Create. Perform. Inspire.
At Presbyterian College, music is more than a major—it’s a calling. Whether you’re preparing for a career in performance, education, composition, or arts leadership, PC’s music program offers personalized instruction, immersive performance experiences, and a community that nurtures your creative talents. Our liberal arts foundation equips you to pursue music with both artistry and purpose.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Learn how music connects cultures, communicates ideas, and builds community. - Broaden your knowledge.
Pair your music studies with education, business, or another performing art. - Solidify your skill set.
Gain performance, composition, and conducting experience from your first year. - Become a critical thinker.
Hone your skills as a performer, scholar, and communicator.
50-56 Hours
Required for Music major coursework
Senior Recital or Capstone
Demonstrate your musical growth and specialization through public performance or research
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
Music Majors Share Their Experiences
Our music students discover more than just technical skills—they find community, mentorship, and the confidence to pursue their musical passions beyond graduation.
Music Majors Share Their Experiences
Our music students discover more than just technical skills—they find community, mentorship, and the confidence to pursue their musical passions beyond graduation.
What You’ll Study
PC offers two tracks for music majors: the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Music in Music Education.
- The BA in Music focuses on performance, theory, music history, and ensemble experience, preparing students for graduate school or careers in performance, church music, or arts management.
- The BM in Music Education is ideal for students who wish to become certified K–12 music teachers. This track combines comprehensive musical training with education coursework and in-classroom teaching experience.
Both paths offer individualized instruction in voice, piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, or percussion.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for Music through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Music
Graduates of PC’s music program pursue diverse careers in education, church music, performance, composition, arts administration, and therapy. Others attend graduate programs in music performance, conducting, musicology, or music education. Whether you’re on stage, in the classroom, or behind the scenes, PC prepares you for a meaningful life in music.
Career Professions
Music Teacher (K–12 or private lessons)
Performer (Soloist or Ensemble)
Composer
Music Producer
Sound Engineer
Music Therapist
Film/TV/Game Score Composer
Music Director or Conductor
Music Arranger
Arts Administrator
Music Publisher
Recording Artist
Music Critic or Journalist
Session Musician
Choir Director
Instrument Technician or Luthier
Radio or Podcast Producer (Music-focused)
Music Licensing Specialist
Talent Agent or Artist Manager
Music Historian or Ethnomusicologist
Acquired Skills
Instrumental or vocal performance proficiency
Music theory and composition
Ear training and aural skills
Sight-reading and score interpretation
Audio recording and editing (DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro)
Music production and mixing
Conducting and ensemble leadership
Creativity and improvisation
Understanding of music history and genres
Collaboration and ensemble performance
Communication and teaching skills
Event planning and performance organization
Critical listening and sound evaluation
Stage presence and confidence in performance
Adaptability across musical styles
Digital music notation software (e.g., Finale, Sibelius)
Time management and self-discipline in practice
Music business and copyright knowledge
Emotional intelligence and therapeutic applications (for therapy)
Research and academic writing (history or theory paths)
Quick Stats
$81,000
Average Median Salary
As of May 2023, musicians and singers earned a median hourly wage of $39.14, translating to about $81,000 annually for full-time work. However, earnings can vary widely, with the top 10% earning over $102 per hour, while the bottom 10% earned less than $16 per hour. These figures reflect the variable nature of income in the music industry, influenced by factors like performance frequency, genre, and venue type.
2% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
Employment for musicians and singers is projected to grow by 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this modest growth, about 20,400 openings are expected annually, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
A music degree offers extensive career versatility. Graduates can pursue roles in performance, education, composition, music production, and arts administration. The adaptability of music skills allows professionals to work in diverse settings, including schools, recording studios, theaters, and music festivals, contributing to a dynamic and multifaceted career landscape.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
