Depending on your interests and goals, a master’s degree in music can prepare you for a range of careers, including music teacher, composer, sound engineer, concert producer, music therapist, record label executive, and more.
One of the fastest growing music industry jobs is sound engineering technician. Over 11,000 new jobs are predicted for individuals who can set up audio and visual equipment and improve sound quality.
Employment of postsecondary teachers of the arts, including music, is expected to increase 7% within the next decade. Individuals with a master’s degree in music education will have the best job opportunities.
For this list, we researched master’s-level degrees in a variety of music-related fields, including performance, education, therapy, and production. The types of degrees vary based on the particular area of study, but they include Master of Music (MM), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS).
Students can complete most of these programs online, although some are only available as hybrid programs. Others offer their curriculums in on-campus settings as well.
We only included regionally accredited schools on this list as an assurance of quality in higher education. Many programs also have programmatic accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which sets national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in music-related fields.
Our team evaluated each program for its faculty, flexibility, outcomes, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
Just as music is an incredibly diverse field in terms of employment opportunities, there are a variety of ways to pursue careers in music. Some, like music education or music therapy, require that individuals have a degree in order to obtain the necessary professional certifications. A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient, or you may need to earn a master’s degree in order to advance your career to a higher level.
Other music-related professions, like singers, instrumentalists, songwriters, and producers, have more flexible thresholds for entry. Individuals may pursue these careers with little or no formal training, or a combination of formal education and hands-on learning.
Earning an advanced degree in an area like performance can help you improve your musicianship, provide valuable networking opportunities, and open up additional career paths like teaching at the collegiate level. However, before enrolling in a master’s in music program, it is important to consider your career goals and if formal education is the best path towards achieving them, or if you should dedicate your time and energy to working in the field or engaging in private lessons and mentorship.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Music programs:
You will also want to make note of application deadlines and gather application materials like transcripts and letters of recommendation. Financing your graduate education is another consideration. Research sources of funding including scholarships, assistantships, and tuition benefits from your employer.