Music & Performing Arts
Music & Performing Arts is one of 30+ university majors covered by NorthVoy's free academic guidance platform. Graduates typically earn $40,000–$95,000 per year, with projected job growth of 6% (Average).
Key skills you will develop
- Instrumental / Vocal Mastery
- Music Theory & Composition
- Stage Presence & Performance
- Music Production (DAW)
- Ensemble Collaboration
Career paths
- Professional Musician
- Composer
- Music Producer
- Performing Artist
- Music Teacher
- Music Director
Salary and job outlook
Graduates typically earn $40,000–$95,000 per year, with projected job growth of 6% (Average).
Highest-paying roles: Music Director, Established Composer, Conservatoire Professor.
Best countries to study Music & Performing Arts
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Austria
- Germany
- France
- Finland
Top universities
- mdw Vienna (Austria — low fees)
- Hanns Eisler Berlin (Germany)
- Sibelius Academy (Finland)
- Mozarteum Salzburg (Austria)
- Paris Conservatoire (France)
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (UK)
- Melbourne Conservatorium (Australia)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- The Juilliard School (USA)
- Berklee College of Music (USA)
- Royal College of Music (UK)
- Royal Academy of Music (UK)
- Curtis Institute (USA)
How to get started
- Practice deliberately and get feedback — conservatoire entry is audition-based.
- Record yourself monthly; progress you can hear builds both skill and audition material.
- Research conservatoires vs university music programs — they differ enormously.
Your first project
Produce a 60-second piece of music for an imaginary film scene using a free DAW, and post it with the scene description. Constraint breeds creativity — and it's a portfolio piece.
12-month action plan
Jan–Mar: Technical Foundation
- Set a deliberate practice routine (quality over hours) with clear weekly goals
- Study music theory fundamentals — free via musictheory.net
- Record a baseline video of your current level
Apr–Jun: Perform & Produce
- Perform publicly at least twice — school events, open mics, community concerts
- Learn a DAW basics (GarageBand or Reaper) and produce one simple track
- Get feedback from a teacher or experienced musician monthly
Jul–Sep: Audition Preparation
- Research audition requirements at 5 target schools — repertoire lists differ
- Build your audition program with your teacher
- Attend a summer music course or masterclass if possible
Oct–Dec: Applications & Auditions
- Record polished audition videos (many schools pre-screen by video)
- Apply early — conservatoire deadlines are often earlier than universities
- Practice performing your audition program under pressure, in full run-throughs
Study cost: Low–Moderate.
Take the free quiz to see whether Music & Performing Arts matches your profile.