Is communications a good double major to do with music?

College Majors Music Major
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I want to become a professional musician and am auditioning for voice for different scholarships and different music programs at the colleges I applied to.

My parents are fine with me having a career in music (that supports me/my future family of course) but don’t want me to have a degree in “just” music. One of my schools has a great music recording technology program which is great because you learn all the technology stuff AND you have your instrument and become a strong musician and performer like I want. I could also double that with performance if I want to.

My other schools have music performance, general music, and education. And those schools are cheaper so I’ll more likely go to one of them. I’m great at and really like writing and public speaking so I figured communications would be a great double major to do with music. My parents also think I’d excel in communications personality-wise, and based on my academic performance in those classes/projects, which is good. English has been my highest grade, second to band every year of high school so it makes sense.

But in general, is communications a good major to double with music? I could see myself as a news reporter until I can support myself from music alone. Or if I do get to be a full-time musician, I’d have great communication skills and understand things like writing, media, and PR which would help a lot on the more practical side of things. (I know some people recommend business major for kind of similar reasons.)

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First, it is unclear whether you have applied to a BM program, or BA. Have you read the Double Degree Dilemma essay under the “Read Me” thread posted closer to the top of this music forum? Are you contemplating a double major, or double degree?

I don’t think your career options are any less with a music major, than a communications major. Music majors can graduate and work in other fields, where the discipline of music majors is generally well-respected. You can also go to grad and professional schools.

If you want to do performance and, say, recording technology, that could be a double major within a BM degree. A combined music and communications double major would probably not involve a BM, but a BA, unless you do a double degree.

You have a lot of options. You can major in communications and continue lessons and performance through extracurriculars, sometimes for credit. You can do a full BM in performance and/or production/technology or music business or music ed.

I would follow the path that you most want to do, right now, and figure out career later. I know that is scary. If you have a strong desire to do performance, do it. If you are drawn to technical studio work, do the recording technology. I would not do communications just as a “backup.” I don’t think you need one.

Try and intern, volunteer or work during your college years to pick up some skills.

ps If you take any classes in music technology, you may be able to work in the studio on your own and pick up skills as well.

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This was very informative! Thanks a lot.

I would follow the path that you most want to do, right now, and figure out career later. I know that is scary. If you have a strong desire to do performance, do it. If you are drawn to technical studio work, do the recording technology. I would not do communications just as a “backup.” I don’t think you need one.

I would definitely do that, and family members and some other adults are telling me if I really want to do music then I should. But my parents really don’t want me to. I keep telling them less than 30% of all college graduates end up in a field related to their major, but they’re attached to the idea of “music is a useless degree”, “what are you gonna do with that degree” and other snarky and condescending comments. I just hate it because ever since I was an infant they supported my musical aspirations. I started piano lessons at 4 and ever since I’ve been playing piano/percussion/sing at church and at school. But when I say I want to do music in college, then it’s a problem and they keep wanting me to do other things that I’m good at but don’t necessarily like.

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I would consider doing music ed as a double with performance (unless you REALLY do not see yourself ever teaching music or vocal performance in public school at any level). Music ed leads to a secure job with benefits and summers off.

It’s not so easy to get a job as a news reporter! Print journalism is dying, and it’s hard to get a job in internet or TV journalism.

If I were in your shoes, I’d consider the school that gives me the best deal for a double major in music ed and music performance, for the best price, that has a “good enough” program for you. But you seem to not be interested in music ed. If that is the case, I am not sure that a double major in communications would that greatly increase your job prospects over a music major alone. Yes, people with music majors get jobs, and so do people who major in communications. But neither field is a secure, direct line to secure employment with decent pay.

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I would also consider delving into careers related to music that fit into today’s world. Given the state of performing over the past year, I would say having a degree or education in something other than just performing is wise.

We always supported my daughter who knew she wanted to sing since she was very small. Taking that from her or discouraging her from pursuing it would be like ripping part of her heart out. We encouraged her to pursue it, but gave her advice:

-if you get a full (or close to it) scholarship to a 4 year school, enjoy your time studying your craft and being immersed in music. I believe other interests/avenues will develop during that time as well. Not that I wanted her to be less serious bc of scholarships, but, it would allow her to fully enjoy 4 years of her life in a music program with likeminded people without building large debt.
-if you don’t get a full scholarship, make sure to pick a school that encourages or has double degree programs and gives you “back up” plans

With so much uncertainty in the world lately, I just wanted her to he prepared and get the most out of an education. There’s value in enjoying your life and experiences, esp as a young adult. I find 17/18 very young to decide what you want to do forever!!!

Video production is a field that seems to be really booming right now. Singers and performers have really had to switch gears over the last year in order to survive and keep on the map.

Good luck!

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Make sure that the college you select actually is supportive of music majors having a double major. Some are…and some aren’t.

A music performance major is comprised of tons of one credit courses that meet multiple times a week. Plus you do have to practice too. One of my kids was a music performance major and he had precious little time for courses other than required one. So…you need to check that where you think you might attend.

Re: majors. My music major kid is self supporting as a musician cobbling together lots of different things…teaching, performing, recording and mastering, etc. He isn’t rich but he is very happy doing what he does. This year has been challenging but he had forged ahead.

My kid who majored in engineering hated the notion of working as an engineer and will never do that. She has a good career, but it is NOT in engineering…or related to engineering.

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@Pl1277 raises a very good point: try to avoid debt (for any major) and that reduces the pressure on you and your parents to get a “return on your investment.”

I am going to PM you a list of schools for music technology, music production, recording technology, studio production-they all have different names.

You can try to focus on the schools that allow you to combine these technical fields with performance.

You really CAN focus just on performance. I completely understand and respect your parents’ worries. But my kids are much older and have many friends who majored in music, some still doing music, some with doctorates teaching, some doing sound engineering, one working for a tv program creatively, one managing talent (big income), one teaching violin in China, one who got into linguistics, one who organized a collective of artists, one getting a PhD in science, one working for a start up in Silicon Valley (big income), one doing grad work in Medieval Studies (developed a side interest), one running a prestigious concert series in LA, one doing public speaking presentations on grant-writing, and a few working for non-profits, related or not at all related to music.

Along the way you can organize things on campus (like festivals), intern with anything from a local orchestra, a talent management agency, a festival, or outside of music entirely. You could volunteer with kids, in a museum, or do outreach in the hospital, all kinds of things. If you gain tech skills, you can be very useful in many areas.

Be aware that many music programs provide career counseling and also require students to do presentations and outreach to the public.

Finally, make sure to submit a music supplement to the Common App if you don’t apply to a BM program (BM programs generally have auditions). The supplement will include recording.video, music resume, and letters of recommendation from music teacher and/or director.

For a BA program (as opposed to school of music or conservatory) most schools are fine with you entering as undecided and require a major declaration after sophomore year.

Communications may be weaker than music in terms of a certain career path.

I’ll send you that list.

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Heavy sigh…I feel ya! I was told not to do my BA degree by my parents as well. I defied them in the end and have been perfectly fine. I made my own way. Here are a few comments:

1.) You can “start” as music major. People do change their mind the first year. The important thing is to get accepted and get started. You don’t need to have the next 4 years and your first job figured out NOW. My goodness…who knows what will happen over 4 years (maybe a pandemic!). A bachelor’s degree is all you need (as long as you don’t want to be an acct, engineer or doctor)…and a lot of inner drive. Take advantage of your 4 years to learn and grow in MANY ways.

2.) If it will “help your parents with their fears” (really not your job), you can let them know that you are considering other majors/minors etc. It’s sounds like you have a sincere interest in other areas. Engage them in your exploration of other options…but be firm that you will start as a music major and may end that way as well. However you will use your college years to gain “practical experiences” (some listed below).

3.) Contact each school where you have an acceptance and ask for a semester by semester curriculum for a music major. Then ask about how easy it is to major or minor in something else (communications or tech). You may want to see if you could have a discussion or email with a music advisor. You will NOT be the first student with these questions. Looking at the curriculum (how many open credits?) may inform you on your best option for a school. It may also help your parents see that you are considering other options…while still starting school as a music major. And, remember there are a LOT of extra curricular clubs and activities where students get to flex their muscles…and you will be looking into those. Of course, keeping debt low is important.

4.) Once you get to college with some distance from your parents and proximity to teachers, students and advisors all doing “music”, you’ll be able to see your way more clearly. You will use their real life experiences (as opposed to your parent’s fears) to guide you. In some cases, students do drop music. In other cases. they love it and stay very dedicated. In many cases, students do get involved in other extracurricular activities (related to communications - PR, social media campaigns - and/or tech, photography etc for productions) that give them the skills needed in the real world. Those skills may be more relevant than a minor. My D has taken over the social media accts for several productions for addl pay. She enjoys the work. So college is about these experiences as much as being in the classroom and getting a back-up “minor”.

5.) The bottom-line is you can get a music degree…and get a job after college. Very few people make all their income from music. You can accept that and STILL get a bachelor’s degree in music. My D makes about half (or a little more) of her income from music…and the other half from a remote job (about 20 hrs/wk). That job actually is related to a 1 semester course she took in college where she had some interest outside music. They did not care if she had a degree in the area as she had other experiences and demonstated interest…so they hired her. Important note: she has been employed in her remote job, teaching AND performing during the pandemic. She has not asked me for any money to live.

People DO get jobs unrelated to their degrees all the time. A bachelor’s degree is all you need for a variety of entry level work. I would focus simply on entering a college that feels like a good fit…maybe allows you flexibility…and worry about the “major” on your diploma later.

Good luck!

Edit: Don’t do music ed unless you really want to be a high school teacher. It is truly a calling…and if you aren’t getting the call…explore other options. My D watched some of her friends fail at this.

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As someone who majored in music performance and now teaches music at a university, I would be prepared to complete multiple degrees in five years rather than four. A music degree involves a lot of coursework that takes up much of your day for few credits. Ensembles, for example, may require 6-8 hours of class time/week and only yield one credit. This makes it difficult to accumulate all of the required credits for more multiple degrees in a four year period.
Best of luck!

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@hedwig I believe you are referring to a BM degree course work and I think this student did not apply to a BM program…

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Thanks so much for the advice!

2.) If it will “help your parents with their fears” (really not your job), you can let them know that you are considering other majors/minors etc. It’s sounds like you have a sincere interest in other areas. Engage them in your exploration of other options…but be firm that you will start as a music major and may end that way as well. However you will use your college years to gain “practical experiences” (some listed below).

Okay. I’m also interested in taking some business classes since so many musicians get scammed or people steal their music or wronged some other way, but they don’t know about the business side and have to struggle.

#3 is something I’ve been doing recently (for all the schools I got into so far).

My aunt (dad’s sister) actually went to music school and graduated with a music degree, with an emphasis on Sacred Music. I texted her about how her classmates and peers are doing and she said all the Music Ed kids got teaching jobs and have been teaching for the last 15 years. The performance kids (and pretty much everyone else) had a mixture of some who went into regular day jobs and play at a church (like her) or other small venue and then most of her peers actually were and are able to support themselves from music alone. One of her classmates writes music for his family band and record music and tours all over the country through mostly churches (since they’re a gospel music group) but some other venues as well. One of her friends had the piano as his main instrument and got a full-time position at a megachurch and tours with several gospel artists (my favorite group is Israel and New Breed. He played with them on their tour in Australia and was in the netflix film documentary they did a couple years ago!). One of her friends is one of her favorite vocalists ever and is a strong contralto/female singer and records jazz and soul music and tours from her albums. One of her other friends teaches. Another one plays bass guitar for his church full time. And another one won a GRAMMY a couple years ago, I forgot what for but any Grammys is amazing.

It sounds like I’m rambling on and on but I’m genuinely surprised and happy to see most of her peers did end up being successful with music careers and it gives me hope and some assurance I can too, without just praying and wishing the stars align perfectly. My aunt also reminded me that I’m young now and will still be young when I graduate college and won’t have to worry too hard about spending long hours working or traveling too much since I won’t have a family to take care of. Of course, I want to at some point (preferably before 30 lol) but I have time to do what I want for a while before thinking about slowing down.

My dad is 100% against me studying music in college, but my mom is about 70% lol. She’s been the main one pushing me to be a great musician since I was an infant (outside of my aunt) and she did state her concerns with getting a “waste of money degree”, BUT she helped me apply to a scholarship for music students at one of my schools, and even came up to me the other day telling me to apply for another performing arts scholarship. If she’s willing to help me look for money to go to college to study music, she can’t be 100% against me going this route which gives me a little bit of comfort when I have to deal with my dad.

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How do you feel about accounting :wink: It’s not exciting but it’s solid.

I ended up with an accounting major and music minor. I’m an office manager in a law firm and a church organist. I used to teach piano on the side.

Something that might help you find another major of interest is just perusing a college’s academic catalog and checking out what classes are involved in each. You might find something agreeable to both you and your parents, and work in as much music as possible, whether it’s a double major or a minor.

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My parents and I both think I’d do fine in communications. I don’t want to, but I’d pass my classes. I could double major or have one be a minor with that. :man_shrugging:t6:

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Some of these subjects may be available from the music school as “outside” seminars. At my D’s school (quite a few years ago), there were lectures, guest visits and student presentations through a group (funded by the music school and student led - prof as advisor) that did monthly lectures/seminars for all music students on entrepreneurial skills etc. Alumni would return and discuss how they work etc. This is often overlooked or not well understood until you get to the school. When you are leaving high school, you will focus on the “classes” which is fine. But once at school, you will have more “opportunities” for practical learning than time. These seminars may be more directed at your concerns than a basic business class.

I would suggest contacting the schools and asking if they do classes or seminars on entrepreneurial skills etc for musicians.

Once you get to college, it may be best to start in music as the classes can be sequential and take time each semester. Communications may be less sequential…meaning you may be able to wait a semester or even two to start a communications class (and then decide if it’s really right for you). Remember you will have general requirements too. A music advisor can help with this. One of the most popular majors when kids enter college is: Undecided. So don’t feel rushed to declare a second major…but feel free to discuss ideas.

My suggestions are opinions only. It’s sound like you have a wonderful and understanding aunt to run the ideas from this forum by. I really do, at your age, feel that you should have your supportive family members engaged in any final decisions. Even the unsupportive members should be kept up-to-date…despite their negative opinions. This is part of becoming an adult. I will hope that they come around as they learn more. It sounds like your mom is already moving in that direction.

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Here’s my experience in that field. My bachelors degree was in communication. I couldn’t do a thing with it and I had to go back to school to get a masters in IT. Of course, my experience isn’t the same as other people. If you want to do something marketable to double major in, I think it would be prudent to perhaps study business or something similar. If you love music, then GREAT! You don’t even have to do a double major. You could get a teaching certificate. You can get the best of both worlds. Everyone loves a band director!

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First of all, you really shouldn’t study/major in something you don’t want to, in college. Second of all, a communications major is not a secure path to employment, so it’s not worth doing a double major in communications. Frankly, communications won’t help you to support yourself.

Forgive me if you’ve already said so, but your silence in response to the many suggestions to double major in music ed leads me to believe that you have no interest in teaching choir at a public school as a backup career. BTW, music ed majors wind up teaching at all levels - elementary, middle, and high school. But if you don’t want to, that’s out.

If you were interested in protecting musicians’ rights to their music, that would mean law school. I suspect that’s not on your agenda. A few business classes wouldn’t really help towards that goal.

If you can get a full ride for music somewhere, then it’s entirely your decision. But if your parents are paying for college for you, they certainly have a right to express their opinion about this - and their concern about your future ability to support yourself and your family is valid. Since you seem pretty adamant about just majoring in vocal and sacred music, with the hopes of a career in religious vocal music, I’d advise you to seriously consider the cost of college, and choose the one that makes the most sense financially. Good luck with your scholarship auditions. I hope you get awarded enough money that your parents will be comfortable with letting you pursue your dream.

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Thanks! I never knew communications was such an insecure degree. In all honesty, I figured since it isn’t an arts degree you can easily find a job (that’s what my parents tell me about it, at least). So how could I explain that to my parents? If communications isn’t a straight path to success just like music… then I don’t see the difference.

I don’t have an issue teaching private lessons, I’d love to actually. But teaching at a school isn’t for me. I know I don’t really like kids, they’re just annoying to me. I wish I did though because if I could I would definitely go into Music Ed. Music teachers are such amazing people.

And it doesn’t have to be sacred music, I just know that’s the genre I want to go into after college.

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What do most communications majors do after college then? I never knew most communications majors end up in a similar place as a lot of music majors after college.

With teaching, Idk. I don’t like kids enough to be a school teacher, but I know I’d love to teach private lessons in piano, voice, and percussion.

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It’s really fine to major in music. Completion of a degree shows the perseverance that employers are looking for. A degree is evidence of ability to write, read, research and analyze well. A music degree shows discipline and hard work. I understand that it seems scary, and there isn’t anything more anyone here can say to make your parents feel better.

Your career does not have to match your major. You can work in other fields and do church work on the side, or you can eventually work in a music-related field. We have listed various paths of those we know who were music majors.

For any major other than CS or engineering etc., it is a good idea to avoid debt, period.

I sent you a list of schools with music production, studio production, recording technology, audio engineering, music technology etc. etc. Different terminologies and slightly different programs. If that kind of very specific, career-oriented, studio-focused college program appeals to you, find one that also includes performance.

You can do a BM, BA, double major within a BA or BM, major/minor or major in something else and do music as an extracurricular. But majoring in music, whether BM or BA, cerrtainly works as well or maybe better than a major in communications, or any humanities subject for that matter.

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I have to defend my communications degree! While I know that it is not necessarily a direct route to a job, I am working in the field I studied (television and film) and have done so since the day I graduated, 100 years ago (lol). The skills I learned continue to be of service to me in my career.

My own son ('22) plans to major in music but is very interested in writing/journalism, so he’ll be looking for schools that have some courses he can take along the way, knowing that a BM degree means very little time for courses in other areas.

The way the world communicates now is so interesting and changing every minute. I would not say that a communications degree is a waste of time or a difficult field to break into-- those skills will take you far in life and career!

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