Christian Music Colleges

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

For as long as humans have existed (and before), there has been music. The Field of music covers a vast array of professions, such as pop artist, choir, ensemble, orchestra, scoring, worship, and so much more. Music is something that reaches into our very being, strums on our emotional chords, and moves us, both physically and spiritually. With such a powerful medium, those who choose to major in music can look toward the promise of impactful and deeply felt careers.

Music takes on another level in the context of the Bible, where we understand that God has given certain people the gift of music in order that he might be glorified through it. Therefore, choosing to major in music at a Christian college provides students with an atmosphere that develops their skill and foundation, while giving them an avenue to explore all the ways their gift can be used to serve God and further the Kingdom of Heaven.

List of career options for those who choose to major in music:

• Professional Musician: Professional musicians are those who perform, compose, or produce music for a living. They may work as part of a group or orchestra, or they may be solo artists. Part of their job may be to perform on stage, or to produce studio recordings. They have extensive rehearsal schedules and maintain high performance standards. They may sometimes collaborate with other musicians (if they are a solo artist).
• Studio Musician: Studio musicians are skilled musicians, either in vocals, instrumentals, or both, who perform on recordings for artists, producers, or various media projects, like films and even commercials. They often work behind the scenes and follow directions of producers or composers to create the desired sound. Studio Musicians are essential in the music industry as they are a key component that brings a recorded song together.
• Worship Pastor: Worship pastors oversee the worship team, staff and volunteers, manage the music, instruments, and delegate work amongst the worship team members. They manage practices, select songs, and may train worship staff. Their role is central to guiding the congregation into meaningful worship and praise. Worship pastors may work with other pastors to ensure that the music selected aligns with the church’s goals or weekly sermons.
• Worship Team Member: Worship team members serve as part of the team that leads the congregation in musical worship through singing and vocals, musical instruments, or technical assistance. They work to create an atmosphere through music that invites the congregation into worship and draws them near to God. Throughout the week, they may attend meetings, rehearsals, and prayer.
• Private Lesson Instructor: Private lesson instructors work with students, children or adults, to help them learn how to play an instrument or sing. They guide students through the basics, assessing their skill level, and working out a strategy to help them improve. They may be self-employed, part of a company, or possibly working in a school/church setting.
• Choir or Orchestra Director: A choir or orchestra director leads a group of vocalists or instrumentalists and prepares them to perform in a church service or for a special event. They select music, run rehearsals, coordinate with pastors or church leaders to ensure the music aligns with the message or values of the church/event. Their work ensures unity and skill in performance and ultimately brings glory to God through praise and excellence.

General placement rates for the music degree are hard to pin down, but should you land in a music-related career, the average salary is roughly $57,731. However, the top earners in the music world make such large amounts of money that the average is hiked a little higher than what should be expected coming out of college. Most graduates with a music degree who enter the music industry make between $20,000 and $50,000. However, regardless of income, the music industry promises a career filled with purpose and following your passion. So, let’s look at some things you can do while still in college to help you land a career with a music degree.

The first step is to understand that there is a lot of variety in careers stemming from a music degree. Music could be performance, production, film or editing, managerial, or business related. Tailoring your education, experience, and portfolio to suit the direction you want to go is necessary. Regardless, however, you should push yourself to have a complete background, including basic knowledge of technology, business, leadership, and (of course) music and composition.

Experience is the next essential piece. Search for internships that will give you relevant experience toward the kind of career you want. For example, if you want to work in production, then an internship at a studio, theater, or church (production team) would be highly valuable. Be sure that, whatever kind of internship you end up with, you collect and maintain contact with the people you work with or meet who are already in the field. These contacts will be incredibly valuable in the future, whether to ask for recommendations later, or to give you the inside track on a job they need filled.

Keep a portfolio of your accomplishments, composed songs, recorded work and performances, or key achievements from your internships. These will come in handy for potential employers who will want examples of your skill and work. Portfolios are especially important for those who plan to go into performance career with their music degree, helping to showcase their skills and range as a musician.

A career with a music degree is all about skill and performance, which means you need to be willing to put the time in on and off the stage to make your execution flawless. Determination, patience, and discipline are crucial characteristics for musicians, as the hours spent practicing must be put in. A mindset geared towards growth and the ability to take feedback and criticism from teachers, conductors, and employers is needed to thrive. Be adaptable and ready to make the changes needed. Strong communication is necessary, as you’ll often be working with an ensemble, other musicians, producers, or conductors, and collaboration is key to a cohesive sound. Someone with a combination of these traits will be well suited to a music career, whether they’re breaking into the classical world, the modern music industry, or pursuing music as a ministry.

Work Cited:

• “Salary: Bachelor of Music (February, 2025) United States.” ZipRecruiter, 24 Nov. 2025, www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Bachelor-Of-Music-Salary.

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

1 Chronicles 16:7-9
“That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner:

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.” (NIV)

Ephesians 5:19-20
“… speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Bible places such an emphasis on Worship, whether by honoring those chosen to lead in God’s people in songs, as in Chronicles, or through the many songs of worship, lament, and adoration in Psalms. Music has a way of reaching our depths and awakening spiritual and emotional connection in a way that conversation doesn’t. Someone with a music degree will have the expertise to manage or perform on worship teams that invite the congregations and others to dive into worship and seek the Lord through music and song.

Those who choose to major in music will be able to minister to others in churches, urban ministries, or even abroad. Music missionaries, who travel and perform music that glorifies the Lord, can be found all around the world. Whether at the home church, or across the sea, someone with a degree in music can create an atmosphere of surrender and worship that invites others to come kneel at the feet of Jesus.

Those who choose to major in music have the potential to pursue a career that moves people deeply, whether in a concert hall or a church. If you are musically talented, disciplined in practice, a strong communicator, and geared toward growth, then perhaps the Lord is calling you to pursue a music degree!