By Steve Lipman
A music degree can be worth it given the right circumstances. That may not be the simple answer you were hoping for, but it is the honest one.
The value of a music degree depends on what you want to do with your music, the kind of program you choose, what that program will actually give you, and what it will cost. A student pursuing a career as a performer may need something very different from a student interested in music production, composition, education, or the business side of the industry. And even within the same field, two music schools can offer very different experiences.
So instead of asking, “Is a music degree worth it?” there is a better question to ask:
Is this music degree, at this school, the right investment for this student?
That is where the decision gets more interesting.
What Makes a Music Degree Worth the Investment?
A good music program should give a student more than a credential.
For a performance student, that might mean intensive training with faculty who understand the student’s instrument and goals, opportunities to perform, ensembles that challenge them, and an environment filled with other serious musicians.
For a composition student, it might mean access to performers, opportunities to hear and revise their original work, mentorship from composers, and exposure to different approaches to creating music.
For someone interested in music business or production and audio engineering, the value may come from a combination of technical training, real-world projects, industry connections, and opportunities to build a portfolio.
The degree itself is only part of the equation.
The experience you receive while earning it matters just as much, if not more.
That includes the people you learn from, the students you learn alongside, the opportunities available to you, and how well the program prepares you for what comes after graduation.
When Might a Music Degree Not Be Worth It?
There are situations where a music degree may not make sense.
For example, a student may be passionate about music but still be unsure whether they want music to be their career. Or they may be considering a particular school because of its reputation without knowing whether the program actually fits their goals.
Cost matters, too.
A program that is a wonderful fit academically and artistically may not be the right financial decision if attending would create an unreasonable amount of debt. On the other hand, a school’s published tuition does not necessarily tell you what your family will actually pay. Scholarships and financial aid can change the equation considerably.
And sometimes, the student simply does not need the degree for the path they want to pursue.
That does not mean the degree has no value. It means the student needs to understand what they are paying for and why.
Do You Need a Music Degree to Have a Career in Music?
There are music careers where formal education and specialized training can be extremely valuable, and there are others where experience, portfolio, professional relationships, and demonstrated ability may matter more than a degree.
The important thing is not to confuse “you don’t need a degree” with “college won’t help.”
A student may be able to become a working musician without a music degree. But the right college environment can provide four years of focused development, mentorship, collaboration, performance opportunities, professional connections, and time to build skills that might otherwise take much longer to develop independently.
The question is whether those benefits are meaningful for your particular path.
Four Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Music Degree
Before comparing colleges, ask these questions.
1. What do I actually want to do in music?
“Have a career in music” is a starting point, not a career plan.
Do you want to perform? Compose? Teach? Produce? Write songs? Work in the music business? Combine several disciplines?
You do not need to have your entire life mapped out at 17. But having some direction can make the college search much more productive.
2. What kind of training do I need?
Once you understand your goals, look at what kind of education and experience will help you get there.
A performance student may need intensive studio instruction and regular performance opportunities. A producer may need access to technology, recording facilities, collaborators, and a curriculum that reflects the current industry.
The right degree is connected to the work you actually want to do.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Music Major and Degree Guides.
3. What will this particular school give me?
Do not stop at the name of the university or conservatory.
Look at the faculty. The curriculum. Performance opportunities. Facilities. Ensembles. Internships. Career support. Location. Student culture. Alumni. And the opportunities students actually have while they are there.
Two schools offering the same degree can provide completely different experiences.
4. What will it really cost?
Look beyond the sticker price.
Consider scholarships, financial aid, housing, books and supplies, travel, additional expenses, and whether graduate school may be part of your eventual plan.
The goal isn’t to find the cheapest school. It is to understand the investment well enough to make a decision you feel good about.
The Better Question: Is This Music Degree Right for You?
There is no universal answer to whether a music degree is worth it.
For the right student, the right program can be transformative. It can provide the training, mentorship, relationships, and opportunities that help turn musical ability into a sustainable career.
But getting a music degree simply because you love music is not enough.
You need to understand what you want from your education and which schools can actually provide it.
At Inside Music Schools, that is where we start. We help students and families look beyond the obvious choices and identify music schools that fit each individual student’s abilities, aspirations, interests, and goals.
Because the goal isn’t simply to get into a music school.
What to Read Next
If you’re beginning to think seriously about studying music in college, the next question is probably where that degree should lead you.
Or explore our Music Major & Degree Guides to learn more about different music disciplines, degrees, and career paths.
Ready for more personalized guidance? Learn more about how we help students create a Music Admissions Strategy and identify the schools and programs that make the most sense for them.
Founder & President at Inside Music Schools | Insidemusicschools.com
Head of admissions and faculty member at Berklee College of Music for 40 years, Steve Lipman and our team at Inside Music Schools speak music as their primary language. We approach each client contact with open eyes, ears, and minds. As the country’s premier music school consultant, he has advised students from the United States, Canada, the U.K., India, Singapore, Dubai, China, Australia, Turkey, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Israel, Italy, Russia and elsewhere.