Career Options
Careers for Music Performance Majors
- Orchestra Performer
- Band Performer
- Opera Singer
- Solo/Freelance Musician
- Studio Musician
- Music Agent
- Pedagogue/Private Music Teacher
- Musical Theater Performer
- Director/Conductor
- Music Librarian
- Composer
- Music Therapist
- Instrument Repairer
Starting Salary*
A music major’s typical starting salary is $29,661. The typical salary after 10-19 years is $54,302.
*Note: Salary information is provided for general reference only. APU does not guarantee the accuracy of the figures listed, and cannot predict or promise a specific salary for any graduate. For the most current salary estimates, please visit www.payscale.com.
Job Titles Held by Former Music Performance Majors
- Principal Viola, Greenville Symphony Orchestra
- Mufasa, Broadway “The Lion King”
- Percussionist, Mic Firth’s Blast!
- Principal Cellist, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, Switzerland
- Principal Bass, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony
- Violinist, Los Angeles Philharmonic
- French Hornist, Ceremonial Brass, The United States Air Force Band, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.
Famous People with Music Performance Majors
- Yo-Yo Ma (cellist)
- Itzhak Perlman (violinist)
- Jessye Norman (opera singer)
- James Levine (orchestral conductor and pianist)
- James Conlon (conductor)
- Maria Callas (opera singer)
- Nathaniel Ayers (double bassist)
- David Bryan (keyboardist, Bon Jovi)
- Renee Fleming (opera singer)
- Michael Giacchino (composer, Lost, Ratatoille)
- Philip Glass (composer)
- John Williams (composer)
Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.
