As a musician or songwriter, there comes a stage in life when you start thinking whether going to university to pursue music is a good investment for your music career. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a music degree!
Benefits
Opportunities
Getting chances to showcase your work and talent through live shows, networking events and concerts.
Networking
You learn and work with people who are passionate about the same thing as you. Being around them for a long time allows you to develop relationships and you’ll possibly work with them in future as well. This puts you at an advantage in the competitive music industry, and builds your social and interpersonal skills.
Resources
You gain easy access to a pool of musicians who can help you with your production and recording – you get people who can play instruments you need, and teach you production aspects that you’re unsure of. Being able to access various professional music software and hardware allows you to gain a better comprehension and insight into music production.
Motivation
Being around people who are working hard and passionate about music makes it easier to focus on your own music development and find motivation. Exchange ideas, work and have fun together.
Guidance
Access to mentors to guide you along your journey as a music artiste. The constant feedback and human interaction cannot be easily replicated through virtual learning.
Streamlined
Studying music based on a set curriculum reviewed by professionals in the industry ensures that you save time and effort when you’re learning what you set out to learn. Why spend 2 years learning on your own what you could learn in 2 months through the course?
Time
Having 4 years of focused study to improve your skills and value to the industry. With the streamlined nature of the syllabus and curriculum, in addition to the constant feedback and guidance provided by mentors, this time would allow you to enhance your skills as a musician and become a more valuable asset in the industry.
Drawbacks
Competition
There is fierce competition to get into music courses in university. Applicants often need to have a good background and portfolio in music and excel at the auditions.
Debt
The cost of student loans. Estimated cost for the Bachelor of Music in Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (NUS) is about $25,772 SGD per year. (2022) Do note that most students studying in YST are offered full music scholarships, so do try to acquire a scholarship if you’re planning to study music!
Stay tuned for more information about the possible courses of music study and schools in Singapore!