With an online music degree or music production degree, you can turn your love of music into a viable career. A degree in this field exposes you to the business side of music, music theory, music education, music history, music technology, and much more.Music enriches our lives, and there will arguably always be a need for musicians, composers, and music educators. Because of this, it's no surprise that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the job growth rate in this field will rise modestly and steadily over the next decade. Music technology is constantly changing; the more advanced your knowledge is, the more likely you will be to land a job aligned with your goals and interests.An online music degree or music production degree may be a good fit for you if you play one or more instruments or are a vocalist, if you have a passion for music, and if you are willing to put in the work to take your music skills and knowledge to the next level. If you're interested in a postsecondary degree in music, read on to learn more about the career options in the field and the academic path you will take to get there.
Online Music Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $11,646 | 15.21% | 2 years | $33,045 | $46,000 | 8.8% |
| Bachelor's | $18,897 | 10.16% | 4 years | $41,905 | $48,500 | 4.9% |
| Master's | $14,256 | 9.21% | 2 years | $57,393 | $87,500 | 2.9% |
Many musicians, singers, and private music tutors build successful careers with associate degrees in music. Some positions, including those as music teachers, composers, and music directors, require bachelor's degrees. If you're interested in one of these career paths, a music degree online may be a flexible and affordable alternative to on-campus programs.A bachelor's degree in music production will give you an edge in the job market, but an associate degree may suffice if you have enough real-world experience. The highest level positions in classical music typically require at least graduate-level music degrees in specialized areas of music performance.
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| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $46,464 | 3% | 173300 |
| Music Directors, Composers, and Producers | $49,820 | 3% | 82100 |