What Can I Do With a Major In Music Composition?

UGA Specific Information for Music Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition is a professional degree preparing qualified students for work in the music industry and/or graduate study. The program provides three years of applied lessons in a primary instrument and three years of intensive study in composition, during which students participate in weekly seminars that focus on analysis and the evaluation of undergraduate compositions. The program includes a strong foundation in theory and music literature along with applied study on a secondary instrument. Performance of contemporary music is emphasized. The four years of study culminates with a composition recital that presents a multi-movement or large-form composition for an ensemble. Composition majors are also required to perform recitals in their applied area (vocal or instrumental).

Professional career opportunities for composers include writing new music for publication, providing original music for such fields as radio broadcast, film, television, and advertising, and arranging music for various collegiate or professional performing groups (e.g. marching bands, dance bands, and other professional organizations). Graduate study provides advanced training for the fields mentioned above and provides a credential for obtaining a teaching position in higher education.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2024 Career Outcomes for Music Composition*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

It is never too early to begin building your professional network. Get involved and build your resume early.  Consider internships and volunteer opportunities to demonstrate work ethic and experience through-out your resume. Join student organizations that fit your interests and career goals.  Also, consider informational interviews of professionals within your field.  Visit the career center website or career guide for more information about informational interviewing including questions to ask and a cold calling script. 

Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
  • My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
  • Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
  • Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
  • UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
  • Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
  • Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you. 

Employment Websites

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GENERAL

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
  • USAJobs (federal jobs) 
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Professional Associations/Resources

Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2024 Music Composition Majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
* *
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2024 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2024 Music Composition Majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
University of Cincinnati Music Performance, Master’s
University of Georgia Music Composition, MM
University of Georgia Music, MM
* denotes no responses received.

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