What can you do with a music degree?

MUSICAL THEATRE

Musical theatre is a form of live performance that tells a story through acting, dialogue, singing, and dancing. The music and dancing are integrated into the plot of the show, and it is used to show character emotions. Musical theatre majors get many opportunities to figure out what they want to do in musical theatre. At CSU, there are two main productions each academic year in the Lightsey Chapel. Students will also have the chance to participate in a Black Box production. Weekly voice lessons help expand knowledge in musical theatre, and students gain experience on how to perform and gain understanding for every aspect of theatre by hands-on experience and engagement.

MUSIC THERAPY

The most common career for this major is a board-certified music therapist. There are many different types of therapy a music therapist can work in. A clinical music therapist works in general or psychiatric hospitals, as well as rehabilitation centers, substance abuse programs, etc. They use music to improve a patient’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and sometimes spiritual well-being. They also can work in
end-of-life care such as home care or hospice to help patients manage pain, grief, and anxiety. Some work in special education, which collabs with schools and child life departments to help children who may have developmental delays or behavior challenges. There are private institutions one can work in, such as working in an independent studio offering lessons or working at community workshops.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP LEADERSHIP

Most careers involve working in a church. Some careers include worship pastors or leaders, who direct the worship part of services. There are choir directors who manage the church music programs. There are also behind-the-scenes careers, such as creative art directors or technical directors.

PERFORMANCE

Depending on what one studies in performance, there are a variety of careers. For both vocal and instrumental, there are orchestra or jazz musicians, opera singers, theatre pit musicians, and event performers. Some people in performance also branch out to teaching or conducting, or even music therapy. Locally, they can perform in places such as North Charleston Pops, Piccolo Spoleto, and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Some CSU faculty members have recorded professional records and received grammy nominations.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Musical theatre can go far beyond Broadway. There are other careers such as performing in a local theater, directors, music directors, choreographers, production, stage managers, sound designers, lighting designers, casting directors, talent agents, and more. Locally, there are many opportunities such as teaching with local musical theatre centers, schools, and other theater/arts organizations.

Where will your music degree take you?

While having a music degree is a lot of performing, it goes deeper than that. Students develop creativity and thinking skills, or as Lewis said, the ability to perform under pressure. There are several different types of careers one can do, proving that music is more than just singing; it’s a way of living.