A music degree can lead to careers in performance and teaching, but it also prepares you for work in production, arts management, media, and other creative industries. You’ll build strong skills in listening, collaboration, and disciplined practice, skills employers value across a variety of fields.
Music majors dive into a mix of classes that help them understand, create, and perform music at a deeper level. They study music theory (how music works), music history (why it sounds the way it does), and ear training (strengthening your ability to hear and identify musical elements). They also spend time performing in ensembles, choirs, bands, or even solo lessons.
At Willamette, students also explore music composition, conducting, music technology, and world music traditions. Students enjoy courses such as Knowing the Score, The Recording Studio Revolution, and Conducting.
With a music degree, students can expect to gain a mastery of their instrument. Through a strong curriculum, music majors also develop technical skills related to theory and composition.
Absolutely! If you love music, a music degree gives you the space to grow your talent, explore your creativity, and really understand the art you care about. But it also goes way beyond music. You’ll build skills like critical thinking, focus, communication, and confidence that are useful in any career you choose.
Plus, research shows that studying music can strengthen your reasoning abilities, boost your study habits, and even improve your self-esteem. So whether you’re dreaming of performing, teaching, creating, or exploring a totally different field, a music degree can open a lot of doors.
A music degree doesn't just prepare you for the stage. Music majors build transferable skills such as memory, discipline, creativity, and pattern recognition that are attractive to a variety of employers. If you're interested in a music career, a music degree is critical to gain the skills and experience it takes to succeed in the industry.
Choose a music degree if you enjoy music and want to develop important skills that benefit you in the long term.
“Choir tours were easily one of the best parts of college for me. Not only did they build communication and organizational skills, but they led to some memories and experiences that still make me tear up out of happiness almost a decade later.”
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