Your degree in Music

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Music, you’ll develop important skills through a comprehensive approach to the study of traditional and contemporary western art music, as well as through the analysis of music of other cultures, film music, jazz, and electroacoustic music.

These skills may include:

• Expressing oneself creatively and artistically through composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, musicology, music theory, and/or performance
• Demonstrating dedication, self-discipline, and commitment to quality in practice and performance
• Developing memorization, concentration, and physical dexterity
• Collaborating with and leading others in small and large group projects and performances
• Researching and analyzing music theory, history, and cultural perspectives
• Acute attention to detail in critical assessments, reading, and writing of music
• Receiving and applying constructive feedback in order to elevate performance or critical thinking skills
• Public speaking and engaging audiences to increase impact and understanding of musical approach
• Basic acoustics, hearing, digital sampling theory, music notation software, scoring for film, and laptop sounds and sensors

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including music performance, composition, conducting, production, distribution, education, festivals, film, television, video games, advertising, arts administration, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

• UBC Music Undergraduate Students’ Association
  Meet other UBC students through events and programs.
• UBC student ensembles
  Plan your audition for opportunities to join a small or large ensemble.
• UBC A Cappella
  Audition to join this collegiate a cappella community.
• Concerts and departmental events
  Attend performances, masterclasses, and other events with discounted ticket prices for students.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• Music co-op success stories
  Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
• UBC School of Music career development
  Check out undergraduate teaching assistantships, Work Learn positions, and other opportunities.
• Scholarships and awards
  Find various UBC and external scholarship opportunities for undergraduate music students.
• Music funding opportunities
  Browse funding opportunities for music and the arts.
• Arts funding opportunities
  Apply for grants from professional associations, corporations, non-profits, and government organizations.
• Careers in music
  Read about career paths in music and the professional skills employers are seeking.
• Early Music Vancouver
  Browse scholarship and mentorship opportunities as well as concerts, lectures, and other events.
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
  Volunteer to support educational programs, fundraising, and concerts, or provide shop assistance.
• Vancouver Opera
  Apply for volunteer positions in marketing, community engagement, front of house support, and others.
• Music festivals in British Columbia
  Find opportunities to volunteer at local music festivals across a variety of genres.
• BC Alliance for Arts and Culture job board
  Search for job opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts.
• Music BC
  Sign up for songwriting workshops, sync summits, industry speaker events, and more.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• American Federation of Musicians
• Arts BC
• Association of Canadian Choral Communities
• Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
• BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
• BC Music Educators’ Association
• British Columbia Arts Council
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Canada International Arts and Music Society
• Canadian Arts Presenting Association
• Canadian Association for the Advancement of Music and the Arts
• Canadian Association of Music Therapists
• Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations
• Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations
• Canadian Federation of Musicians
• Canadian Independent Music Association
• Canadian League of Composers
• Canadian Media Producers Association
• Canadian Music Centre
• Canadian Music Educators’ Association
• Canadian Music Publishers Association
• Canadian University Music Society
• Casting Networks
• Creative BC
• Cultural Human Resources Council
• Education Canada
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings
• Maestra
• Musicaction
• Music BC
• Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
• Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada
• Songwriters Association of Canada
• Unison Benevolent Fund
• BreakOut West Conference
• WorkInCulture

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Music graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.