What can one do with a theory/history degree?

College Majors Music Majors
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<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I am a student at a competitive research university because I studied mainly science in middle and high school, but I have also enjoyed music my entire life and once I got to college I realized that I am more interested in studying music at a high level than science at a high level. The university I attend has a variety of high quality music classes even though most people are not music majors. I enjoy theory and analysis, and will take lots more history and composition classes in the future. I am a fairly technical person when it comes to music and thus prefer technical rigor in my musical studies. My downfall is that I do not have much classical performance background (did not have the opportunity when I was younger; however I did sing in a choir for several years and I can play two instruments on a recreational level). </p>

<p>In the past maybe four or so years, I have gravitated towards music and have decided that this is where my heart is. My question is, what can one do with a music theory/composition or history degree? I would appreciate any input from people who have experience with this and wouldn’t mind sharing. I have several years of college left so I can take many more classes and I have time to major in something else if I need or want to. I read one thread here that talked about difficulty of finding jobs for vocal performance majors. Is it like that too for theory/comp or history majors? If there are any past discussions (I couldn’t find any via search although I am not that great at search) please feel free to link me to them if this has been discussed before. I would love to pursue music as a career, but if it is not financially feasible then I guess I don’t have much choice but to keep it as a hobby and study science to pay the bills. </p>

<p>Thanks much for any thoughts.</p>

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<p>You might also enjoy courses in electroacoustic music or “music and technology” type courses.</p>

<p>With a bachelor’s in music history or theory you can go on to graduate school in either subject, at a college, university or conservatory, and then teach (usually after a PhD or DMA).</p>

<p>A bachelor’s degree in music offers you access to any job that requires a bachelor’s degree, just like any other bachelor’s degree holder. It also offers access to graduate school or professional schools such as medicine, law, or business.</p>

<p>During school, you can also participate in internships that are music-related or internships in other areas.</p>

<p>There are many employment areas related to music, including outreach, working for orchestras and festivals, teaching, managing artists, and working in administration of college departments, just to name a few. But you can also work in other areas after you get a degree.</p>

<p>It’s great to have these years to focus on what you truly love and if you do that, things tend to work out.</p>