The Performance major in the Composition concentration provides students with coursework in music theory, literature, and history, as well as intensive practice in piano, compositional technique, orchestration, and preparation for a capstone recital. In addition to pursuing music composition for performing arts companies and recording artists, graduates may find work in education, music direction, arts promotion, advertising or talent management.
Performance, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. The career fields most closely related to this major are competitive. Many individuals who graduate with bachelor’s degrees in this major establish paying careers in other fields.
Following are career fields that may most closely relate to this major.
Potential Career Areas:
- Music composition
- Arranging
- Accompaniment
- Advertising
- Education
- Music direction
- Public relations
Sample Employers:
- Theatre companies
- Orchestras
- Opera companies
- Dance companies
- Recording artists
- Schools
- Casinos
- Cruise ships
- Theme parks
- Advertising agencies
- Technology/gaming companies
- Arts councils
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Composer/Arranger
|
$16,750 - $41,270
|
|
Music Director
|
$21,700 - $46,000
|
|
Video Game Music Composer
|
$15,000 - $75,000
|
|
Librettist
|
$10,000 - $100,000
|
|
Musician
|
$15,891 - $44,179
|
|
High School Music Teacher
|
$35,000 - $53,200
|
|
Public Relations Specialist, Performing Arts
|
$21,000 - $60,000
|
|
Music Editor, Television
|
$1,700 - $1,900/week
|
|
Audience Development Director
|
$18,000 - $50,000
|
|
Talent Director
|
$32,100 - $68,400
|
|
Private Music Lesson Teacher
|
$23,000 - $60,000
|
|
Music Critic
|
$40,500 - $57,500
|
|
Music Supervisor, Film
|
$2,000+/week
|
|
Advertising Jingle Writer
|
$100 - $8,000/project
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).