BY: KAREN KERR
For students passionate about music but also drawn to other academic interests, a double major can be an exciting way to explore multiple fields while broadening career opportunities. Balancing two majors, however, requires dedication and careful planning in order to develop diverse skills and deepen their expertise without significantly extending their time in school. Many musicians have successfully combined music with business, technology, education, or other disciplines, enhancing their career prospects both within and beyond the music industry. If you’re considering this path, understanding the challenges and benefits of double majoring is key to making an informed decision.
Before committing to a double major, it’s important to assess whether it aligns with your long-term goals, academic strengths, and personal workload capacity. While the opportunity to develop expertise in multiple fields can be rewarding, the added coursework and scheduling demands can also be challenging. Understanding the realities of a double major—both the benefits and the obstacles—can help you determine if it’s the right fit for your educational and career aspirations. To guide your decision, consider these key factors before taking the plunge.
5 Pointers to Help You Decide if a Double Major is Worth It
Deciding on a double major is a very personal decision that should be made based on each individual’s situation. Inside Music Schools can help you explore your options and lay out the facts, but the decision—and the commitment—rests with the student. Double majoring is absolutely possible, but it requires careful planning, time management, and a willingness to take on a heavier workload.
Here are a few key factors to evaluate to help you decide if a double major is the right path for you:
- Ask Questions
Before making a decision, families should have honest conversations about the realities of pursuing two majors. What are the student’s long-term goals? Do both majors align with those aspirations? How much time will be needed for practice, rehearsals, and coursework in both areas? - Assess the Logistics
It’s also important to consider the logistics. Some campuses make it easier than others to navigate between different departments or building locations. Additionally, scheduling conflicts can arise—music rehearsals often take place in the evenings, while certain required courses for another major may only be offered at those same specific times. Bob Mulvey, Educational Advisor at IMS, notes the importance of “Carefully calculating study time, rehearsal time, project completion time, and, in some cases, coordinating outside of school internships.” Students should ask about academic advising to ensure they have guidance on meeting the requirements for both programs. - Examine Practicalities, Passions, & Priorities
Many students begin college with the intention of double majoring, but not all follow through. The challenge isn’t just about workload—it’s also about whether the student’s passion for music (or the second subject) remains strong enough to justify the added effort. Some students find that majoring in music while minoring in another subject is a more practical alternative. Others may choose to complete one degree first and pursue a second later.
For those committed to a double major, it’s often easier to apply to a music program first and add a second major later, rather than the other way around. Music admissions involve auditions, which can be a significant hurdle if added after enrolling under a different major. - Count the Cost
Finally, financial considerations matter. Some merit scholarships and financial aid packages limit how long they will cover tuition, which could be an issue if a double major extends beyond four years. - Consider Alternative Options
A double major can be a rewarding and fulfilling path, but it’s not the only way to blend multiple interests. Exploring minors, cross-disciplinary programs, or even alternative career pathways within the music industry can provide flexibility while still allowing students to develop expertise in multiple areas. Another option, according to Amanda Quist, Associate Professor at Western Michigan University is for students to “Opt for an extra semester of study to ensure they have time to really process all that they are learning.” Whatever the choice, it’s essential to do the research, weigh the pros and cons, and be realistic about what’s achievable.
Find the Right School to Double Major
If you decide that a double major is the right path, finding a school that supports your academic and musical goals is crucial. Not all institutions make it easy to pursue multiple majors, so it’s important to research programs that offer both strong music training and academic flexibility. Some schools may be better suited for specific music disciplines, while others will be more accommodating for students looking to excel in multiple areas.
Ultimately, determining whether a double major is worth it depends on your individual goals, interests, and willingness to take on the challenge. While Inside Music Schools can’t make the decision for you, we can provide expert guidance to help you navigate the options and make an informed choice. Contact our experts for personalized music school admissions consulting and start planning your future with confidence.
Karen Kerr
An accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and recruitment, Karen has always made her goal finding the best-fit school for student musicians. Most recently, she served as the Director of Admission and Recruitment at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she was responsible for recruitment, auditions/interviews, and admissions of all undergraduate and graduate applicants. Prior to joining the Frost School, she was part of the admissions staff at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance where she reviewed applications at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.