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.

  • Accompanist
  • Agent for musician/singer
  • Archivist
  • Art director
  • Artistic director
  • Arts and culture association chairperson
  • Choir leader
  • Composer
  • Concert/Event planner
  • Conductor
  • Event marketing specialist
  • Instrumentalist
  • Journalist
  • Lyricist
  • Musical instrument maker
  • Musical instrument repairer
  • Musical instrument salesperson
  • Music arranger
  • Music camp leader
  • Music critic
  • Music education consultant
  • Musician
  • Music industry attorney
  • Music library assistant
  • Music school manager
  • Music software designer
  • Music teacher
  • Music therapist
  • Opera company director
  • Orchestra artistic director
  • Producer
  • Professor
  • Publicist
  • Radio producer
  • Recording artist
  • Religious organization music director
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Sound designer
  • Sound recording engineer
  • Sound technician
  • Tour manager
  • Voice teacher
  • Writer

Make the most of your program

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

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 accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

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.