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Music and Singing for Military and Veterans

Music and Singing for Military and Veterans

The University of  North Georgia says of its music and singing program, "The Bachelor of Music with a major in music and a concentration in vocal performance is designed for students who want to become professional performers, as a path to prepare students for a graduate study, and for those who wish to have careers as teaching in academia or private studios."

As you can tell from the above, a Music and Singing Degree goes by a few different names, among them a Vocal Performance Degree, Vocal Arts Degree or a Music and Vocal Performance Degree. General Music Degrees can also focus on performance, whether it be vocal or instrumental.

Schools with this degree program will generally require an audition for admission. While some institutions may offer performance courses online, most are in person, due to their technical and hands-on nature. 

What can you do with a Music and Singing Degree?

A student holding a Music and Singing Degree can be a soloist or work as a member of choir, band or ensemble. They can back up major recording artists or be part of theater or opera production. 

Additionally, they may become vocal coaches or teachers, sharing their knowledge and expertise with aspiring singers. Students interested in careers in songwriting, music production and music therapy can also benefit from a Music and Singing Degree.

Is a Music and Singing Degree Hard?

A passion for music and singing is just a small part of obtaining this degree. There is a lot of work involved and courses may include foreign language, vocal pedagogy, diction, arrangement, music theory, history and sight-reading. Some programs may involve piano training as well as vocal training. 

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program Options for Degrees in Music and Vocal Performance

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

Military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid can also receive help. Those looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with a music and singing degree program.

Is an Art History, Criticism and Conservation Degree worth it?

No formal education is required to be a performing vocalist or musician, but having a Music and Singing degree can make it easier for graduates to get auditions. While the pay can be good in terms of salary, many performers are freelancers and get paid by the gig. 

Music and vocal jobs can also be few and far between, however, because so many people want to break into the industry. A degree in Music and Singing is typically mandatory for some positions, like music therapy or teaching.

Degrees and Careers with a Degree in Music and Singing

The most awarded Degree in Music and Singing is the Bachelor’s Degree. Jobs that require this degree may include: Jobs requiring a Master’s or Doctorate in Music and Singing are fewer and farther between but some do exist. A student holding a Master’s Degree can get a job as a vocal pedagogue—these experts in vocal anatomy and function teach singing techniques and performance skills and make about $49,646 annually. 

Those holding a Doctorate in Music and Singing can teach in higher-education institutions at an undergraduate or graduate level. Students holding a JD, MD, PhD or equivalent can make a salary ranging from $95,962 - $118,589 annually, according to Salary.com.

Select VA-Approved Colleges and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Music and Singing Degrees

Arkansas State University- Arkansas State University offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Performance. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Arkansas State University is a MyCAA-approved school and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Emerson College- Emerson College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. The school has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Emerson College is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Concordia University-Ann Arbor- Concordia University-Ann Arbor offers a Bachelor Degree in Music and has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP and  DSST exams and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa is a Yellow Ribbon school.

East Tennessee State University- East Tennessee State University offers a Bachelor’s Degree program in Music. East Tennessee State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP exam, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Colorado Boulder is a Yellow Ribbon school and MyCAA-approved school. 

*Average annual salaries adapted and calculated from sources including Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.