Online music degree programs teach students how to effectively discern music theory as well as provide students with training on the different music styles. Those enrolled in online music programs should be musically inclined, open to criticism, have perseverance, and possess a strong work ethic. Music programs are available at different levels, including associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral.

Individuals who earn a degree in music may seek employment in the education or entertainment industry. These programs may provide students with the skills and training needed for a career as a sound technician, musician, choir director, conductor or music teacher.

Available Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An online associate degree program in music may include an area of concentration, such as music technology, in addition to general education and major-specific classes. These programs usually lay the foundation for students to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs with approved course credit. Typical coursework may include sound design, music mixing, digital audio, music business, and audio editing.

An online bachelor’s degree in music may help individuals gain the skills needed to find employment in the music field. Programs may have a specific area of focus, such as music production, composition, engineering or music theory. Coursework may cover music history, compositional techniques, audio file management, and music arrangement processes.

Online master’s degree programs in music are ideal for students who wish to hone their musical capabilities and have a desire to teach or compose music. These programs may offer a specialty area of focus, such as music education, which may provide students with the tools to teach within a school setting, direct a band, or give private music lessons. Courses may cover music education research, different types of music styles, orchestration, and music arranging.

Students interested in obtaining a doctoral-level online music degree typically want to pursue careers in music education. Coursework may include theory and musicology, music education and professional education, orchestration, music arranging, and music technology. Students may also be required to complete a dissertation.

Career Options

Online music programs may provide students with the proficiencies needed to secure employment in fields such as education or entertainment. Although these careers may be scattered across the country, many are available in areas where entertainment and recording sessions are plentiful, such as New York City and Los Angeles. Those who earned online music degrees may know how to play several instruments, compose original music, arrange existing music, and perform in front of large groups of people.

Possible career fields include:

• Music Teacher
• Conductor
• Choir Director
• Musician
• Sound Technician