Music, Other.

Degree Overview

Music, Other (CIP 50.0999) is a flexible and interdisciplinary performing arts field focused on musical study, creation, performance, and production pathways that fall outside traditional categories like classical performance, music education, or music theory. This classification includes experimental, hybrid, contemporary, cultural, and technology-driven music programs that reflect how music careers actually function in the modern world. It recognizes that today’s musicians often work across genres, platforms, and roles rather than following a single, rigid track.

For a degree search site, Music, Other represents adaptability, creativity, and real-world relevance. Music now exists everywhere—streaming platforms, video games, film, social media, live events, wellness spaces, and digital products. This degree appeals to students who want a music-centered career without being limited to orchestral performance or classroom teaching, offering freedom to combine artistry with technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural exploration.

What Is a Music Degree?

A Music, Other degree is a broad-based music program that allows students to explore musical study beyond traditional conservatory or education models. Programs under the “Other” designation often integrate performance, composition, production, music technology, cultural studies, and creative experimentation into a single customizable pathway.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Musical performance across styles or traditions
• Composition, songwriting, or improvisation
• Music technology and production tools
• Cultural, historical, or interdisciplinary music studies
• Creative practice and professional development

Colleges, universities, and arts institutions offer this degree to:

• Support nontraditional and contemporary music careers
• Encourage genre-crossing and experimental work
• Prepare students for evolving music industries
• Blend artistic expression with practical skills

Music, Other programs emphasize flexibility, creativity, and portfolio-based outcomes.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how music functions as both an art form and a professional practice. You’ll study sound, rhythm, harmony, structure, and expression while applying these concepts through performance, composition, recording, or analysis.

The curriculum is often highly customizable. Students may focus on creating original music, exploring global or cultural traditions, working with digital audio tools, or combining music with other fields such as media, theater, or technology. Programs emphasize practice, critique, collaboration, and creative problem-solving rather than standardized exams.

Because music careers are rarely linear, students also learn how to adapt their skills across platforms and audiences, preparing them for diverse creative environments.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Musical performance and expression—solo or ensemble work
• Composition, songwriting, or improvisation—original music creation
• Aural skills and musical literacy—listening and analysis
• Music technology and recording basics—digital audio tools
• Creative collaboration—working with other artists
• Stylistic versatility—multiple genres or traditions
• Critical and cultural understanding of music—context and meaning
• Portfolio or project development—professional presentation

These skills allow musicians to adapt to changing creative and industry demands.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:

• Applied Music Studies: performance across styles
• Composition, Songwriting, or Improvisation: creative development
• Music Technology and Production: recording and editing tools
• Popular, Contemporary, or World Music Studies: diverse traditions
• Music Theory and Analysis (Flexible): practical application
• Music and Culture: social and historical perspectives
• Interdisciplinary Music Projects: music with media or performance
• Professional Practices for Musicians: careers and sustainability
• Capstone Performance or Creative Project: original work

Programs often encourage students to define a personal focus rather than follow a single preset track.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Music, Other degree prepares students for flexible, creative, and often self-directed careers. Many professionals combine multiple roles rather than holding a single job title.

Common career paths include:

• Musician or Performer: live or recorded music
• Composer or Songwriter: original music creation
• Music Producer or Recording Assistant: studio and digital work
• Music Educator or Instructor: private or community teaching
• Music Director or Ensemble Leader: creative leadership
• Sound or Audio Content Creator: media and digital platforms
• Freelance or Independent Music Artist: self-managed career

Success is often driven by skill, consistency, networking, and creative output.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in environments where music is created, performed, or integrated:

• Recording studios and production spaces
• Live performance venues and festivals
• Media, film, gaming, and digital content companies
• Educational and community arts organizations
• Churches, cultural institutions, and nonprofits
• Marketing, branding, and creative agencies
• Freelance, remote, or self-employed music careers

Music professionals often build careers across multiple settings simultaneously.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings in music vary widely based on role, genre, location, and employment structure.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level or early-career musicians: often $30,000–$45,000
• Experienced performers, educators, or producers: commonly $45,000–$70,000
• Successful independent artists or specialists: can reach $80,000–$120,000+

Income is often supplemented through teaching, licensing, streaming, live shows, and commissions.

Is This Degree Hard?

Music, Other is considered creatively demanding and discipline-intensive. While academic requirements may be flexible, students must commit significant time to practice, listening, and creative development. Progress depends on consistency, self-motivation, and openness to feedback.

The challenge lies in developing both artistic skill and sustainable professional habits.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Love music and want it to be central to your career
• Enjoy creative freedom and genre exploration
• Prefer flexible, project-based learning
• Are interested in performance, creation, or production
• Want a music degree that adapts to modern careers

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a music program:

• Take band, choir, music theory, or technology courses
• Practice an instrument, voice, or music creation regularly
• Learn basic recording or music software if available
• Explore different musical styles and cultures
• Begin building a portfolio of performances or original work

Music, Other (CIP 50.0999) is an adaptable and future-oriented degree for students who want to engage deeply with music while remaining flexible in how they apply it. It supports creative independence, cross-industry relevance, and lifelong artistic growth. For those who see music not just as a subject but as a way of thinking, creating, and connecting, this degree offers a powerful foundation for a dynamic and personally meaningful career in music.