Best Online Music Programs

An online bachelor’s in music can help students improve their craft and pursue a career in this competitive industry. Many online programs allow music students to learn from top industry leaders, musicians, and executives. Participants go over theory, composition, recording, production, and mixing.

Many graduates go on to pursue careers as musicians. Others take jobs as music instructors, composers, producers, sound technicians, and promoters. While salaries can vary dramatically, individuals with a BA in music reported earning an average annual wage of about $63,000, according to PayScale (as of September 2021).

Most online bachelor’s in music programs take about four years of full-time study to complete. Some accelerated online options can cut that time, helping learners reduce costs. The College Board reported that an in-state student’s average annual tuition cost and fees at public colleges or universities was $10,560 in 2020-2021. Students attending private nonprofit universities paid an average $37,650.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A career in the music industry can lead to immense gratification. However, this competitive industry can present challenges. Successful students typically have a passion for their craft, a deep love of music, a persistent nature, and the desire to continually expand their knowledge and skills.

An online music program can teach students both theory and practical application. Most allow students to develop a diverse portfolio of compositions, which is important when entering the job market. These programs require about 120 credits and take four years to complete. Students may have the opportunity to pursue part-time or accelerated online options.

Because of the diverse nature of music, online bachelor’s in music programs may offer several concentrations, such as:

Online bachelor’s in music programs may require some on-campus participation. For example, some culminate in a musical capstone project, such as a recital where students perform original compositions. Others may require in-person performance lessons. Programs without on-campus elements typically require a final thesis.

This class focuses on foundational concepts in music. Topics may include chord progressions, scales and tonality, and notational systems. Students also learn to identify melodic cadence and major and minor key harmonic phrases.

Ear training teaches students to hear what’s happening around them as they perform. This helps them examine rhythms and harmonies and gain confidence as musicians. Additional topics may include recognizing musical sounds and translating them into notation.

This course explores the emerging technologies and tools that allow musicians to design and configure music in a studio and on their computers. Students learn about microphones, audio interfaces, and synthesizers.

In this class, students learn about managing sound systems and navigating recording studios while gaining an understanding of acoustic and electronic applications. Covered topics may include understanding digital and analog sound systems, using audio transducers, optimizing sound, and avoiding distortion.

This course builds on music theory and teaches students to identify and write melodic elements. Learners can expand their understanding of major and minor key harmony, scales, and chords. Covered topics may include secondary dominants, hybrid chords, and approach notes.

In this competitive industry, a formal degree may not be required. However, an online bachelor’s in music program can help musicians get better at their craft. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 2% job growth for musicians and singers between 2023 and 2033. Those with dedication and exceptional talent often find the best opportunities.

A bachelor’s in music can lead to several other fulfilling careers. Graduates may go on to pursue roles in numerous industries, including careers in education and sound recording. Many degree-holders work as sound technicians, music teachers, promoters, and directors.

Salaries vary based on a worker’s position, employer, experience, and location. For example, the BLS reports that musicians working for performing arts companies earn a mean hourly wage of around $51, as of May 2023. Alternatively, those working as independent artists make around $39 an hour, on average. Musicians in California boast some of the highest earnings, with a mean hourly rate of about $51.

Discover some of the most popular college majors and where a bachelor’s in music degree can take you. Learn more about music careers.

Music composers write original music or arrange existing music that other groups and musicians perform. These professionals may specialize in film and TV, composing, sequencing, or recording music for the entertainment or advertising industries. Others may write music for musicals, operas, and orchestras.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$62,590 a year

Music directors typically lead orchestras and other musical groups, such as choirs and college bands. In rehearsals, they prepare musicians for performances before conducting them throughout the program. Typical duties include selecting musical arrangements, auditioning performers, and attending fundraisers. Additionally, directors may work in concert halls and thye may travel as part of their occupation.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$62,590 a year

Music instructors may work independently or pursue careers as teachers at private or public K-12 schools. The latter requires the completion of an approved teacher preparation program and state licensure. A private music teacher can focus on an instrument of choice. A school educator may direct school bands and choirs in addition to teaching.

Average Reported Annual Salary (September 2024):$49,297

Musicians play musical instruments, performing solo or in a group, such as with a band or orchestra. They may perform live or in studios, recording albums and soundtracks. Some also work as session musicians, backing up recording artists. Musicians who work for professional groups like symphonies typically need a college degree.

Median Hourly Salary (May 2023):$39.14 per hour

Sound engineering technicians work with sophisticated sound equipment in recording studios and during live performances. These professionals may perform various tasks, including mixing, synchronizing, and recording sound while reducing background noise to produce the best possible music and vocals.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$54,160 a year

Some students use a bachelor’s in music as a stepping stone to a master’s in music. In addition to building technical skills, this graduate degree may open up other opportunities and provide a competitive edge in the job market. For example, conductors for symphony orchestras often need a master’s degree, and some states require a master’s to teach music at the high school level.

Pursuing a master’s in music can also help learners further develop their skills and knowledge in an area of interest. Many graduate programs offer select concentrations, such as composition, conducting, opera, education, and music therapy.

For students passionate about music and driven to a career in the music industry, a bachelor’s in music can teach the skills required to excel in this competitive field. Staying current on the latest technology advancements in recording and sound and working hard to perfect their craft can provide learners with an edge in the job market.

An online bachelor’s degree in music often allows students to work with top industry leaders. Learning from experts in the field and building connections can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities, serving students both academically and professionally.

A bachelor’s in music can help graduates pursue careers as musicians, composers, directors, and sound technicians. Most programs offer concentrations that allow students to steer their education toward their career goals. A bachelor’s also can prepare students for a master’s degree — a common requirement for advanced positions like symphony orchestra conductor.

Some bachelor’s in music degree-holders also pursue careers as music instructors. These professionals may start a private practice, instructing individuals or groups in a particular instrument or voice. Others may work for private schools or music stores. K-12 music teachers in public schools must also complete an approved teacher preparation program and gain state licensure.

The music industry is a competitive field. While some positions do not require a degree, a bachelor’s may increase a professional’s credibility, helping them get more auditions. The BLS projects 2% job growth for musicians between 2022 and 2032.

Session musicians may experience greater demand, as may musicians with exceptional talent and dedication. Graduates can also find increased demand in adjacent positions. For instance, the BLS projects 3% job growth for sound engineering technicians from 2023-2033.

Salaries vary for graduates with a bachelor’s in music based on their position, employer, location, and experience level. For example, while musicians earn a mean wage of around $51 per hour, those working in Illinois make a mean hourly wage of around $64, according to the BLS.

Performing arts companies tend to pay relatively high salaries, with musicians earning a mean hourly wage of around $48. On the other hand, religious organizations offer significantly less, with a mean hourly pay of about $38. Those with a BA in music reported earning an average annual salary of $63,000 as of September 2021, according to PayScale.

Pursuing a career in the music industry requires passion and perseverance. Top musicians may spend hours each day perfecting their craft. Of course, those who make it to the top of the profession can make large sums of money, but only a select few can compare to Taylor Swift — a musician with a net worth of $550 million in 2021.

Some of the highest-paying positions in the industry involve directing other musicians. The BLS reports that music directors and composers earn a median annual wage of $62,590, with the top 10% of earners making more than $170,000 annually.

This online tool, also available as an iPhone app, allows you to practice ear training anytime, anywhere. Work to identify scales, chords, chord inversions, and intervals at the touch of a button.

MusicTheory.net offers a selection of free online lessons, exercises, and interactive tools ideal for students interested in practicing and developing their theory chops outside of class.

Innovative SmartMusic software enhances a performance student’s practice sessions by offering responsive digital accompaniment, immediate on-screen feedback, and recording options. Students can purchase the classic version independently.

Mutopia boasts an online library of more than 2,000 pieces of public domain sheet music for instrumentalists, vocalists, and ensembles to download, distribute, edit, perform, and record at no cost.

BlankSheetMusic.net allows you to customize and print blank sheet music according to your needs. Choose from a variety of clef and arrangement options as well as paper size and orientation.

With classes, assignments, socializing, and extracurriculars to focus on, joining a professional organization might not sit at the top of most college students’ to-do lists, but it could be one of the best decisions you make on your path to graduation and a fulfilling career. Membership in organizations provides benefits including networking, career assistance, and professional development. Best of all, college students can often enjoy these benefits at the cost of drastically reduced membership rates.