Music Courses in College: Best Colleges for Music Careers

Navigating Pathways to a Career in the Music Industry

Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of guiding students through the diverse world of higher education. One field that always engenders interesting questions is how to get a job in the music industry or use music skills to leverage a path in a therapeutic field.

What many may not realize is that the music industry offers far more than just performance opportunities. In this article, we will explore 20 exceptional programs that encompass Music Therapy, Vocal Therapy, Music Education, Songwriting and Scoring, Music Theory, Instrumental, and Vocal Music, and how each of these majors can lead to a rewarding career in the music industry. First, let’s start with the definitions of each major. 

7 Popular Music Majors

Music Therapy: 

Music therapy is a field that marries the power of music with the science of healing. Graduates can become certified music therapists where they use music to enhance the lives of individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological needs. Music therapists begin with an assessment, establish a treatment plan, consider a variety of musical techniques (singing, songwriting, listening to and discussing music), help with cognitive stimulation (after stroke or other memory impairments), physical rehabilitation, social interaction, pain management, and developing communication and speech. 

Vocal Therapy: 

Vocal therapy focuses on vocal health and rehabilitation. Graduates can become vocal coaches, working with singers to maintain their vocal health and technique, identify vocal disorders, develop personalized treatment plans, provide vocal techniques, and help with the recovery and maintenance process after surgery.

Music Education: 

Music educators play a vital role in nurturing young talent. Graduates can become music teachers, directors, or curriculum developers for schools or private institutions. They can work individually teaching lessons, performing, composing music, becoming sound engineers, and studying the history of music.

Songwriting and Scoring: 

Songwriters and composers craft melodies and harmonies that resonate with audiences. Graduates can become lyricists, film scorers, or composers for various media platforms including television, movies, commercials, and more. When thinking of your top five songwriters, I would include the careers of Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon and Paul McCartney (although many will debate this group) as exemplars of the field. 

Music Theory:

Music theory delves into topics such as harmony, melody, rhythm, counterpoint, form, and notation, providing a framework for comprehending the organization and structure of musical compositions. Through the study of music theory, students learn how to read and write music, analyze the compositions of great composers, and gain a deeper appreciation of the historical and cultural context of different musical styles.

Music theory serves as a valuable tool for musicians, helping them refine their performance skills, enhance their compositional abilities, and engage in informed interpretations of music. Whether in the realm of classical, jazz, or popular music, a solid foundation in music theory is a cornerstone for musical proficiency and creativity.

Instrumental Music: 

Instrumental music programs prepare students for careers as professional musicians, soloists, or members of orchestras and ensembles. The study itself is focused on the exploration of the art and technique of playing musical instruments. It involves dedicated practice and instruction to develop proficiency in producing music on instruments such as pianos, violins, flutes, guitars, and many others.

Students of instrumental music learn to read sheet music, understand musical notation, and develop the physical and technical skills necessary to play their chosen instrument. While some instrumentalists pursue careers as solo performers, many also engage in ensemble playing, from chamber music to orchestras, where they learn the important skills of collaboration and teamwork.

Vocal Music: 

Vocal music is a form of musical expression where the human voice takes center stage and involves singing or vocalization and encompasses a wide spectrum of musical styles, from classical opera and choral music to pop, rock, jazz, and folk. Vocal music is characterized by the use of the voice to create melodies, harmonies, and lyrical interpretations of the music's emotional content.

It often involves the use of words and lyrics, which play a crucial role in conveying the message and narrative of a song. Vocal music programs train singers in various styles, preparing them for careers as soloists, ensemble members, or vocal coaches.

20 of the Best Colleges for Music Careers

Now, let's explore 20 institutions that offer these exceptional programs and the unique career paths they pave:

Berklee College of Music: A hub for songwriters, performers, and music therapists. Notable Graduates: John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Melissa Ethridge

The Juilliard School: The launchpad for future opera stars and instrumental virtuosos. Notable Graduates: Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: Renowned for producing accomplished music educators and performers. Notable Graduates: Joshua Bell, Joshua Roman, Angela Brown

Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance: Fosters diverse talents, including music therapists and music educators. Notable Graduates: Terell Stafford, Christian McBride, Joan Jett

Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester): A leading institution in both instrumental and vocal performance. Notable Graduates: Renée Fleming (MA), Ron Carter, Jeff Beal

University of Southern California Thornton School of Music: A top choice for aspiring songwriters, composers, and music therapists. Notable Graduates: John Williams, Marilyn Horne, Herb Alpert

Boston University College of Fine Arts: Offers programs in music therapy, vocal therapy, and more. Notable Graduates: Julianne Baird, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Jason Alexander

University of North Texas College of Music: Known for producing music educators and instrumentalists. Notable Graduates: Norah Jones, Lyle Mays, Lou Marini

Oberlin College Conservatory of Music: A pioneer in training classical musicians and music theorists. Notable Graduates: Jessye Norman, Christopher Rouse, Jeremy Denk

San Francisco Conservatory of Music: A gateway for instrumentalists and composers. Notable Graduates: Yehudi Menuhin, Jake Heggie, Leon Fleisher

University of Miami Frost School of Music: A diverse program for music therapy, songwriting, and more. Notable Graduates: Jon Secada, Randy Brecker, Maria Schneider

Baylor University School of Music: Known for its comprehensive music programs. Notable Graduates: David Crowder, David Phelps, Donald Bailey

University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance: A powerhouse for vocal and instrumental performance. Notable Graduates: Madonna, Rufus Reid, Zachary De Pue

Northwestern University Bienen School of Music: Known for training outstanding musicians and music theorists. Notable Graduates: Sherrill Milnes, Jim McNeely, Regina Taylor

The New School, School of Jazz and Contemporary Music: Focused on songwriting, music theory, and contemporary music. Notable Graduates: Brad Mehldau, José James, Bilal

University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music: Offers diverse programs in music therapy and education. Notable Graduates: Marc Cohn, Betty Buckley, Samuel Barber

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM): Known for its well-rounded music programs. Notable Graduates: Sarah Jessica Parker, Faith Prince, Awadagin Pratt

Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University: A nurturing ground for composers and instrumentalists. Notable Graduates: Tori Amos, Christopher Rouse, Wendy White

University of Washington School of Music: Offers a spectrum of music programs, from therapy to theory. Notable Graduates: Kshama Ananda, John Novacek, Louise Perryman

Yale School of Music: Known for producing influential composers and music educators. Notable Graduates: Peter Sellars, Michael Daugherty, Samuel Adler

These 20 programs offer a wealth of opportunities for aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts to open doors in fulfilling careers that leverage their gifts in an ever-evolving music industry. The music world is vast, and there's a place for every kind of talent and passion, but when forging your approach to the world of music connect with College Flight Path to devise your unique postsecondary list.