Music majors, who are not interested in teaching, may prepare for professional performance, private teaching, or for graduate studies in music. Such graduate studies might lead to preparation for college teaching in a specific area such as music theory, music history, composition, music education, and applied music. Most college positions now require at least a master's degree and a doctoral degree is recommended. Placement in performance is generally limited unless further study beyond the bachelor's degree is taken. Salary expectations in music teaching are comparable to what one might receive in fields other than music.
Advanced degrees mean salary benefits in almost all school systems.