! Networking isn’t just schmoozy corporate talk; in music, it can mean jamming with classmates, chatting up local bands, or DM’ing a producer you admire. One recent grad notes that building connections with fellow student musicians, local players, and professors had a huge impact on his post-college success.

Push yourself to meet folks outside your usual circle. Today’s jam buddy could be tomorrow’s hit songwriter or A&R rep. One industry veteran on Reddit reminds us that those 19-year-old nobodies today might be power players in a few years. So be genuine, be generous, and stay in touch. Join music industry groups on LinkedIn or Facebook, hop into Discord servers for young producers, attend that songwriting workshop or conference. The more people who know you exist, the more likely you are to get that text that leads to your next gig.

If you imagine your first post-college job as a 9-to-5 at “Music Inc.,” reality may surprise you. Many music majors forge their own path through a mix of freelance gigs and side hustles – a “portfolio career” where no single job pays the bills, but a combo of teaching lessons, playing gigs, doing studio sessions, and more adds up. In fact, the vast majority of working musicians are self-employed.

Over time, you’ll figure out which income streams you love and which you can ditch as you curate your ideal career mix. Every small gig is a stepping stone, not a step down. Freelancing can be tough, but it also means freedom to shape your own career – no permission needed to start a new project or collaboration.

What does “making it” really mean for a new music grad? For most, success in the first few years isn’t measured by fame or Grammy awards – it’s about momentum. Are you playing, creating, learning, and growing? Then you’re on the right track. It might help to know that a majority of music grads do find work in music or the arts, but that often comes after a few years of piecing things together. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Your version of success might be writing songs you’re proud of, landing a part-time orchestra seat, releasing an EP, or simply making enough to pay rent doing what you love. Celebrate those wins. They compound into bigger ones.

Most college music students can’t imagine doing anything besides music for their career. If that sounds like you, then you will feel happy and excited to be surrounded by so many other bright, passionate young student musicians with similar goals. Studying in a rigorous college music program is a great way to move your music career forward.

If you’re not fully committed to doing music as a career, but can see yourself working in a job connected to music, then majoring in music might also the right path for you. Consider whether you could sustain your enthusiasm while being surrounded by people who put music first above everything else. Completing four years in a music program requires stamina, endurance, sacrifice, and hard work, plus the financial cost.

By soaking up all you can from your classes, teachers, and classmates, you will grow and mature as a musician. You’ll be inspired by the talented and accomplished people around you. One secret of success is to surround yourself with the right people. Majoring in music is a way to do this.

Not all music majors end up with a career in music, but most do. College music study is a great way to prepare for anything life throws at you, whether you spend most of your time performing on stages or not. As a music major, you’re likely to discover occupations you might not have known existed. Majoring in music while earning your college degree is a terrific way to prepare yourself for a career and a life in music.

Ellen Kim talks about how you should know if majoring in music is right for you.