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Music Degree Programs
Choosing among several possible music degrees, considering a conservatory vs. music school vs. music department, as well as whether you'd like
to graduate 
Music is as old as human civilization itself, and thus, it should be no surprise that as the world becomes more interconnected thanks to Internet technology, music's important has only become more pronounced. For no longer is Western music the only player in the field. Music programs all over the world provide their students with theory and composition coursework in every style, genre, and background imaginable. Equally important, music is much more of a business than it ever was before. IPods, album sales, MTV, and Internet downloading have helped generate billions upon billions of dollars in revenue year after year. Thus, students who don't necessarily have much playing ability can still enter the world of music by mastering such areas as management and merchandising.
Music Degree Programs
50 years ago, music programs in the United States tended to be classically oriented conservatories that stressed certain areas while ignoring so
many others. Nowadays, music theory and composition is much more interdisciplinary. So one doesn't necessarily have to become a classically trained
violinist in order to make it big. Mixing, dubbing, producing, promoting, music management, merchandising, recording, composing, and performing are
just a few of the many different areas one can follow in modern music programs. And because music is such a dynamic field, one doesn't necessarily
need to secure a Ph.D. in the field. For some positions, a certificate or associate degree is sufficient.
Job Outlook after Music Programs
Where one goes after graduating from a music program is really anyone's guess. Performing and teaching are the two most common careers. Some lucky individuals become huge successes literally overnight. Some people happen to be in the right place at the right time. But one thing is certain; by receiving formal training, it's much easier to connect with alumni, industry experts, and potential business contacts. Music, after all, is entertainment. And like most other branches of the entertainment industry, who one knows is sometimes as important as what one knows.
