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Why study music?
Believe it or not but some of the most talented and successful musicians in history couldn’t even read a single note of music!
However, not everyone who studies music ends up as a musician or a performer; there are lots of other career choices to explore….
‘You don’t need to be the next Taylor Swift to use your music skills at work – music can help you in loads of jobs and industries!’
What is music?
It might seem like a silly question – after all, we’re surrounded by music all the time, in films and TV, games, even as we ride the bus or walk down the street!
The study of music involves learning about the way music is composed and performed, from the technical side – the arrangements of notes and chords to create particular sounds and effects – to the practical side: how this is carried out on a musical instrument or produced in the studio.
You’ll learn about the history of music – from the earliest sounds, through to Bach and Beethoven, right up to the present day. You’ll also work on your own compositions and your ability to analyse the music you listen to.
To study music at GCSE, you don’t need to be a virtuoso musician. As long as you have some ability to play an instrument (including the voice) or produce music electronically – you should be able to excel in music. At A-level/equivalent, you’ll build on the knowledge, understanding and skills you built up in your GCSE study.
Teachers, bring music careers into your classroom…
Our colourful guides and posters are a great way to make careers learning interactive while ticking off all eight Gatsby benchmarks!
- Gatsby Subject Guides – Explore how the skills and knowledge students develop in music lead to real jobs – packed with case study interviews! All subjects available – buy individually or as a set. Browse in our shop now.
- Subject Posters – From the future of jobs in music to top industries and key skills linked to your subject, choose the best careers poster to brighten up your classroom wall. All subjects available. Browse in our shop now.
What employability skills will I get?
Studying music can give you a great mix of social and technical skills. Here are some examples:
- Communication (communication) – you’ll train your ear to pick out rhythms, melodies and harmonies, helping you to concentrate on what others are saying.
- Creativity – you’ll compose, perform and interpret music, developing your ability to express original ideas in exciting ways.
- Lateral thinking – music encourages you to experiment with sounds, styles and techniques to find new and imaginative ways to perform and compose.
- Logical thinking – you’ll learn to break down musical structures, patterns and rhythms, helping you understand how pieces fit together.
- Teamwork – you’ll be assessed on your ability to perform as part of a pair or ensemble, learning to collaborate and perform with others.
As you can see, music helps you develop a range of skills – some, such as logic, more connected with the sciences, while others – creativity, for example – are associated more with arts subjects.
What subjects does music go with?
Because music helps you develop your logical thinking and problem solving abilities, it can be paired neatly with STEM subjects such as maths and physics.
On the other hand, its creative aspect makes it a good match with arts subjects such as English – where instead of composing a sound piece, you might develop a piece of creative writing.
It also fits in nicely with other practical subjects, such as design and technology, where you will learn how to make something – whether you specialise in engineering, product design, textiles or another area.
What degrees do I need music for?
You can choose to study music at degree level at either a university or conservatoire. Most universities will require you to study music A-level/equivalent as well as achieve a Grade 7/8 in your chosen instrument. Some universities may also require at least one essay-based subject, such as history or English.
If you study music at GCSE or A-level, this can be a good foundation for vocational courses in music technology and jobs in sound recording, audio engineering, studio facilities or music production.
What apprenticeships is music useful for?
Maths will help you get onto pretty much any apprenticeship programme – but it’s particularly helpful for more science-based or numerical courses. Here are just a few examples:
- Audiovisual technician – Set up and operate sound, lighting, and video equipment for events and performances.
- Broadcast and media systems technician – Maintain and support the technical systems that deliver TV, radio and online content.
- Event assistant – Help plan and run events, handling logistics like venues, schedules and equipment.
- Production assistant – screen and audio – Support the making of TV, film, or audio content, assisting with research, planning and on-set tasks.
- Teacher – Train to become a qualified music teacher, gaining classroom experience while studying for a degree.
What careers can music lead to?
Music graduates have a wide range of career options available to them both inside and outside the industry. There are also more jobs than ever in the music business, as well as careers in digital marketing, social media, PR, technology, label services, ticketing and merchandising. It is also common to find music graduates in consultancy, finance, banking, music therapy and legal jobs.
Music industry roles include:
- Disc jockey (DJ)
- Musical instrument technician
- Music teacher
- Music therapist
- Music manager
- Producer
- Singer
- Sound technician
Read our interview with Claire Waterhouse who is a full time professional musician.
Relevant roles in other industries include:
Top five Career Zones to explore:
- Education & Teaching
- Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
- Performing Arts
- Publishing & Media
