Study music abroad

Music is a hugely broad subject that offers a number of specialisms and can cover performance, composition, production and theory. It is a creative subject that will allow passionate students to explore different genres, gain practical skills, and develop their own musical interests.

You can study music at universities, art colleges or a conservatoire, which specialize in performance based study programs. Music programs are available all over the world, so by studying abroad you’ll have a huge number of options to choose from.

Studying music abroad is a popular option for international students because it can mean learning a new approach to music. Every country has it’s own musical traditions and heritage, which can give you a new and unique perspective you wouldn’t get by studying at home.

At undergraduate level you can study for a BA or a BMus (Bachelor of Music) over three or four years. BMus degrees often include more technical modules, with a concentration on performance, and BA programs can be more academic and theory focussed.

It’s possible to study music as a joint honours program with another subject, for example, music and English, or music and technology. If you choose to study at a liberal arts college, you can study music as a major or minor, alongside other subjects.

You can also study music at other levels including certificate, diploma, master’s and doctorate. At master’s level you can study for an MA or MMus over two or three years, and it’s also possible to earn a PhD in music which can take up to six years to complete.

Most music programs are taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials, but you also get individual tuition and workshops to develop your solo performance skills. Most universities give regular performances which you can take part in and some offer field trips to concerts. How you’ll be assessed will differ depending on the module, but they will usually include essays, exams and performances.

Music programs can cover a huge number of areas, genres and techniques, so the structure and content will never be the same, however here are some common modules you could study:

• Music history
• Music composition
• Performance
• Harmony and harmonic analysis
• Orchestration
• Music business
• Music technology
• Musicology
• Music psychology

A music degree provides the perfect training for a wide range of careers both within and outside of the music industry. You will develop a number of transferable skills that employers value, including teamwork, communication and analytical skills.

Here are some of the most popular careers for music graduates:

• Music producer
• Music therapist
• Orchestra musician
• Music teacher
• Orchestra administrator
• Sound engineer/technician
• Community arts worker
• DJ

If you’re unsure what career path you want to follow after graduation, you can talk to the university’s career advice service. They can help you work out what roles might best suit you, and guide you on the best way to get your ideal job after graduation.