Golden opportunity to study music in the US
As a place with many music academies with music programs and courses highly appreciated by experts around the world, studying music in the US will definitely be an interesting place for you to train in music.
Overview of the Music Industry
What is the Music Industry?
The music industry is a field for those who have a passion and a refined sense for sound and melody. When studying music, you are not only expected to play and read music but also to learn music theory and apply it to your own projects. To achieve good results, you not only need talent in your chosen area but also an understanding of various musical instruments and different musical styles.
Music Programs in the U.S.
In the U.S., music programs can be divided into two main types:
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Programs at Conservatories: These programs focus primarily on developing practical skills and music performance. Students will have more opportunities to practice and participate in performance projects, enhancing their live performance capabilities.
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University Programs: University programs tend to be more academic, focusing on music theory, research, and the scholarly aspects of music, along with subjects like music history, composition, and sound engineering.
What Can You Do with a Music Degree? Where Can You Work?
Graduates with a degree in music have numerous career opportunities depending on their interests and skills. Careers can be divided into three main categories:
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Academics:
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Vocal teachers, music instrument instructors at universities, music schools, or private lessons.
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University professors teaching music theory, composition, music history, and conducting music research.
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Performance:
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Singers, musicians, opera singers, or musical theater performers.
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Performing at professional stages, TV shows, radio stations, coffee shops, lounges, restaurants, or at live events.
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Behind the Scenes:
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Composers, music producers, sound designers, arrangers.
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Stage managers, artist managers, working in music companies, event management companies, music studios, and music production.
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The music industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for those passionate about and looking to grow within this field, from teaching and performing to creating and producing music.
Prospects of the Music Industry
No matter which field you choose, the salary in the music industry is very attractive in most countries, with an average annual income ranging from $28,000 to $150,000, and it can go even higher. International students pursuing a degree in music not only have the opportunity to work part-time with an hourly wage of around $25 (compared to other part-time jobs, which typically pay $12 – $17 per hour) but also have a higher chance of settling down due to the demand for music professionals and the abundance of job opportunities.
International students have many great opportunities in the diverse Vietnamese music market, and there are plenty of unique career paths, especially for those with formal training. For example, MC Anh Tuấn, who is famous for hosting music game shows, studied at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music and went to Australia for further studies. Similarly, musicians such as Quốc Trung and Đức Trí, who studied music abroad in countries with advanced entertainment industries, not only compose music but also work as music producers and arrangers. If you study vocal music abroad, you could return to Vietnam and participate in talent search programs like The Voice or Vietnam Idol. If you focus on playing musical instruments, you could even think about forming your own band. The Vietnamese showbiz scene has few bands that play musical instruments—so take advantage of this opportunity!
Reasons to Study Music in the United States
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The Power of Western Music: Western music, especially from the U.S., holds immense power and dominates the global market. The United States is the birthplace of many world-renowned musical talents, such as the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, singers Beyoncé, Rihanna, as well as musicians like Prince Rogers Nelson, Bob Dylan, and many more.
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Diverse Musical Landscape: The U.S. has an incredibly diverse musical environment, as it is a country with a rich cultural blend from many nations. This diversity creates a vibrant and dynamic music scene that is unique in the world.
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A Perfect Choice for Aspiring Music Producers: If your goal is to become a music producer and lead the latest trends in music, music schools in the U.S. are the perfect choice for you. These institutions offer high-level training and opportunities to excel in the industry.
