Studying Music Production: Degrees at a Glance
Music production professionals apply their understanding of music composition, audio and live sound to a wide range of positions in the entertainment industry. Specialists in the field possess musical talent, technical skills and a deep understanding of music theory. Graduates of degree programs pursue careers in production and direction, sound engineering and as musicians, to name a few. Career opportunities exist at theme parks, record labels, concerts, broadcast media and the film industry.
The associate's degree program can prepare you for entry-level positions in arranging, composing or recording technology. The bachelor's degree program delivers the foundation required to work as a music teacher or producer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that positions in the industry would see average job growth. Broadcast and sound engineering technicians could expect 10% job growth over the 2010-2020 decade. Producers and directors would see 11% growth.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People seeking entry-level positions in the entertainment industry | People who wish to pursue a position in music production, teaching or management |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Broadcast and sound engineering technician ($42,000)* - Musician or singer ($48,000)* | - Music directors and composers ($54,000)* - Producers and directors ($92,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 4 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 60 credits | - Roughly 120 credits |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
