You could take your doctorate in music all the way to the conductor's stand.
Earning a doctorate in music is a tremendous accomplishment signifying years of study and devotion to understanding a complicated, fulfilling subject. Those who hold a music doctorate enjoy many employment options, some of which pay very well. While there is a wide range of earning potential, you'll generally earn more than people with lesser degrees who work in the industry.
Jobs for a PhD in Music
In some jobs, an advanced education in music will make a big difference in terms of salary. In others, it probably won't help you get a bigger paycheck. For example, if you want to be a rock musician, you won't need to prove to anyone that you understand music theory.
Conductors
Conductors and music directors earn, on average, $40,000 per year, according to Simplyhired.com. A doctorate is required for many of these jobs (especially the high-paying ones) because a conductor does more than mark the tempo for an orchestra or chorus. He or she must closely analyze the music and understand it on a level that is commonly learned only at the post-graduate level.
Primary and Secondary Teaching
Teaching students at levels Kindergarten through high school doesn't usually require a doctorate, although many PhDs hold these positions. The American Federation of Teachers found in the 2006-2007 school year that beginning teachers made an average of $35,284. After fifteen years, that figure climbed to $51,009. In many occupations, holders of a doctorate make more than those with a bachelor's degree, but this may not be the case for K-12 teachers.
Postsecondary Teaching
If you want to teach music to college students, you'll probably need a doctorate in order to land a tenure-track position. College teachers with bachelor's degrees generally have a harder time finding the position they want. Salaries for college teachers vary a great deal. Full professors at doctoral institutions earn between $100,729 and $164,935, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Freelance Work
Unfortunately, many holders of a music doctorate face a lot of uncertainty with respect to their income. It's possible to strike it rich composing music for film, but freelance jobs that pay well are hard to get and those who want great gigs face a lot of competition.
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