Careers with a music degree
Studying music at Concordia means stepping into an immersive, collaborative environment where creativity comes first. You’ll explore contemporary approaches to theory, history, songwriting, performance, aural perception and composition with the flexibility to follow your artistic interests.
What can I do with my degree? A music degree opens doors to careers in performance, composition, audio production, education, arts administration, media and beyond.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Explore new approaches to composition, songwriting and arrangement techniques, turning your musical ideas into professional-quality pieces.
Communication:
Confidently perform musical works that communicate emotion, intention and artistic identity to diverse audiences.
Management and organization:
Balance multiple courses, practices and rehearsals while maintaining artistic quality.
Teamwork:
Work closely with fellow musicians and conductors to bring a shared musical vision to life.
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Analyze musical scores to understand structure, intention and technique, and incorporate finding into original works.
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get support organizing your busy schedule at the Time Management Clinic.
- Join the Music Undergraduate Students Association or explore other student groups and initiatives that interest you.
- Get inspired by attending the department’s annual public performances and seeing student talent in action.
- Create, practice and explore your music ability in the department’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
- Audition for department ensembles to gain performance experience and meet new people.
- Take part in Art Matters, the largest student-run festival in North America.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
Final year
- Explore exciting research happening across the faculty’s centres and labs.
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Prepare to showcase your portfolio or pitch your independent practice with storytelling and entrepreneurship bootcamps from FutureBound.
- Explore leadership opportunities in Music Undergraduate Students Association.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group. Popular choices with this program include:
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canadian Live Music Association
- Canadian Independent Music Association
- Fédération des associations de musiciens éducateurs du Québec
- Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec
- Music Publishers Canada
- Songwriters Association of Canada
- International Society for Music Education (ISME)
Job banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
