Should I Pursue Music in College?
This is a big question that many music students struggle with as they approach their senior year of high school. There are wonderful reasons to pursue musical studies in college, and there are equally good reasons to choose a different path. My hope is that this blog helps you think through some pros and cons so you can make a well-informed decision.
Why Do Students Choose to Major in Music?
In my 20 years as a private music teacher, I’ve noticed that students usually pursue a music major for one (or more) of three main reasons. Each of these reasons is valid, but they don’t always lead to the same kind of college experience.
1. I feel valued, seen, and confident when I make music, so pursuing music in college feels natural.
2. Music has always been a major part of my life, and nothing else feels as enjoyable or fulfilling.
3. I want a music-related career and know that a music degree will help me build the skills I need.
Let’s look at each one more closely.
1. “Music is where I feel confident and appreciated.”
Feeling motivated and successful is a wonderful reason to pursue any field. If music classes have been the place where you’ve found community, self-expression, and confidence, surrounding yourself with other musicians in college may be a great choice.
As a music major, most of your coursework revolves around music. This could look like music theory, history, aural skills, performance, repertoire, ensemble work, and sometimes acting or dance. If you enjoy digging deeply into these topics, a music degree can be a great fit.
But here’s the catch:
If what you’ve loved most is the social aspect or the recognition you’ve received and not the intense study, practice hours, or audition pressure, then college music programs may feel overwhelming. Moving from a smaller school community into a large pool of highly trained musicians means you may receive less individual praise, even while you’re growing immensely. “Raising the bar” becomes a constant part of life.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t major in music, but it does mean you should get clear on your “why.”
2. “Music fulfills me, and I want it to stay a meaningful part of my life.”
This is a very common reason students choose music in college. If you enjoy the process of practicing, performing, and studying music simply because it enriches your life, your undergraduate experience can be incredibly rewarding.
Students who love music but stay open-minded about their future careers often thrive. A music degree can pair beautifully with pre-law, pre-med, or other academic tracks. Music majors develop:
- Creativity
- Discipline and consistency
- Teamwork through ensemble participation
- High-level emotional and cognitive skills
These soft skills are valuable in nearly any career field.
Choosing music for fulfillment rather than identity can also create more emotional resilience and in some cases, it can even make college more affordable through talent-based scholarships.
3. “I want a music-related career, and I’m ready to work for it.”
If you’ve set your sights on a music career, whether in performance, education, production, songwriting, or another path, studying music in college can offer the structure and training you need.
Because music careers are competitive, it’s important to choose a program that prepares you for the real world. Consider whether the curriculum includes:
- Entrepreneurship or business skills
- Website and branding basics
- Recording and technology training
- Musicianship, theory, and aural skills
- Self-tape or audition experience
- Grant writing or portfolio development
If these aren’t part of the program, ask questions. Look at what alumni are doing now. Some schools focus narrowly on performance, while others offer broader preparation. The fit matters.
As a career-bound music major, you likely already expect rigorous coursework and many hours in the practice rooms. Understanding why certain experiences (like ensemble requirements, recitals, studio classes) are part of your degree can help you navigate college with confidence and purpose.
It can also be helpful to create a list of questions to ask each program so you understand what they prioritize.
Final Thoughts
All three reasons for choosing a music major are valid. However, in my experience, students who choose music primarily because it’s tied to their self-worth (reason #1) tend to face more emotional challenges. This doesn’t mean they can’t succeed… many do… but it does mean the school environment and individual professors matter even more.
This blog is meant to help you think through the decision and spark good conversations as you choose programs to explore. It’s not meant to discourage anyone from studying music.
Best wishes to all of you as you navigate the college application process. Remember, there is no single “right” path. Just the one that fits you.